Black Love and the Stressful Economy

[jamaicalovely]

Ladies,

I was inspired to start this thread after hearing the radio this morning about a recommendation for couples to make an effort and have sex every day during this stressful time. I thought, "Wow, what are we doing to keep things alive."

We all know that these are stressful times and, in some cases, they have impacted on our relationships. My sister (no man) says "You're really taking that for richer, for poorer vow to heart, huh?" I realized that some family members are not the best individuals for support during these times.

Young and old...pass along some tips on how you and your "Boo" still manage to keep the love alive and support each other during these stressful times.

This can be simple.
Ex. "We used to go out to the movies and eat out every weekend. Now we stay home with a blockbuster movie and play Uno."

"We used to go out on the weekends, now we cook at home together."

"My DH has been stressed looking for a job. On the days he has an interview, I surprise him by picking his power suit, ironing it and leaving a note with encouraging words on the ironing board."


Someone may really need a little encouragement today... so, let's give some tips to keep Black Love strong.

I believe seeing the Obama's in the White House will strengthen our black families. Ladies, we'll see another example on how to love and stand by your man ~ no matter what!

 

[Highly Favored8]

I would think being very strong, supportive, positive words of encouragement and lots of prayers and know one way or another "This Too Shall Pass" , and it will.

 

[DarkHair]

First off, I had to point out to DH that he does work more than one job. Secondly, we've started spending more time at home and less time time 'out'. We limit our dinner and a movie to once per month. We also limit the amount we spend on groceries to $100 (that's always been the budget). We just think about the financial cost of things before we spend anything. We encourage each other, and moreso pray together at night. We take turns leading the prayer.

 

[Syrah]

Ladies,

I was inspired to start this thread after hearing the radio this morning about a recommendation for couples to make an effort and have sex every day during this stressful time. I thought, "Wow, what are we doing to keep things alive."

We all know that these are stressful times and, in some cases, they have impacted on our relationships. My sister (no man) says "You're really taking that for richer, for poorer vow to heart, huh?" I realized that some family members are not the best individuals for support during these times.

Young and old...pass along some tips on how you and your "Boo" still manage to keep the love alive and support each other during these stressful times.

This can be simple.
Ex. "We used to go out to the movies and eat out every weekend. Now we stay home with a blockbuster movie and play Uno."

"We used to go out on the weekends, now we cook at home together."

"My DH has been stressed looking for a job. On the days he has an interview, I surprise him by picking his power suit, ironing it and leaving a note with encouraging words on the ironing board."


Someone may really need a little encouragement today... so, let's give some tips to keep Black Love strong.

I believe seeing the Obama's in the White House will strengthen our black families. Ladies, we'll see another example on how to love and stand by your man ~ no matter what!

@ the bolded in red - I love that. Even leaving little notes in his briefcase or suitcase - they don't even have to be mushy, but something to make him smile.

Gas prices are kinda high - how about going for a drive - make a cd of "jams" from the '90s (New Edition, Another Bad Creation, Prince, Candyman etc).

...inside jokes. Something where the both of you can be in two separate places (i.e. at work) and send text messages or emails that relate to your inside joke.

 

[JustKiya]

Good thread - I don't have any suggestions, but I'll be thinking of something...

 

[Ganjababy]

I think I have helped my relationship in this stressful economy by spending less money on clothes, basically I have hardly bought any clothes this year. For me that is like a crack addict not buying crack

 

[jamaicalovely]

@ the bolded in red - I love that. Even leaving little notes in his briefcase or suitcase - they don't even have to be mushy, but something to make him smile.

Gas prices are kinda high - how about going for a drive - make a cd of "jams" from the '90s (New Edition, Another Bad Creation, Prince, Candyman etc).

...inside jokes. Something where the both of you can be in two separate places (i.e. at work) and send text messages or emails that relate to your inside joke.

I liked your suggestions too!

 

[envybeauty]

Use the library. Borrow DVDs and watch at home. Dim the lights. Microwave popcorn. Bust out a liter of soda. Fill up a big ole slurpee size cup with it, a long straw, and share. Borrow books with 101 funny jokes or something and read them to each other in bed on Saturday mornings when you sleep in.

Give each other one-minute massages at the kitchen table after a nice meal. Shoulder massage. Head massage (you to him -- we don't need brothas manipulating and tugging our tresses -- save every strand sistas, shoot).

A bath will do wonders. Clean your tub, get out Mr. Bubble, and light a glade candle (no need on buying expensive candles). Have it ready for him when he pulls into the driveway. Toss a damp towel in the dryer and when he is finished, hand him the warm towel to dry off. Then lotion him down. Start at his ankles and work your way up....ummmmmm hmmmmmmm.

Sweeten the living room. Tip: buy those cheap dollar/walmart/target store candles that barely smell like anything AND use glad plug ins around the room in hidden outlets. The room will be fragrant and he will think it is the candle. Men like the vanilla scented ones.

Dress sexy at night. Men love fabrics smooth to the touch (silk/satin). If you don't want to spend big bucks at VS, then head to Walmart/Target and get the satiny feeling lingerie that is on sale for like $10.

Encourage him. Make it a personal challenge to thank him before he falls asleep for something he did that day.

 

[meecee]

I like this thread!!!

Find a recipe that you're good at preparing or a new one you want to try. Cook the meal with love and eat it over candlelight. I love cooking stuff that I know will knock his socks off.

My fiancee and I have game night instead of going out sometimes. We play Uno, Blackjack, and other card games.

Find a book with inspirational passages and read them outloud. We read Iyanla Vanzant "In the Meantime" together and discuss the meaning/message.

Use coupons!!! Make date night more affordable. I have coupons for Red Lobster, Claimjumper, the Olive Garden, etc and I'm not ashamed to pull them out. My fiancee and I always use coupons at the movies too.

I tend to sneak drinks and snacks into the theater too..lol. No shame in my game.

I like to make my own cards and pretty love notes....buy some inexpensive markers and stickers and get creative.

 

[Loves Harmony]

Great post

 

[KrimsonKween]

My husabdn went to work with KBR and is working afganistan and I feel so alone, but I do the following:
Send romantic and naughty letters

Got scratch offs from books-a-million and send to him so he let me know what he wants when he comes home

Made him a sexy calendar in his favorite team stuff and for the month of our anniversary rented a weeding dress and took a beautiful sunset snap shot

each week he gets a musical card

During telephone conversation alway tell him how proud I am that he made this choice for us and prayf or his saftey.

Sent sexy undies in a plastic bag (not worn) with his favorite lotions and body spray (victoria secrets love spell) sprayed on them with a very bad bad letter
Make sure to always tell him how much I love and miss him.

 

[glamazon386]

We've been staying in and eating dinner too. I hate it but i understand. We've been sharing a lot more intimate moments since staying in though.