We have very little money for going out to dinner, seeing live shows or concerts, the kind of outings and dates that we had pre-children. As parents of a busy 3 year old and a boisterous 7 year old, we decided to set aside one sunday evening each month, after they go to bed and plan a romantic, couple time activity for each week in the next month.

We are not able to justify a babysitter currently with our financial commitments but we were determined not to let it get in the way of having special moments to keep our romantic life bubbling along.

The best one so far was our home massage theatre restaurant. We planned ahead the menu, the movie, a neck and shoulder massage each and made sure we had our favourite Pinot Grigio on ice.(I got to choose the movie and he got to select the menu, which I cooked and he cleaned up). The only thing we'd change the next time this one comes up is that only one gets the massage (if it is a good massage you dont feel like getting up and reciprocating just then). Better to have a turn next time.

Story from Michelle- Werribee, Victoria

Couples in Common

My sister and her husband have the loveliest relationship. They only have one child and they are fortunate to have a babysitter laid on ( her husband's mother.) They have three other couples of friends around a similar age (+or - 10years) and they have a romantic couples night out each month. Every time another couple takes a turn to decide what the venue will be, there is a reasonable budget within which they must plan and they always try and make it different and novel. Even though the activities are not specifically romantic per se, they maintain the 'going out in a fun group feeling' that they had before they were married which she says is even more effective in keeping their couple time alive.

Sheryl - South Yarra

It's the little things....

On special occasions like Valentine's Day and my birthday, even Mother's day, my partner draws me little monsters — kooky, grinning monsters with big heads, spiky spines, and coloured polka dots. I have always saved these lovely keepsakes in my desk drawer and every now and then I take them out and look at them.

It had been few years and recently I looked through them all and uncovered monster after monster, some reading simply, "Honey, I love you," some going further to remind me of what anniversary, which birthday, and how much love lies between us and that through thick and thin we will always be together.

I don't get hugs very often, he wasn't raised in an overly affectionate family. We rarely eat out and he doesn't ooze romance or charm but when I encounter those little monster cards it reminds me of all the love inside him.

Carmen - South Melbourne