If you’ve been feeding your celeb-watching habit lately, you may have picked up on a subtle shift: Instead of regularly being spotted dropping big bucks at glitzy clubs or jet-setting from resort to resort, star couples seem to be reveling in a comfy, no-frills kind of connection. Think of recent paparazzi shots of Reese and Jake strolling hand-in-hand in sweats or walking Jake’s dog, blissed out on love. And when Tom and Gisele tied the knot a few weeks back, they didn’t have a blow-out monster wedding; they exchanged vows in a small ceremony for friends and family. Same with Ryan Adams and Mandy Moore.
This kind of pared-down relationship behavior can deepen a couple’s bond, experts say. “With so much economic uncertainty out there, it’s more important than ever to nurture a stable, grounded connection, so you know you can count on each other for the long haul,” explains Yvonne Thomas, PhD, a Los Angeles–based psychologist.
To explore that depth in your own union, swap the old-school activities below for these creative, low-key ways to connect:
1. Instead of: Dinner at a pricey restaurant
Connect by: Have a DIY meal at home. Buy some taco shells and lots of fixings for a quasi-homemade Mexican fiesta. Or set up a sundae bar with ice cream, toppings, and sprinkles and create your own sweet treats.
2. Instead of: Hitting the clubs
Connect by: Hitting the couch. Netflix a few movies, or DVR guilty-pleasure shows you both miss during the day, and unwind by watching together.
3. Instead of: Going to a stadium to see a ball game
Connect by: Going to a batting cage or driving range together. Make a bet as to who can whack more balls than the other; a little competition ups the excitement.
4. Instead of: Making the rounds of big house parties
Connect by: Inviting a few friends over for a small gathering, say, to play Rock Band.
5. Instead of: Splurging on an exotic vacation
Connect by: Taking long weekends away to camp, hike, or just hole up in a simple hotel at a nearby beach.
6. Instead of: Paying big bucks for tickets to a pop concert
Connect by: Checking out live shows at small, cheap local venues — you might just be the first to “discover” the next big thing.
7. Instead of: Making a dinner-and-movie date
Connect by: Making a date out of a long, leisurely nighttime stroll, holding hands under the stars and letting your conversation wander.
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