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Valentine’s Day on a Budget

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Alexis Ryan Student Contributor, Temple University
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Jennifer Nguyen Student Contributor, Temple University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Temple chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Ladies, let’s be honest. We all can’t get a rich lawyer or well off doctor as a boyfriend. Most of us are left with the ones still in college or just graduating from college in debt. There’s give and take in relationships, but in this situation there isn’t much giving because, more than likely, your man is broke.

Now that you’ve faced the facts, let’s look at the figures. Your man has zero dollars and zero cents, meaning he won’t be able to get you something for Valentine’s Day. Do a self-evaluation, and if that bothers you, you either ride it out or find a new man. It’s as simple as that. But if you decide to stay with your man, you better put on your art pants because you’re getting creative. There are simple, easy and cheap ways to celebrate the holiday of love with your significant other; you just have to get crafty.

 It doesn’t take money to make someone happy. For those of you that are less materialistic, here are a few money saving Valentine’s Day activities that will keep your pockets heavy and your spirits lifted.

1. A card. It’s quick, easy and you lick it to seal the deal.  It’s the simplest way to get your point across. You can make it sexy and seductive or cute and caring. It’s the thought that counts. 

2. Make dinner. It is possible to be romantic on a budget. It doesn’t have to be a five-course meal with lobster and shrimp, just one that’s edible. Always taste test your food before you serve it because if you made a nasty meal, then V-Day might end on a sour note. 

3. Make something by hand. It shows you put effort into it. It’s not something that will last with you forever physically, but it’s something that you’ll always remember. Individualize it by mimicking your first date or play a song that you both love. Make it meaningful.

4. Have a movie night together. Pick something you both like. Not an action movie or thriller, unless you’re both into that kind of thing. Although, the whole point of the evening is to be romantic. It’s the cheapest choice. Think about it. You only have to buy popcorn and rent a movie. Hell, you might not even have to rent a movie. Whip open that entertainment system with all those DVDs and take your pick.

When it comes down to it, it’s about the person and not the things you get from that person. Though, it would be nice to get a diamond ring.

I am a Journalism major at Temple University in my sophmore year. I play for the Temple Women's Rugby Team and have been playing rugby for five years. I am very passionate about writing and I love to share that passion with everyone I meet.
Jennifer Nguyen is a senior journalism student at Temple. She has been a part of Her Campus Temple since its formation in 2010 and being a part of HCTU has been one of the best things she has ever done. She aspires to be a magazine writer in New York after graduation. Jennifer is passionate about learning more about the world around her and hopes to travel the world one day. As a journalist, she strives to share the stories of people whose voices need to be heard. In her spare time, she loves reading French literature, learning languages and watching Bravo reality TV shows.