Inside Relationships by Jan Denise

In today's economic and environmental climate, what used to be considered cheap and passe just might be prudent, politically correct and far-sighted. And you can apply the new "rules" to dating as well as anything else.

Whether you are single or married, I hope you're dating … or at least enjoying the merits of trusted and stimulating companionship. And I want to help you to 1) make sure the economy doesn't interfere and 2) reconcile your ideals and your behavior.

So, how do you go on a date without being extravagant or exploiting the environment?

You spend money on what adds real value, not a pretentious air. And you do your best to leave the earth and its people better off than you found them.

No saintly robe required; and you can still indulge all of your senses.

Here are 10 ideas … you're bound to fancy at least one of them. And they'll probably spark your own creative side.

Get crumbs in bed. Assemble a beautiful tray of brie (heated with brown sugar and pecans), fresh apples and crackers. Add a couple glasses of sparkling juice and retreat to the bedroom. Remember how much fun it could be to just talk?

A date doesn't have to take place at night. Pack your favorite book of poetry, a beach towel and two bottles of water, and bike to a nearby park. Put his (then her) head in your lap, and read out loud to each other until you want to fall asleep in the same dream, on the same towel.

If it's not too far, drive to Gleneden (our sanctuary in the woods) for a weekend of falling in love with each other and life. We'll customize an all-inclusive weekend for you … all you have to do is tell us what you want to walk away with.

Remember when you used to go parking? Try it without the car. Find a secluded spot without a lot of light pollution (it could be in your backyard), and park your quilt.

Gaze at the stars and each other in the moonlight. Rub each other's feet. Just relax and feel how good it feels to simply be.

Pack a picnic, and ride horses to an edge. Sit with each other on the side of a mountain or a waterfall, on the beach or beside a creek. Feed each other grapes naked, and kiss a lot.

Go swimming. Get to the nearest water hole and play together. Do laps if you're up for it, or let the water take a load off and float leisurely. Refresh yourselves together.

Fly to a nearby city for $49. Stay in a bed and breakfast (or swap houses with a friend) with shops and restaurants within walking distance. Unless you're really hungry, you might be able to survive on breakfast, afternoon cookies and evening hors d' oeuvres. Feel how good it feels to just stay put for a weekend or a week … and get to know each other again!

Ride your bikes — or your golf cart, if you have one that gets you there — to a museum. Wander around, maybe enjoy lunch in their green cafe, and inspire thought-provoking conversation.

Go hiking or camping! Fill a couple backpacks, and head for a forest, the mountains or an island. You might be surprised at how many gorgeous nature preserves are within biking or green-driving distance.

Take a class, and learn something together. It's amazing how many free classes you can find in parks and gardens that allow you to enjoy being outside while you learn to create something beautiful from nature. But you can learn anything together — massage, Spanish, dancing.

Be green, be financially responsible, and be creative. If you want to reconnect — with yourself, your partner and your planet — it's just smart.

Jan Denise is a columnist, author of the just released "Innately Good: Dispelling the Myth That You're Not" and "Naked Relationships," speaker and consultant based in McIntosh, Fla. Please e-mail her at jandenise@nakedrelationships.com, or visit her website at www.nakedrelationships.com. To find out more about Jan Denise, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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