Being "Spontaneous" On The Cheap

What is "spontaneous" behavior in the context of a relationship anyway? I've always taken "spontaneous" as some sneaky capitalist code for surprise destination vacations, fancy dinners, and gifts on no particular occasion -- but surely expensive things aren't all that qualify. What romantic, spontaneous things can one do with limited funds and a 9-to-5 lifestyle? How do you treat your sweetie to a surprise? Share examples, if you like, from experience or just your ideas.

What romantic, spontaneous things can one do with limited funds and a 9-to-5 lifestyle?

well, there's one obvious answer.

Long term but one of the nicest things I heard about recently was a friend waking up to find his wife of ten years had put up a hand-made happy anniversary message on the wall facing the bed. I liked that a lot as an idea!

sunday morning staten island ferry ride to sri lankan 10 dollar all you can eat brunch and a visit to creepy commune thrift store for 2 dollar record shopping. That wasn't "spontaneous" but can be if you don't tell the other what yr doing first.

yes, well, besides the obvious.

You could challenge each other to a sprint in a parking lot. (I always associate the word 'spontaneous' in this context with the kind of people who wld describe their style as 'funky and eclectic,' if you see what I mean).

'What a free spirit! She's so spontaneous!'

Oh you mean:

http://blindie.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/awaywego-maya-rudolph-johnkrasinski-500x331.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/81/222403868_d0f7491a98.jpg

no more like http://epguides.com/DharmaandGreg/cast.jpg

All I can think of are not-lovely moves that are things your loved one would never EXPECT but aren't especially romantic: ie hiding in the backseat of their car before they're about to go somewhere, and after they've driven a mile, shout 'I LOVE YOU!!!' at them. Or writing 'Hugs and Kisses XOXO' (or somesuch) on the mirror in lipstick, which is tantamount to writing 'REDRUM' imo.

I must be pretty romantically unimaginative because almost everything that comes to mind involves nudity. ... Maybe wander around the city / go for a walk in the park ... of course, if the weather is hot and miserable, that's not very romantic, though you could always go for ice cream afterwards.

http://fc00.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2007/099/a/7/Free_Spirit_by_ElifKarakoc.jpg

Thinking more like

http://www.premiere.com.mx/files/images/eternalsunshine.jpg

"I make potato people!" (I mean I wld totally be her or (if I was a guy) bone her but I mean you basically can't pull that shit off IRL)

abbott i see exactly how you mean, which is the issue -- my boyfriend says he likes when i'm spontaneous but i have v specific associations with that word. i'd love to be able to say "grab your passport & meet me in one hour" but it's just not feasible

You cld throw a brick through their window with a note tied to it that has a bear & says "I think you're BEARY special."

stop farting all the time

that one is more of a me specific thing tho

You cld lead him to a place where you had set up a croquet...setup...and be like 'surprise! hope you like this leisure sport!'

I guess blindfolding a person in advance of a fairly mundane thing dds spontaneity to it? Just don't shave them while blindfolded bcz lord that wld be terrifying.

maybe some arts and crafts project? Like exquisite corpse drawings or poetry. Or making up plays involving the items on the kitchen table? Cooking together with the random stuff in the kitchen.

You cld take him to the courthouse and be like 'we are viewing the public trial of yr choice today,' that's free & cld be entertaining maybe?

'I bought you a tiny plant and me and the boys have set up a betting pool for how long it takes you to kill it. (I rigged the bet, so then we can have $$$ for a lark!)'

xp abbott: restraining order hearings are pretty entertaining.