Day 6 - “Stoke the Fire”  

Of course, you’ve heard the cliche’ “money can’t buy love,” but new research shows that may not be exactly true. Researcher Robert Frank has shown that spending money on experiences--especially ones with other people--produces positive emotions that are both more meaningful and more lasting.

Interviews of more than 150 people determined that money spent on activities (like dinners out or concerts) brought far more pleasure than purchases such as jewelry, clothing, or techy gadgets.

This lesson is reinforced by another study, in which 46 students were given $20 to spend. Half of the students were instructed to spend the money on someone else, and at the end of the day, they were found to be happier than those who had been instructed to spend the money on themselves.

All of this research underscores one simple truth: spending your money on experiences enjoyable to both you and your partner can increase your intimacy. Shared experiences increase a sense of bonding.  The more experiences people share in common, the more intimate, involved, and committed to one another they tend to become.

Challenge:  

Set a small budget and timeline for investing in a “love-building” experience this week. Choose between dividing it between you and making a date night during which you each shop for an item to give your partner; exchange gifts at the end of the evening. OR, spend the money on some activity you can experience together.    

Go the Extra Mile:

Make this challenge a regular event--do it together once a month. Or, secretly save up a little stash and use it to spoil your lover. As you watch it grow and dream of the joy it will bring, you will flood your mind and heart with loving endorphins!

Journal Your Experience:

Make a scrapbook of your gift-giving escapades. Start a contest for the best gift procured at the lowest cost!

Share Your Experience with me, by emailing Gina@MarriagesWorthMillions.com

Questions? I’m only an email away--Gina@MarriagesWorthMillions.com