By Susie and Otto Collins

Do you want to create more intimate moments for you and your love?

Maybe you don't feel like you have the budget for a romantic weekend getaway or even a night out at a posh restaurant, so you've resigned yourselves to the same old, same old.

We have some dynamic intimacy tips that we're going to share with you right now and they're all under $20 or free. Passionately connecting with your love can be affordable, fun, exciting and absolutely necessary for the health of your relationship!

So many couples struggle with losing the spark they once had between them. Jealousy can even creep in and take the place of their once strong connection. Whether it's jealousy over the time one partner spends at work, or even of the time spent with a co-worker or friends-unless the two of you begin to focus your attention on rekindling the passion, closeness and love you once had, your relationship could be in danger of dying a slow death of neglect.

To keep your relationship alive and growing, focus some attention on "feeding" it!

There are so many ways to become closer and to ignite or re-ignite passion. These ways range from sensual to the more subtle (yet just as connecting), intellectual and downright playful. Just keep an open mind and a creative spark in what you decide to do for or with your love.

Here are some ideas to try out....

*Dress up dinner: With a little ingenuity and fresh spices, you can do wonders with a simple meal, even leftovers. Macaroni and cheese can taste and look gourmet as you include interesting pasta, sprigs of fresh parsley or basil alongside a baguette and a simple salad. Don't forget candles (almost everyone has some stowed in a closet) for your romantic dinner and favorite music playing. What you wear (if anything at all) is up to you.

*Spa night: Yes, even men like to be pampered, so go for it with a spa night. You can make your own bath salts using 1 c. dead sea salts, 2 tsp. baking soda, and 10 or so drops of an essential oil of your choosing (you don't need much of the essential oil, it can be used for your next spa night!). Homemade facial recipes are available online if you want to go even further. Again, candles and music can help turn a plain old bath into a romantic couple's spa. Let the room get steamy as you give each other foot and back rubs.

*Share a lecture: Local libraries, colleges and recreation centers frequently offer free or low-cost lectures or workshops. You might even go online and watch a myriad of interesting free lectures. It might be about health, a local political candidate, or even how to better communicate with your mate. If it's interesting to you and your partner, check it out. Afterwards you can discuss the experience and maybe even try out what you learned.

*Dance club: Do you and your love like the club scene but not the crowds and cover charge? Create your own dance club at home. Roll up the rugs (clean the floor), turn down the lights and choose your favorite dance music to groove together to. We even found directions online to make a disco ball out of old computer cds! Have a pitcher of drinks on hand and be sure to wear your club clothes as you dance the night away.

*Sports date: Even if you don't consider yourself a jock, you can find fun and connection through sports. Community recreation centers are either free to the public or include a low-cost usage membership. Go shoot some hoops with your love or maybe even take a class together. Passing a football or baseball together at a nearby park is another idea that not only benefits coordination and health, but also expands your connection.

*Movie night: For those with children at home, a nite-owl movie night can happen after bedtime. Make popcorn and drinks and choose a movie that you both want to watch. Some couples love thrillers, others prefer comedies. You might even try romantic movies. What matters most is that you and your love cuddle on the couch and enjoy whatever you decide on. You can even make it a double-feature.

*Private book club: Have you and your love ever read the same book at the same time? Go to your local library together or try out the Internet Public Library. Choose a book that you both find interesting. It might not be your first choice, but work together and see what you come up with. As you both read the book, set aside "private book club" times to share what you like and don't like. If you were the author, how would spin the story differently?

*Dream sharing: This one only requires paper, pens and wide-open hearts and minds. Take turns asking each other to tune in and write down what you each dream about. These are not "dreams" bounded by self-imposed limits of what you think can happen in your life. These are DREAMS where anything is possible. When your partner shares what he or she wrote about, listen with an open mind and allow yourself to feel excited to share this possible future together.

*Music night: If the two of you are into music, set aside an evening or even an hour and take turns surprising one another with selections that you love. You can dance or just sit on the couch and enjoy the music that each of you chooses. The music that you choose can say in words and music how much you care for each other-or can just be for fun. If you don't own a lot of music, or even romantic music, you can borrow cds from your public library.

*Pretend you are Strangers: Pretend that you are just getting to know each other, a first date, and plan to meet for dinner or even coffee and dessert. Really pay attention to what each other says and listen closer than you normally do. Flirt with each other and have fun!

If you don't find an idea among this list that appeals to you or your partner, keep experimenting. The possibilities for creating and rekindling intimacy, passion and connection are endless!