Despite Economic Tough Times, Couples Still Find Romance in a Recession

It's a widely accepted belief that couples argue over money more than any other subject. So as the economy worsens and financial stress becomes a fact of life, are couples fighting more than ever?

Not according to romance website AreYouRomantic.com, which conducted a poll earlier this month to gauge whether the heat of passion is affected by a rapidly cooling economic climate. The findings from "Romance in a Recession" indicate that of those polled:

More than two-thirds...report their romance has been humming right along over the last year despite economic concerns. Perhaps more surprising, one in three people actually credit the recession with improving their romance, and one in five respondents say their sex life has improved.

Asked whether or not recent economic events changed their behavior as couples:

• 60% say financial limitations have not led to increased conflict
• 34% say that over the past year, they haven’t argued with their partner about finances

Looking ahead to the Superbowl of romantic holidays, Valentine's Day, the recession seems to have little impact on how respondents will celebrate in 2009:

• 58% plan to spend the same amount or more on Valentine’s Day gifts this year
• 77% say the thought behind the gift is more important than the dollar amount

More evidence of the pragmatic nature of romance in a recession comes from a conversation I had with a twentysomething friend. After a multi-year courtship, Dan realized over Christmas that he was ready to propose. Problem was, he'd lost his job and couldn't afford a ring.

He's taking it in stride, simply delaying the proposal until he has a new job. "Andi's waited so long that she'll be okay about waiting a little longer," he explains. (I sure hope he's right.)