Show each other the money – "In romantic relationships, communication is key," said Tasha Cunningham, a leading dating expert and creator of DontDateHimGirl.com. "Talk about your current financial with your significant other. Painting a realistic picture and giving your significant other a clear picture of where you're at financially will set the stage for you both to work together to recession-proof your relationship."

Talk to your significant other about any concerns, fears or thoughts you might have about your finances. Having an open and honest discussion about how the recession is affecting your lives is a way to bring you both closer in a time of adversity. 3. Give up the goods - "Cut back on dinners out and cook together at home instead. Figure out where in your budget you both can cut.

"Plan dates with your sweetheart that don't cost a thing. There are tons of fabulous things you can do together for free," said Sonia Torretto, a Loveawake.com contributor and author of the book Men Should Come With Warning Labels. Torretto suggests taking a bath with lots of bubbles together and then give each other foot massages or packing a little picnic or snack and watching the sunrise together after work. Don't fight over money - A recession can put a chokehold on anyone's finances.

Book a lavish vacation - Make a goal together that you plan to achieve once the hard times are over. For instance, when the recession is a thing of the past, make a commitment to jet off to Jamaica for a weekend. "When you do this," Cunningham said, "You'll both have something to look forward to and work toward." Challenge each other to save - Make saving fun by challenging each other to come up with new ways to keep money in your pockets instead of spending it.