by Kong Aik Lee

Created on: May 09, 2009   Last Updated: May 19, 2009

Recession: Seeing Gloom in the Doom
How the recession may actually hold some positives for you

The word recession may actually be the most suitable nine letter word to replace the word nightmare in the dictionary, except for the fact that in this case, the recession is actually happening. Since the same financial experts who got us here in the first place are the same people who are right now, being very unwilling to predict when the recession will be over (And even if they dare predict, I'm sure we're not going to place an investment on their predictions) we might as well look at some of the positives this situation has actually created for us.

Family relationships

Now that the recession is here to stay, the family will finally have some time to stay together and bond. Regardless of whether everybody is coming together to crack their skulls over how to cut down expenses, having to sit around a candle together at the table to cut down on electricity bills or sleep together in the same room to cut down on air conditioning, more family bonding definitely cannot be a bad thing.

Personal Health

What better time could you have asked for to start on the brisk walking or running plans that you've always had but was too lazy to implement because of the various modes of transportation easily available? Here's your chance to save up on travelling expenses and load up on a great deal of good ole' exercise. For leisure, why not consider a game of basketball or football? You don't need to spend as much on these activities and you can still derive pleasure and entertainment.
In addition, there's no better time for you to quit smoking. Why risk the heartache while debating over whether to purchase the next box of cigarettes and then once more as a result of your smoking habits? Another sensible act that's good on your health and wallet.

Dating and relationships

You've probably been doing the same old things on dates. With the recession, it probably isn't such a good idea to spend lots of money on gifts anymore. This means good news for both the lads and the ladies. Women have often been lamenting over the uninventive gifts by their male counterparts who often buy them generic gifts (Roses anyone?) or plan boring dates. They probably thought the women would just simply be impressed by the cost of the gifts. They could have been, and still will be. However with the recession, the guys have now plenty of chances to think of new alternative and interesting ways on dates. What about that little outdoor picnic you've always been thinking about but stuck with the old movies and dinner theme? This is probably the best chance to come up with crazy dating ideas and having the ladies totally being cool about you not having to spend a lot of money on it.

So as you can see, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Besides the investing and business start up opportunities this could be the best time to rethink certain lifestyle traits and renew your ambition. This could be the spark you need to come out once again, guns blazin' and ready to show the world what you're made of. So go ahead, and try your hand at making a popup card for someone special. Or try cooking the first meal you've ever tried cooking instead of eating out. This recession could be the start of something special.

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