by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte

Created on: May 10, 2009   Last Updated: May 19, 2009

The biggest advantage of a recession is that if used and twisted skillfully, it serves as an excuse for just about anything. Anything that you don't want to do that is. Here are some examples:

You hate to visit the in-laws! You can't go, because you have to save on gas. If they live within walking distance that's too bad. However, you can claim you wouldn't want to visit empty-handed, but because of the recession, money is tight and you can't afford even a bunch of flowers.

You don't feel like having sex! It doesn't need to be spelled out, that the recession and the necessity of cutting back, can come in handy in this situation too.

But seriously, a big advantage of a recession is, that it focuses the mind. Managing on a tight budget can be fun, because all of a sudden your imagination is called for and you discover how much money you are waisting when you don't have to count the pennies. Eating out, fast food or ordering in are all a point in case. It's expensive, but you have to eat. Therefore, long forgotten cooking skills come to the fore and it's fun to have the family chuck in and help with the preparation. How often will your children have a chance to peel a potato or make a sauce from scratch instead of pouring it out of a bottle.

Beauty treatments are another source of fun caused by the recession. Set a beautifying day apart and create your own home spa. Listen to your favorite music, light a candle, don't waste time waiting for your turn in a beauty salon and save, save, save, including on the obligatory tip. With today's advanced beauty products it's easy to do your own manicure and even to trim your hair.

Hard financial times bring back a reminder that there is actually such a thing as "repair". Our modern society has turned to a throw away mentality. A thing is damaged, never mind, let's buy new. Not anymore. Shoes don't need to end up in the garbage only because the heels are worn. Granted, it might be difficult to actually find a shoemaker, but they still exist and will be grateful for the business. And in that context we have another excuse: you can hang on to your favorite, worn out and faded T-shirt without being nagged all the time, because you can't afford a new one.

Your partner wants kids, but you aren't ready for the commitment and responsibility? Even in this delicate issue a recession comes in handy. Who can argue with your very responsible attitude that you simply can't afford them right now? Kids who are used to get the newest gadgets if they throw enough of a tantrum are more difficult to handle if the money just isn't there anymore. Tell them what the item costs, then convert the amount in terms of food and suggest that they can have it, if they are prepared to starve a week.

A recession is actually good for your health too. Now is the time to give up smoking, if for no other reason than to save the money you usually and literally blow away. And, lastly, when the recession has receeded, you may want to keep some of the good habits you have developed during hard times.

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