Dating on a Budget
by Jean Knill
Dating can be really expensive for a man. The same applies to a woman if you agree to go Dutch. Or you may be worried about how much your date spends on you. Some people may even be put off dating altogether in the present economic climate, feeling they just can’t afford it.
It is possible, however, to date on a budget. With a little care and planning, you don’t have to forfeit an important part of your social life and the opportunity to click with a fabulous partner. With a little honesty and sensitive communication, you can do the planning together and still enjoy some great dating experiences.
But what about on first dates? This could be your only opportunity to impress each other and find out if your relationship can flower. You want to invest as much as you can in it. The first thing to do is to work out how much that is. Then set a limit to your spending that won’t hurt your budget, and stick to it.
Meeting for a drink in the early evening is a good idea for a first date. You may both be feeling cautious, and neither of you has to extend the date into dinner, or more, unless a mutual attraction and understanding develops. If either or both of you are driving, you won’t want much alcohol before you move on to cheaper, soft drinks.
Meeting at a venue that has other potential activities, and not just a bar, could mean you’ll need to buy fewer drinks. On a warm, dry day, it might just be where you could stroll on the banks of a river or lake, or even by the sea. Or it might be in a sports club or bowling alley where you could be spectators as you chat, or if you are both so inclined, you could take part if it doesn’t stretch your budget too far.
Another alternative for a first date is to meet for lunch. Again your spending time is likely to be limited, and you could choose a venue to suit your budget. A café in the park could be a delightful place to discover whether or not your date appreciates the joys of nature, and just as much fun as the most expensive restaurant in town.
When you are already in a dating relationship, you’ll have a fair idea of your dating partner’s tastes, and where they coincide with yours. Most people like to go for short walks where you can amble along and talk to each other. More energetic people are happy to take longer trails, or even to climb or cycle. If you already have the gear, these kind of activities are free. And you can take snacks or picnics along in a rucksack.
If you’d really like to impress your date, pack an upmarket picnic hamper in your car, complete with folding table and chairs, picnic plates and cutlery. An investment in this, when you can afford it, is not wasteful because it can be used over and over again. Picking up cooked drumsticks, smoked salmon, prepared salads, fruit and cheeses from your supermarket will still be less hard on your pocket than a classy restaurant. And don’t forget the wine and the glasses to drink from.
If you have your own camping stove, you can easily make coffee, or take a flask of hot drink, in case the weather turns chilly. Your partner will be impressed that you have thought of everything. Don’t worry if it rains. You can have just as much fun eating in the car. And who knows what else you might both be minded to do if you are in a secluded spot?
When you are really confident about each other, one can cook for the other at home. Even if you are not comfortable in the kitchen, buying in some classy ready meals will be cheaper than eating out. And then you can snuggle up on the sofa and watch a film, or put on some dreamy music to move to in each other’s arms.
No doubt there will still be days or evenings you want to spend more on to make them perfect and memorable. But that doesn’t have to be every week. Rationing them makes them even more special, and they seem like real treats.
Many other things you can do will not break the bank. You just have to find them. Check local newspapers and websites for events like amateur theatrical performances and concerts, or upcoming exhibitions in your local museum. Perhaps your date is new to the area so you can show off the interesting parts of your town or countryside. Find out about special deals on buses or trains and suggest a trip to somewhere neither of you has seen before.
Whatever you do, stay flexible, and try to have a plan B that is still within the budget figure you’ve set. When you find you have any change from this amount, don’t spend it straight away on something else. Put it aside to keep for those special dates that are bound to cost more. That way you’ll have a little stash of cash to help out when those come up in the future.
Remember that dating is an opportunity to find out each other’s likes and dislikes, and just how compatible you are. Don’t be afraid to try something new, but speak up if you discover it’s really not for you. Above all, all your dates should be fun for both of you.
