Who Should Pay on a Date
How to Save Money and Still Date; Inexpensive and Fun First Dates
Whether it's your first date, or your 200th, navigating the financial curves of dating can be daunting. Who pays for what and how much? Save money on dates.
Between speed dating, Internet dating and actually finding time for dating, what does this concept really mean in the 21st century? Well nothing has changed all that much. People are still trying to meet other people in hopes of finding love and companionship, at least that’s the idea. In the process, the question still persists; who pays for what? And during these tough economic times, how do you go out on dates without spending a fortune?
How to Save Money on Dates and still Have Fun:
- Ask someone out to an afternoon movie and lunch. It’s cheaper, and if your date’s a dud, you don’t blow your entire Saturday night. An afternoon date is also less time-consuming. So you don’t have to worry about running out of conversation. As far as who pays, it’s whoever does the asking. And this practice should continue until you are in a relationship.
- Have a picnic at the park. Look at the weather forecast first, then plan an afternoon at a picturesque park or nature reserve. Buy some fancy cheeses at a discount or warehouse store and pick up inexpensive wine at Trader Joe’s or on sale at a grocery store. Top off the meal with fresh fruits (in season) and maybe plan on a game of tennis if the park has courts. Also pack a frisbee in case there is an open field.
- Meet for coffee at Starbucks on Saturday morning. This is the perfect blind date meeting place. It’s safe, convenient and best of all, short. How much time can you really spend with someone over coffee? And you can always plan something right after, that you could easily cancel at the last minute if you are having a good time.
- Use restaurant coupons. The best source for eatery coupons is the Entertainment Book. They are usually sold by a charity and offer half-off entrees for many restaurants in most cities. Restaurant.com offers $25 coupons for $10. Just plug in your zip code, find a restaurant, purchase a certificate and print out the coupon. If you know you’ll be going on a lot of dates, join the dinner of the month club. If you enroll for three months you’ll receive three $25 restaurant certificates for $30.
- Try speed dating or "eight minute dating." Avoid first-date dinners altogether. With this service, you’ll spend a few minutes meeting each person. By the end of the night you’ll know which ones you are interested in calling for a second date.
The copyright of the article Who Should Pay on a Date in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Who Should Pay on a Date must be granted by the author in writing.
