10 + TIPS ON HOW TO DATE BEING ON A BUDGET
Whats dating?
“Dating” means different things to different people, particularly across generations. At loveisrespect.org, we define “dating” as two people in an intimate relationship. The relationship may be sexual, but it does not have to be. It may be serious or casual, straight or gay, monogamous or open, short-term or long-term.
Types of Dating
You and your friends may use the word “dating” or you may not. People describe relationships in different ways. Whatever you call it, we want you to understand and feel comfortable with whatever type of relationship you are in. Some of the most commonly used words to describe dating are:
Going out
Together
Being with someone
Seeing each other
Hubby/wifey status
Just friends
Friends with benefits
Hooking up
Contrary to popular belief, dating does not require you to spend ridiculous sums of money on flowers, gifts, expensive restaurants and more…
Mostly because a woman doesn’t really care about that stuff.
If the stage you’re at is ‘I’m not good enough, so I need to buy her nice things and impress her’, she will meet you there and say ‘okay then… Impress me’.
From a survey of 1000 women, 48% of women responded that they want men who are romantic. (Men’s Health, 2015)
26% of women believe in true love. (Everyday Health, 2014)
Only 28% of women believe in love at first sight. (The Normal Bar, 2012)
93% of women prefer to be asked out on a date.
6% of women prefer to ask a man out.
While 83% of men prefer to do the asking, a total of 16% of men prefer to be asked out by women.
10% of men might be waiting for a woman to ask them out on a date. (Psychology Today, 2011)
Of 171 men and women surveyed, only 18.5% of women were first to say ‘I love you’ in a relationship. (Journal of Social Psychology, 2011)
Of 15,000 men and women surveyed, 88% of women said they are very committed to their partners. (Wave III-National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health)
Dating on a budget
Plan a picnic in the park. Pack up some sandwiches, a salad, bottles of water, and a blanket, and head for a nearby park. You don’t even need to prepare a full meal. Snacks work great too. Instead of sandwiches or salad, try bringing a bunch of grapes, some cheese and crackers, and something sweet for dessert. A casual picnic outdoors is a great way to get to know your date better without the pressure associated with a more formal setting, such as a fancy restaurant.[1]
Take a walk on the beach. If you live near an oceanside beach, you and your date can search for seashells and other treasures washed ashore. You can also clean up the beach together. Picking up trash might not seem glamorous, but it will give you and your date a chance to get to know each other better while doing something good for the environment.
Go for a hike. Not only does hiking along a nature trail provide a low pressure way to get to know someone better, it’s also an excellent opportunity to see some beautiful sites.[4] Plus, you’ll get a bit of exercise while you’re at it.
Explore a nearby farmer’s market or flea market. Both of these are easy date outings and entrance is often free.[6] If your date enjoys farmer’s markets and flea markets, it can be fun for both of you to see what things catch the other’s eye as you browse the market.
Listen to a concert in the park. Many cities and towns host free outdoor concerts during summer.[7] Attending one of these events with a date can be a fun and affordable way to check out local Indie bands.
Watch a movie at home. Choose a movie you already own or watch something online if you or your date have a subscription to Netflix or a similar service.
Play chess or other board games. Pull out that old stack of board games you haven’t played in a while and make a date of it.[8] You can get together for a game night at home, the park, or even the library.
Cook a meal at home. It’s usually cheaper to prepare a meal at home versus going out to eat. Plus, taking the time to cook for someone is always a nice gesture.
Volunteer somewhere on a weekend afternoon. Pick a charitable organization that appeals to you or your date and suggest volunteering there together.[10] It’s a great way to get to know one another better, while also doing some good.
Be a tourist in your town. “There are places in your city you haven’t taken advantage of because you live there,” she said. “It can become such an adventure. If you live in the suburbs, go on a city bus and explore, or check out museums on the free days.”
