Lifestyle

How to be a cheap date (but not a cheapskate)

I was recently asked to write an article for CBS’s ManCaveDaily about how to impress a girl without having to spend a lot of money or look cheap. It got me thinking about how tough it is for guys out there who are on a budget to date, especially in places like NYC where an inexpensive date night is harder to find than Britney Spears’ underwear. My advice to men was to not a let a girl pay for at least the first few dates, but after that ladies, you really should be offering to pick up a check here and there if you like the guy and want him to stick around.

So how do you plan an inexpensive but cute date without you yourself looking cheap?

1. Check social coupons

I recommended that guys never use coupons from sites like Groupon and Living Social for a dinner when you’re courting a woman. Why? Well since you have to make your server aware that you will be using a coupon, you run the risk of looking like a cheap-o. Same goes for ladies – save the coupons for dinner when you’re comfortable enough to wear no makeup around the guy. Instead, check these sites for deals on things like rounds at a shooting range or go-karting. Guys love that stuff, and they will never know that you got if for half price.

2. Check for free events

* Eventbrite pulls up events in your area that fit into your budget (even if you want something free).

* Free-attractions.com lists things like free museums, zoos and festivals going on in your hood.

* Community websites like http://www.nycgo.com/free in NYC will give you listings of fun free happenings in your area. Things like flea markets and outdoor concerts are always good date ideas.

* Volunteer together at a charity event in your area. Check community websites to do good together for something you both believe in. Aww.

It may be more difficult to find free things going on in smaller towns, but most cities will have listings online of things going on if you just google it.

3. Do lunch or brunch

lavo brunch party

These meals are generally much more inexpensive since you’re not having several courses and you probably aren’t drinking much (redflag if he’s wasted on mimosas at noon). These are the meals where neither one of you will feel bad about you picking up the check – and if you had fun, it could always lead up to a full day of activities. (Warning: If you live in NYC and he suggests going to LAVO brunch you should probably erase his number).

4. Cook for him (if you know how to)

This would only work for me if the guy didn’t mind breakfast for dinner since that’s all I can cook, but most guys would prefer to have a girl cook for him as opposed to going out. You should probably save this gesture for the third or fourth date to be sure he’s not psycho before you end up alone in one of your apartments. Cooking something like spaghetti and meatballs is super inexpensive, and if you’re a good cook he just might overlook all of your other emotional issues.

5. Be active

* Do something like ice skating or renting bikes that will allow you to save money on a fancy dinner but also give you insight to the level of athleticism in your potential future mate.

* Activities like bowling or the driving range are also cheap but fun dates to see if he’s a sore loser.

* Taking a drive to a place you can hike is always a great date as well. Just be sure to pack a lunch so you don’t get hangry and yell at him for having terrible navigational skills.

* If one of you belongs to a gym with great classes – take one together. Or sign both of you up for a class at a yoga or spin studio. Guys love seeing a girl all fit and sweaty.

I still believe that guys should be the ones to plan the first couple of dates (and pick up the check), but once you know he’s a keeper – putting some effort into planning fun dates and insisting on taking care of it  will do wonders to show him that YOU’RE a keeper too.

 

 

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