Don't Let The Economy Affect Your Love Life

Monday, March 9, 2009

Yes, the economy is in the toilet, but that does not mean that your love life should follow. I just skimmed Essence Magazine's most recent issue (April 2009), and found a great article that I thought would be quite useful to those of you out there that are interested in "recession-proofing" your love life.

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"Love Don't Cost a Thing," By Chloe Hilliard (Essence Magazine, April 2009 issue, p. 82)
Even though times are tough, there's no reason for your dating life to plummet like the stock market. Try these tips for high-romance, low-finance fun.

Before the recession, your date night might have been spent at a chic restaurant. But times - and disposable incomes - have changed. "Now I have to be a little bit tighter," says Rhamon Daley, 33, a teacher who used to think nothing of dropping $120 on a date with a special lady. The next time your leading man asks what you want to do, keep these fiscally responsible ideas in mind.

Expand Your Horizons
"There are several things you can do other than dinner and a movie," says Jess McCann, author of You Lost Him at Hello: A Saleswoman's Secrets to Closing the Deal With Any Guy You Want (HCI). Instead of heading to a dark theater to sit in silence, try an unconventional outing like visiting a local monument, going to a bookstore for an author reading or signing, venturing to a museum (many have free nights), or volunteering for community service together.

Break a Sweat
What better way to get an idea of his stamina than to test it? Try renting bikes to cycle around the city, borrowing some tennis rackets from friends and heading to an outdoor court, or going to a local track to run a few laps together (it's ok to go at a chatting pace). To get even closer (and avoid messing up your hair), ask your guy to join you at a Chicago step or tango dance class - some dance studios offer the first class for free. Or go for an afternoon stroll hand in hand through a scenic park.

Work the Web
Search online for great information on free concerts, events at a discount and cheap eats. Citysearch.com, Dailycandy.com and Going.com can help you uncover local jewels that are trendy and inexpensive. If you forget to plan ahead, don't worry. Urbanspoon.com has a new application for iPhone users that will offer restaurant suggestions based on price, cuisine preference and the neighborhood in which you're located.

Dine at a Discount
"Don't take advantage of your date," says Dorothy Robinson, coauthor of Dating Makes You Want to Die: But You Have to Do It Anyway (Collins Living). Just because he's likely to pick up the tab doesn't mean you should order from the steak side of the menu. And you shouldn't turn your nose up if he takes you to a chain restaurant. Better yet, spend the afternoon picking up delicious ingredients at a local farmers' market, then cook à deux. Things will heat up!
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