Posted: Oct 24, 08 6:30am
Just to be clear, that's a fiscal recession, not a recession in available singles (don't know that there's ever been one of those, lol).
Times are challenging, in many ways, and I'm finding friends are less willing to "go out" and spend their hard-earned gas money at the local sports bars these days...understandably so. I feel that pinch myself. For me, this is the time to get a bit more creative in dating activities and look for the "bargains". In my area (Raleigh, NC), we've got a $1.50 movie theater - not first run movies, but the last summer's blockbusters are there now. $12 for a couple of tickets, two drinks and a large, refillable popcorn is a great deal! Another "offbeat" theater will show Monday Night Football on a giant movie screen for free, with free nachos at halftime. A local bar/grill has $0.25 wings on Mondays, and $1 "Mystery Beers" on Tuesdays - Can't get much less expensive than that. Make yourself familiar with your local restaurants/bars weekly specials and free tastings (even I'm a little hesitant to whip out a two for one coupon in front of a date). Then there's a bowling alley with $1/game nights, free parks for picnics and hikes, browsing bookstores, and free museums and exhibits. Just look around your area - I'm certain you'll find something of interest.
And one doesn't have to "go out" on a date (assuming you know one another well enough). Cooking together is a lot of fun, just keep the recipes simple (the fewer the ingredients, the better, I say). If you've got some bartending skills and a stocked bar, have a little cocktail hour at home. Throw in some games, like Scrabble, Backgammon, Go Fish, or whatever, and just have fun with one another. Remember, talk is cheap! And there's nothing more stimulating than a good conversation and there really is a lot to talk about these days.
So, fellow TBDers, share your ideas for fun, yet fiscally responsible dating activities, and help out your fellow man/woman. We all can use a little help from our friends. :-)
