Dating relationships like everything else are not immune to tough economic times. Going out once a week to eat at some upscale restaurant now turns into once every couple of weeks or maybe longer. Buying a gift for your date may have also taken a hit. Sure you would love to get them something nice but one look at the price tag makes you think twice about it.
There is little choice during an economic downturn but to grow thriftier in your finances. You want to do as many nice things for your date as possible but romance without finance is a tough proposition. Not that you want to buy your dating partner’s affection yet the fact of the matter is money at this present time makes the world go round.
Is it a dilemma? If you plan to stop dating on a permanent basis and miser your money like Ebenezer Scrooge the answer is no. Barring that it does require some personal living adjustments.
1.Reprogram Your Habits
You and your date got quite used to those times when you both got paid on the same day and really painted the town. For those brief moments, it seemed like money was no object.
Maybe you still have it like that but a little change in spending habits can only strengthen your finances down the road. It’s difficult because we live in a world that bombards us with 24/7 advertising. As soon as you fight off one temptation, you’re hit with another. Program yourself to curb the impulse buying and fight thru the marketing blitzes.
2. Investigate
There are some people who are the budget kings and queens. It’s almost like they have built in detectors that can sniff out any coupons, sales and everything else when it comes to saving money.
You can do the same thing by understanding it is not a gift that these people have been blessed with but good old fashion hard work. Going out to eat? Play detective and see what establishment is offering an early bird special or quality meal of the day.
What about going to a concert? Check the radio stations to see if you can win some tickets or dig a little further and see if there is a way to get them at a discount. If not this is where reprogramming comes in. Front row center may be ideal but will definitely carry a higher price tag than being seated in the middle or back of the auditorium.
3. Hard Choices
It was a gimmee between you and your dating partner just a short time ago. Concert, dinner, dancing followed by a nightcap and that was just on Tuesdays. Now you just heard from your supervisor that the rumors are true. No you are not going to get laid off but you are not getting a raise either. That makes the third consecutive instance that this has occurred.
The company made a hard choice (unfortunately for you) to cut back. You may have to do the same when it comes to your dating relationship. You love those throw caution to the wind Tuesdays but occasionally it’s going to be in your best interest to stay at home and watch a movie on television or cook a meal together and play a board game.
Have some friends over once in a while and spend the evening in conversation with the TV set off. There are a lot of creative date ideas. The point is you are going to have to tell yourself and your date no from time to time.
None of these things are easy and it can come as a jolt especially if you and your dating partner have never been inclined to worry about finances all that much previously. But these are not ordinary times.
You want your date to understand but more than that you want them to work with you. If the two of you feel strong about each other than being money smart and budget conscious is only going to payoff as you continue to build your relationship.