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Inexpensive Dates

Lots of Fun, Not a Lot of Money!

Inexpensive dates (cheap dates) are just like any other date except they don't cost a lot of money. They really can be just as thoughtful, just as fun, and just exciting as something that empties out your bank account. They can also leave just as good of an impression as something you spent a lot of money on.

There is nothing wrong with saving a few bucks, especially if you don't have it to spend. Most of us understand there will be times when cash flow doesn't agree with your desire to spend. Its those times when you have to decide if you would rather have a low cost date or no date at all?

If you're thinking about who you want to spend time with and why (you like them, they like you) the obvious answer is to have a date no matter how much it costs.

I'm sure a lot of people consider inexpensive dates and think as long as it isn't boring. Sadly, that's because a lot of people associate impressing someone and having fun with spending money. It's true, spending money can be fun but remember, any date is only as fun, exciting, or boring as you and your date make it. It's always as fun as you decide to make it no matter how much it cost.

It's a Guy Thing

I think men more than women would just assume do nothing when the pockets are empty. They (we) don't want to appear cheap or broke even if it's true, especially early in the relationship when we allow ego to get in the way. Among the group of people I call friends I think the women understand better than men that it's more about spending time together than it is about impressing your date with fancy dinners or expensive things to do.

A Good Impression Doesn't Have a Price Tag

Men have to learn how to approach inexpensive dates and a lack of money in a way that shows where his heart is. By that I mean you have to let her know that even though you're broke you still want to spend time with her. Then you present the thoughtful ways you can be together and have fun with little or no money. Don't just say "what do you want to do?" and expect your date to figure it out.

As long as being broke isn't a way of life for you an occasional low cost option can be a fun change of pace. If you are always broke there are ways you can turn that around no matter how desperate your situation seems.

For The Ladies

You can also help the situation by showing where your heart is when it comes to inexpensive dates. Yes, it does feel good when he takes you to a nice dinner and gives you flowers and treats you like a princess. You deserve that, and I believe a good man would do that for you every day if he could.

On those occasions when he don't have the funds, let him know it's about spending time with him and not his money - even if that isn't completely true. Remember, that ego of his needs stroking now and then. Do that and watch how fast he responds to please you. Any good man will.

Inexpensive Dates

I think calling inexpensive dates "cheap" puts a negative spin on something that should be positive. I prefer to say they are low cost ways to connect to someone you like. Or love.

Go out for coffee/tea
You can get yourself a decent cup of coffee or tea for two for about five bucks as long as you stay away from the fancy name high priced stuff. Even better, brew your own pot and bring a thermos. This is a nice touch to watching the sunrise on chilly mornings, or star gazing at night as long as caffeine doesn't keep you awake.

Go for a bike ride or walk Inexpensive Dates

Pack a picnic lunch or dinner or breakfast and find yourself a nice quiet corner of a park. Bring a blanket and The Book of Questions and have fun talking. You remember how to do that, don't you?

Go window shopping
Ok, so maybe today you're broke, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun talking about all the things you would buy if money were no object. You learn a lot about someone when you see what their desires are. In the grander scheme of things, this will give you great ideas about what to gift each other when money isn't an issue. You can use inexpensive dates to plan future dates, and who doesn't like something to look forward to?!

Game night
The idea here is to have some fun. Think about those games you played as a kid. You're sure to have a lot of laughs and not be so competitive with simple game. Puzzles are nice for a quieter evening. Video games can be nice too if both of you are into it and there is a very low learning curve. Borrow some games if you don't have them, and serve up some simple refreshments you probably already have.

Go fly a kite
Seriously, when was the last time you flew a kite? I know as adults people will try to brainwash you into thinking being grown up means not having fun like a kid. I'm here to tell you, it's a lie! Experiencing joy is the point! You can pick up a cheap but usable kite in a dollar store and have a blast with this.

Go sledding

I admit, I haven't been on a sled in something like 30 years but it always looks fun to watch. This winter I'm gonna get myself one of those cheapo plastic sleds and bring my wife out for some winter fun. After we're half frozen we will come home and sip hot chocolate (maybe a shot of brandy) and warm each other up. The best inexpensive dates lead to better things. Enough said.

Go to a playground and play
Fortunately for me (and sometimes my wife and friends) I am not one of those stuffed shirts who doesn't know how to have fun. No, I can't fit down the tube slide, but I can have fun with the rest of it - and I do! Playing on a playground, as long as you do it like the kids do it, is an exhilarating bunch of fun. I poop out a lot faster than kids but I can still have fun. You can too.

Have a water (balloon) fight Inexpensive Dates

One of the things I wished for this summer was heat and we got it. With a heat index around 90 degrees and high dew points and humidity, a water fight is a great idea. A bag of balloons is really inexpensive. Fill them up, split them up, then have at it. That, or just get a bucket and have fun chasing each other around the yard. I'll be doing this one later myself. The wife doesn't know yet. Surprise attack!

Go for a drive to nowhere
If you do the math you'll see how this is a doable inexpensive date. If you get 10 miles per gallon and gas cost $3 per gallon you can go 20 miles on six bucks. Drive 10 miles in one direction then turn around and come back. If you can find really slow back roads, even better. While you're driving have your passenger ask questions from The Book of Questions and learn something about each other. You'll find your drive to nowhere gets you somewhere.

Movie night at home
Someone you know must have a movie you can borrow. If not, a one night rental will only cost a few dollars. If you don't even have that there is always one of the older romantic movies you can watch online or download free. Pop some popcorn (low cost), turn down the lights, snuggle under a blanket, and have some fun.

You are the best part of this date

No matter how much money you do or don't have to spend, your inexpensive dates will always be as fun and exciting as you decide to make it. You are always the most important part of a good date (or a bad date for that matter) so don't let a lack of money stop you from having fun together tonight.

There are many other ideas you can use to get out and have some fun with little or no money. My point in this is that it doesn't really matter what you do as long as you put thought into it and focus yourself on enjoying your time with your date. You make it special.

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