CHEAP DATE
Next week is Valentine’s Day and while rose growers and chocolate companies will make a fortune, for some the need to impress costs a small fortune.
I’m a single mum and I haven’t been invited out for a Valentine’s Day dinner for more than 20 years (bring out the violins..lol). Back then, the male would generally pay for dinner.
If I was to be asked out now in the age of equality, I think I would prefer to go Dutch. I don’t see why a man should have to foot the bill when women work and earn money too.
Also, what is the expectation if your date spends a lot of money on the night? Are you expected to accept an offer to go back to his place? It’s a bit like Tom Hanks in the movie Sleepless in Seattle..it can be difficult getting back in the saddle again so-to-speak.
I might even ask a bloke out this year! With that in mind, how about we overhaul the old rules of dating to match a single mother’s income.
Avoid dinner and a movie and try a connection-building experience that doesn’t cost a lot. How about a visit to the museum or your local Botanic Gardens? Enjoying nature, for instance — whether it’s an afternoon on the beach or a bike ride around town. While you’re out, grab an inexpensive meal from a food truck? (And I don’t mean the Salvation Army food van).
How about staying home and cooking a meal together? This could provide plenty of opportunities for breaking the ice, especially if both of you are starting with an unknown recipe.
Volunteering together could really give you an insight into the other person’s philanthropic tendencies..something like community gardening? That way you’ll find out if he’s any good in the yard!
Bottom line is to not go into debt to show somebody a good time. Rather, come up with a date you can afford that will be enjoyable to you both. There’s no shame doing what’s within your means — ever.
