Dating Tips for the Recession
When I posted a few of my friends’ dating deal breakers a week and a half ago, a common issue was women who don’t at least offer to leave the tip. While many female readers focused on the money, the guys’ focus was more about the idea of unselfishness. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, ladies, men like a woman that exhibits this often overlooked quality. Still, an anonymous commenter wrote, “Men let’s get it together! It’s a man’s job to pay period.”
For every person that agrees with that statement, there’s a million more that feel the complete opposite. Men and women will probably continue to argue about this until they’re blue in the face. Being that we are in a recession and I know that dating is tough on the all the single fellas (throw ya hands up), I came up with a few more tips for financially-sound courtship during these tough times. Like to hear ’em? Well, here they go…
LEARN DUTCH
Sorry, ladies, but some of y’all need to get off your high horses on this one. I’m not saying to lower your standards and talk to a bum ass dude, but why should you automatically get a free meal, movie and drunk just because you’re a female (it’s a recession), while the guy gets stuck holding the bill and his dick? If the point of going out is getting to know someone, then whether or not he pays shouldn’t effect his great conversation, sense of humor and being a gentleman. Of course I don’t expect women to go Dutch every single time, but a man shouldn’t be written off (within reason) simply because he speaks Dutch.
EAT THAI FOOD (or other Asian cuisine)
I don’t know why but Asian food is pretty inexpensive. I can hear the ladies already, “I am not eating no damn Chinese food.” Well, I’m not talking about around the way. Thai food is a few notches up from that and reasonably priced. To top it off, there are a lot of Thai restaurants that have good ambiance to compliment the good food—it is an acquired taste, though. Plus, taking a date to an untraditional eatery (i.e. Korean BBQ) shows you’re a little worldlier than the next guy. I know Thai ain’t a French bistro, ladies, but it’s a start, so give a brother some slack. Now if the chick is allergic to peanuts (which is the core of most Thai cooking) then you’re shit out of luck. Try a equally affordable brand of cooking, like Mediterranean or you could always try…
HOME COOKING
But only if you can actually cook. Don’t boil Ramen Noodles and soak them in pasta sauce and call yourself Chef Homeboy R Gee. Learn a few recipes from mama or one of your homegirls that can throw down in the kitchen so you can properly feed and impress a woman. Turning on your stove more often helps your pockets a great deal. Once you start grocery shopping on the regular, you see how inexpensive certain things are, that $16 for a plate of glazed chicken at Chez Whitey will look hella overpriced. Seriously, you can score a pack of drumsticks at the supermarket for three bucks, dude. The only thing is you can’t pull out the home cooked meal card too early because if shorty don’t know you like that she’s gonna assume you’re just trying to get some. Wait until y’all have at least been out a few times before offering to cook or ordering in on a Blockbuster Netflix night.
NO ALCOHOL
Have you ever noticed how expensive liquor is? Trust me, try going out to dinner and just have water, juice or soda and you’ll see how much cheaper your bill is. I grabbed dinner at a Thai spot with my homegirl a few weeks ago and the tab for both of us was $20 with tip. That’s virtually unheard of in New York City unless you’re at a fast food restaurant and you’ll very seldom catch me in one of those grease pits. Cutting out liquor not only saves money, but also it allows you to be you and not some slick-mouthed drunk like my alter ego Taco Meat. Your date will probably think you’re “interesting” for not drinking and chances are she won’t drink either because no one likes looking like a lush. Sure, you can grab a glass of wine every now and again to kill your nerves but moderation will do you and your pockets well.
MUSEUMS/AQUARIUM
Think outside of the box, not all dates have to happen at night or over dinner. Unless you live in a one-horse town (no offense to the Amish), there’s bound to be a museum or aquarium with interesting exhibits and animals to check out. There might be a small suggested donation at certain museums, but they’re usually free admission. Non-typical locales like museums, aquariums or even the zoo, are great for showing your creativity and intellectual side. If you haven’t mastered the art of small talk, at least you’re surrounded by a host of conversation starters. Who knows, you could even learn a thing or two along the way. Actually one of my most memorable dates was with a female who taught me how to play chess. That was some major G on her part, because you never forget someone that teaches you something.
THE PARK (summer only)
Okay, as cliché as it may sound, public parks in the summer are great for romantic strolls, picnics on the grass and conversation—all of which are free 99. You can even flip the script and pack a chessboard, Connect 4, checkers or even a deck of cards to play on a blanket. Again, the goal of a date is good conversation while having a good time. You’d be surprised how relaxing just sitting back and taking in nature and people watching can be. Well, depending on your date because not every chick can appreciate all the birds and squirrels. If you’re ever looking for a free spot to chill after brunch or a matinee, a sunset stroll through the park could be the perfect cap off or beginning of a nightcap.
POOL/BOWLING/ICE SKATING
These are classic dating activities that often go overlooked and you don’t even have to be an expert to have fun. Most times when I go to play pool or bowling on a date, we wind up doing more talking than playing. At the end of the day, that’s all dating is: finding a place or activity so you can converse and get to know each other better. The only downside is some guys are a bit too competitive and could gloat when they’re winning or sulk if they’re losing. Trust me, fellas, if you do either your date isn’t going to have a good time win, lose or draw. The other possible drawback to any of these activities is a prissy chick that’s worried about breaking her nails or getting chalk on her hands. So if you find a girl that’s willing to roll up her sleeves and get dirty you might have yourself a keeper. Just don’t try that bend over and I’ll show you how to use the pool stick move (save that for the second date).
**Industry Folk Only**
MOVIE SCREENINGS/OPEN BAR EVENTS
Being in the entertainment industry, one of the many perks of the job is free movie passes and invites to open bar events. You’re always given a plus one, so why not make it a special one. Personally, I’d rather turn a screening into a date before a party. Taking a chick to see a high profile flick a full month before it hits theatres can earn you some serious brownie points, plus you’re still one-on-one. Parties on the other hand are a mixed bag. Although the liquor is generally free for at least an hour and if you’re lucky you might snag a free buffet, be selective about whom you bring. If your date’s more concerned with the stars in the room than you she’s probably not a keeper. Also, you gotta keep in mind that industry parties are still work so you’re constant networking may make your date jealous or feel neglected. That’s why it’s essential that you take a secure woman to any industry-related event. The last thing you need is someone that’s going to embarrass you in front of your colleagues and contacts. Lastly, if you happen to have any exes in the industry it might be a little awkward seeing her or her spies friends with some random chick on your arm. Save the industry events for wifeys only.
Okay, that’s all the recession dating tips I’ve got for now. Hopefully, that’s enough to get you guys started. Feel free to add any other cost-effective dating tips or critique of my suggestions you might have. So what do you think: thumbs up or thumbs down?
Speak your piece…
after that I have never tried but then again there was never really anybody I wanted to go out with but anyway my fragile little ego took too much of a beating to ever try that again lol. I really don’t know how you men do it. 
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“Dating Tips for the Recession”