Guess what? The percentage of men in our age group that are date-worthy are also probably in our same tax bracket. That means their pockets probably look very similar to ours and be honest… YOU’RE not even taking YOURSELF out on expensive dates every time you go out. Sometimes we hold standards for our potential partners that WE can’t even meet, but it’s time to put things in perspective. Here are 5 reasons why you should appreciate “cheap” dates and stop expecting limo rides and a live orchestra.
They show range.
Most people know that when they’re going to cut costs on something, it has to be THAT much more meaningful. Guys that opt to do cheap dates have to be a little more creative to make up for the punch an expensive date may have packed. (I LOVE creativity in a date!) You may end up getting a romantic tour of the town or a star gazing picnic. (Can you tell I’ve been broke at some points in life?) Low funds or the desire to save money will make you super creative! You get the chance to analyze his creative chops AND spend quality time with him. Sounds like a win to me…
They may offer more opportunities to connect.
In fancy restaurants, you can lean on the waiter and dinner time entertainment to carry the conversation or just break up the silence. On less expensive dates, you don’t have service people to spark conversation or a full band blaring in the background to minimize your talk time. The cheap dates are more intimate and dare I say more romantic? When you’re doing a free picnic in the park or on the beach, it’s just the two of you with minimal distractions. You can actually hold meaningful conversation and hear those things you may typically miss in restaurant settings.
They give you a chance to check your materialism.
I’ll just say it. If you expect EVERY date to be expensive, you’re materialistic. If you’re offended when presented with a cheap, but meaningful date (I’m not talking Netflix and chill) that’s your sign that you may be focused on the wrong things in the relationship. Sis, ease up on the pressure and let the man’s pockets breathe a bit. Your heart may thank you for it.
They most likely give you entertaining stories to tell.
I remember going on a night fishing trip with my boo years ago. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say it’s a story we’ll probably get a kick out of telling when we’re old and grey. The date was fairly cheap, but the experience was priceless. Cheap dates tend to have that effect. You’re bound to get some good story/joke material out of the deal (in a good way, of course).
They often build into more extravagant dates.
Some men aren’t going to pull out all the stops on dates up front. They build up to the grand gestures. I have no problem with this as long as the cheap dates show range/thoughtfulness. Your cooperation and appreciation for the little things will give them the confidence to eventually go over-the-top for you. (Let’s not confuse this with the guys that blatantly don’t think women are worthy of extravagance and pampering unless they’re getting something in return. Their bums.) Appreciate the little things!
Be honest, you thought I was going to tell you set your standards super low to get a man, huh? Nope. I’m just here to redirect that expensive date energy and show you how to be fair in your assessment of dates. Did I nail it? Or did I make you crave expensive dates even more?
