We live in uncertain times, with global warming, not to mention global events in Ukraine and the Middle East, impacting the cost of living. When it comes to romance, more and more people are having to factor in the need to seriously tighten belts. Extravagant gestures, like wooing prospective partners with elaborate bouquets, jewellery, or tables for two in 5-star restaurants, are increasingly being put on hold!
But this doesn’t mean budding romantics must transform into the equivalent of Scrooge at Christmas (before the ghosts visited, that is). Cupid’s arrow needn’t instigate cries of ‘bah, Humbug!’ With a modicum of common sense, there are many ways to ensure the flames of romance remain kindled, despite having to do so on reduced budgets.
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Understand your needs and establish goals
The first step you’ll need to take is looking at the wider picture. Before even getting to the stage of reaching out to prospective partners, you have some important questions to ask yourself. What are you anticipating in a partnership? The flexibility of casual flings, with no strings attached? Or, would your needs be satisfied by sa more permanent arrangement, with your goals including getting acquainted with someone for the long haul? Once you’ve formed a picture of your aspirations, you’ll better understand areas where you will need to be most mindful of spending. Being part of a committed relationship will mean going out more and having to budget accordingly. Whatever goals you decide on, once ‘firmed up’ in your mind, you can proceed to the next stage: getting acquainted with someone compatible.
Meeting a like-minded person
A successful partnership where you can devote time and effort to the cost side of things relies on connecting with a person on your wavelength. The best way to find the most compatible one night friend (or a one-nighter with the potential to develop into something much more meaningful!) would be to go online. After signing up for an appropriate digital matchmaking service, you can check out as many profiles as you wish while searching for kindred spirits. Algorithms built into these sites and apps will also go to great lengths to point you towards other members with whom you share common ground. Once you’ve got to know someone who seems to be a perfect match, you can start working out what they might be into in terms of places to go. This is when you’re planning can begin in earnest. What are they interested in? Which restaurants or other outlets might they prefer? Do they have expensive tastes? When you do reach the stage of arranging a romantic tryst, here are some economic ideas to spark your imagination.
5 date night ideas which won’t break the bank
A candlelit meal – at home
There has long been a correlation between dining and romance. Nothing kindles the flames of passion better than gazing into each other’s eyes while a series of mouth-watering dishes are presented. But you don’t need to have a succession of waiters fawning over you against a background soundtrack of schmaltzy songs. A perfectly romantic atmosphere can be created within the comfort of home. Commence proceedings by checking out healthy online bargains to incorporate into your ‘menu for two.’ Soft lighting, such as strategically placed candles, will stoke the mood.
Scenic strolls
We can get fixated on places to book for a special date night, whether that’s an eaterie or a trip to the local multiplex. These options can turn out to be an expensive form of entertainment. Why not simply pick a location where there’s beautiful scenery to ogle? You’re never too far from a public park, with landscaped gardens, and birds trilling in the undergrowth. Walking around these locations can bring you closer as a couple, and nobody needs to spend a penny.
Couch potatoes
Who said that just sitting around is a waste of time? Inviting someone special around to spend an evening snuggled together on a comfortable couch can be bliss. All you have to add to this scenario to make it the ideal, economic night-in would be to incorporate inexpensive snacks and ensure your TV remote is close at hand.
Soak up culture
Keep an eye open for art galleries and museums offering free admission/entery. Romantic paintings, interesting sculptures, and ancient mementoes can all form magnificent conversational icebreakers. So, spend time browsing through displays or exhibitions, then retire to the coffee lounge to discuss your favorites.
Stargazing
Finally, one of the greatest spectacles of all is pretty much guaranteed to be open to all comers any given night of the year. Pop into a car, then head out of town, somewhere the light pollution will be minimized. Grab a travel rug, and refreshments, then take in the inbridled majesty of the night skies, with shooting stars to wish on.