Dating on a Budget: The Cheapest Date Ever-You!
There is this huge misconception that you have to have another person in order to go on dates. This is simply not true. How many times have you gone out on a date and been sorely disappointed with the other party? How many times have you gone out with someone who irritated you to no end? It can be annoying and financially destructive. Why pay for someone else to have a lousy time? Taking yourself on a date is not only emotionally healthy but a fiscally sound practice as well. Being single gives you the unique opportunity to pay for yourself to have a great time. Even if you are in a relationship a little “me-time” is an absolute necessity.
First, choosing activities are a shear chore; you have to make sure that it will not only amuse you, but be appealing to the other person. When you take yourself on a date, you can do whatever you want. You don’t have to worry whether the person likes the beach, is allergic to peanuts, or even of their comedic temperament. Is there a restaurant in town that you’ve always wanted to try? Did you see a new store whose window dressing has been calling your name? Then it is time to check it out. It doesn’t matter if Mr. or Ms. Right is there to enjoy it with you. What’s wrong with asking for one ticket or a table for one?
Dating yourself gives you the chance to get to know yourself a little better. A little seclusion from the romantic links of others gives you time to think. Remember when you were little and used to do that one thing that you don’t do anymore because so and so doesn’t like to do it? Well it is time for you to treat yourself to that experience once again. Plus, it’s cheap! You’ve saved 50% just by eliminating one person from the equation. You only have to have enough funds for your admission, your meal, and other expenses. It’s the perfect date on a budget.
If you are in a relationship, there is nothing wrong with spending time apart. As compatible as you and your partner may be, there may be activities that you prefer to do separately. I wouldn’t dare suggest that this take the place of your regularly scheduled date nights. However, I would like to encourage you to get out of your routine. Choose one or two days a month to spend time with you to recharge. For instance, my girlfriend has no desire to get a massage. On the other hand, I would love to get a massage every week. There aren’t any rules that say we have to be joined at the hip. What about checking out the newest park or museum opening, on the other side of town, where your friends or family would never go? Give yourself the opportunity to try something new without someone else’s opinion interfering.
Dating yourself is not a bad thing. Many people are embarrassed to ask for that table for one at dinner, that one ticket, or that one admission. Don’t be! Get to know yourself. Take the time to participate in activities that are uniquely you. Choose an activity close to your heart or one that is new and exciting. The money you save will not only put a smile on your face but a little putter in your bank account.
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That seems like a great idea,but I would feel weird. I used to hate going out for lunch during my internships. I always felt lonely. To cover up that anxiety, I would take along a book to read. I just really like the company of good, happy people.
I love solo dates! My favorite date night with myself involves a bubble bath, an 8 piece box of Godiva chocolates, a bottle of 2 buck Chuck, and a trashy novel. I enjoy them all at the same time. And after my bubble bath, I treat myself to a pedicure and facial at home. OMG – it’s the best!
Ladybugsmile: I can understand the anxiety. We’ve been conditioned since grade school to eat lunch with others.
Dating yourself should be special- something that will make you happy regardless of who you are with.
Serena: OMG! That sounds like a great date to me.
It’s also a great way to have an adventure. I once caught a bus to park slope (which I live nearly 3 hrs from) to go to my first lesbian bar by myself. Not having a date or a friend with me, I then told myself that since I didn’t know anyone I would introduce myself to everyone. It was a great opportunity to learn to be more outgoing and try and meet interesting people. I had a blast.
Tamara: This is excellent advice. Jeanine and I have regular friend dates – I think it’s important that we both have alone time with our close friends. I also get one weekend each year for a trip with my best bud. Jeanine gets her weekend away too. I think this type of independence is really healthy for a relationship.
Sorry for chiming in late. I’ve been busy the last few weeks lol.
I fail to see why anyone is morbidly afraid of doing things alone. Sure, it’s a bit socially awkward at first. A few times, I’ve gone and seen a movie alone and told my friends I saw it. They ask, “Who’d you go with?” I say, “Myself,” and I watch their looks of amazement. I wanted to see the movie, and nobody was willing or able to go with me, so I went and saw the movie. Same with restaurants. If I want a nice sit-down meal, I go get it. It’s a great opportunity, as one commenter said, to people-watch or read. A lot of times, I’ll write when I’m eating alone. Mall shopping can be nice because you don’t have to wait for your friend to pilfer through all the ugly clearance stuff; you can do that on your own. 😛
Don’t be afraid. It’s only social training, not necessity, that makes you feel weird for doing things alone in public. I set people clear that, when it’s Chris Time ™, don’t bug me!