Dating can be a very expensive experience, and if you are not careful, your wallet will feel the pain. It is hard to find the right person these days, which means you might have to go on several dates to find that special someone who clicks with you. But what if spending money each time you meet someone doesn’t work for you even though you don’t want to seem a cheapskate? Today, we prepared a few useful tips for you on how to keep dating and still save some cash.
What Is the Average Cost of a Date?
According to recent studies, the average cost of a date is around $85; this is a worldwide statistic. The United States, however, has a higher number with an average date costing around $115. Some surveys show that ~75% of singles would be comfortable spending more than $100 on the first date. The majority of those are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on traveling to meet their date. But the recent popularity of online dating makes its adjustments. Thus, the majority of the top dating sites give their users the ability to create a dating account free of charge, making the process of finding compatible partners super cost-effective. And combined with a wide range of free features for successful matchmaking, many people nowadays prefer dating online first to meet someone like-minded. This way, they save not only money but time too, when chatting with other singles in search of someone special.
Do’s and Don’ts for Splitting the Bill on a Date
Splitting the bill is one of the most controversial subjects related to dating. It can be hard to tell if asking to split the bill will be taken as a positive gesture by your date or if they will consider it the one thing that calls off any chances for a future date. So it is very important to know some of the do’s and don’ts for this way of saving money on a date.
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If you are the one who initiated the date, then it is better that you pay for the date instead of splitting it. However, if they offer to do it, accept it.
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Ask about splitting the bill in a graceful and lighthearted manner.
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If you think your date is getting uncomfortable with splitting the bill, tell them that you would get it this time, and they can get it next time. It has nothing to do with them not wanting to spend their money. It’s just that some people still prefer and conform to the traditional method of dating where the guy always pays.
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Do not suggest paying individually for the items each of you ordered; instead, split it down the middle and pay evenly.
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Don’t make an issue out of it if they hesitate or refuse to split the bill, as you might not even want to go on another date with the person who does not even want to split the bill with you.
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Don’t talk about the bill during the date. Leave it till the end to discuss.
Tips to Pay Less on a Date
As already mentioned, people are spending more and more on their dates, and if this trend continues, this will become a norm, and people would expect dates to be expensive. However, they still don’t have to be too expensive. A dating experience is all about knowing the person and understanding if they suit your tastes. It should not depend on the amount of money you spend but on the quality of time spent together. And there are many ways you can have a great experience while still saving money.
Set a Budget for Your Date
Set a budget for the date and stick to it. If you are planning on paying the bill, you might not know what the other person would order, which might disturb your budget. So keep some cushion for the extra amount. One way to stop going over budget is to choose a restaurant that does not have an expensive menu. This way, you can both enjoy a great meal without having to go over the set budget.
Spend Some More on the First Date and Save Money in the Future
You can spend some extra cash on your first date to make the day special for your partner. Once they start liking you, they wouldn’t care that much about the price of the meal. They would be more concerned about spending quality time with you. So, the next time you see them, you can spend relatively less money and still enjoy a great time together.
Go for Dates That Do Not Include any Money
Dating shouldn’t just be about going to the movies and enjoying an expensive meal at a fancy restaurant. In fact, you can just take your partner to the beach, or go hiking, or do any other thing that both of you enjoy. If it’s not your first date, you can cuddle together and watch Netflix.
With people spending more and more on dating each passing year, it is very easy to get carried away by what society tells you to do. However, it is important not to get overwhelmed by it. So by following the above-mentioned tips, you can save a lot of money on your dates while still enjoying a great time together!
