How to Be a Cheap Date

A homemade meal for two is just one idea for a cheap date.

If the best things in life are free, and if love is the greatest gift of all--then the phrase "cheap date" shouldn't be an insult--but a compliment--and a downturn in the economy shouldn't be a roadblock to romance--but an opportunity. Let these tips help you discover why the cheap date gets the babes.

Instructions

1. Recognize the good fortune in it. It's easy to create a feeling of romance when you've got money to throw around. I mean, who isn't going to feel enchanted with dinners and movies and concerts and galas and gifts? The downside? All that dating hubbub can distract you from seeing if a true connection really does exist. Without excess cash as a crutch, you've just got each other to keep you entertained. Your compatibility (or lack thereof) will become crystal clear quite quickly.

2. Stay away from pricey online dating sites. I assure you, you don't need to shell out dough to get a date. You can catch a glimpse of all sorts of walking, talking, living, breathing, eligible singles for free just by walking out your door. Just open your eyes. When you spot one you like, give a real live wink. Or even better, open your mouth and introduce yourself.

3. Go as you are. While you may be tempted to splurge on new duds for a first date, don't! Wear what's already hanging in your closet. If your potential love interest doesn't like what you got, then he or she isn't right for you.

4. Smooch in the stacks. If you think taking a date to the library is a bonafide dork move, think again! Pull a favorite book from the shelf and read selected passages to each other, take a fantasy vacation together by flipping through books of travel photography or check out a mystery novel and read it together during the next month. You can learn a lot about the world and about your date by spending a couple hours (or an entire afternoon) together with a pile of books. And of course, there's that hushed library restrain that somehow always seems to enhance that glorious romantic tension.

5. Let the hands have it. One of the most underrated pleasures of dating is holding hands. For me, walking down the street with fingers entwined is absolutely magical. You can also read each other's palms (you don't need to know how, just make up a great story as you go), exchange hand massages or simply sit on a bench talking and gently mingling your fingers together.

6. Go old school. With a slight twinkle in her eye, my grandmother once told me about how her and my grandfather used to "park" at a lookout point not far from her childhood home. Oooo la la, Grandma! Give it a try by pulling over your car, putting on some old time love songs and steaming up the windows with a little hanky panky. (Note: be confident that your date wants to make out with you before attempting this move, otherwise you'll be unfairly putting yourself and your date in an uncomfortable situation.)

7. Do your daily dos. Who says that romance and productivity can't go hand in hand? Head to the laundry mat, run errands, organize a closet or work in the yard together. If you can make the mundane activities seem like play, you will not only earn points in the partner arena, but you will uncover some important secrets about overall life happiness as well.

8. Linger over the Sunday paper. It's cheap. It takes all day to read all those sections. It gives you endless topics to discuss. And with the way the newspaper industry is going, someday your grandkids may be looking at you with wonder as you explain, "We used to read the newspaper. Yes, they used to print the news on big sheets of thin paper."

9. Be honest about how much you can afford. If your date earns more money than you and expects you to contribute equally to your outings, make sure you are upfront about how much (or little) money you have to spend on dating. Be upfront, and you will learn a great deal about your date's character by his or her response. If you constantly feel pressured to spend beyond your means in order to keep up with your love interest, it may be best to invest your romance hopes elsewhere.

10. Know that you are not alone. Most of us are pinching pennies these days, so chances are that your date will appreciate your desire to keep it simple.

Tips & Warnings

• Do keep your hope alive. Both your hope that the economy will turn up and that you will find the love you crave.

• Do have a sense of humor. Difficult, awkward, disappointing and sad times are always easier when you can laugh.

• Don't stress. Not about the future. Not about what to say on your date. Worrying is always a waste of energy.