While
it might seem like one needs a paycheck with multiple zeroes on the end in
order to achieve a happy romantic life, experts swear the opposite is true.
“It’s really not what you spend that’s going to make a date successful,” says
Steve Smith, the author of Cheap Dates: Fun, Creative and Romantic Dates
That Won’t Break Your Budget. “Nine out of ten women tell me that it’s
about the thought a guy puts into it.” The dates that follow won’t break the
bank, and are far more original than dinner and a movie.
The
Beach
If you live near the ocean, paradise is a pebble toss away, as an afternoon jaunt to the beach is an ideal way to log quality time without spending a dime. (If you’re not situated near an ocean, a lake can make a fine substitute.) “The water has a calming effect on people,” says Brendan Smith, who lives near the water in Los Angeles. “It’s a very sensual place, too, because of the rhythm of the water.” Added bonus: It’s a chance to see the object of your desire in a bathing suit.
If you live near the ocean, paradise is a pebble toss away, as an afternoon jaunt to the beach is an ideal way to log quality time without spending a dime. (If you’re not situated near an ocean, a lake can make a fine substitute.) “The water has a calming effect on people,” says Brendan Smith, who lives near the water in Los Angeles. “It’s a very sensual place, too, because of the rhythm of the water.” Added bonus: It’s a chance to see the object of your desire in a bathing suit.
The
drive-in
So,
they’re not as commonplace as when your parents dated, but drive-in movie
theaters can still be found in most states (just check www.driveintheater.com
to find one near you). “The drive-in allows you the perfect opportunity to make
out,” says C.J. Arabia of San Diego, CA. Arabia says she’s enjoyed watching
movies from inside the car, “eating pretzels and dollar hot dogs and other bad
food,” as much as setting up folding chairs and sharing a bottle of wine.
“Either way, it can be really sweet because you’re watching the movie with a
big group of people,” she says, “but you’re also watching it alone.”
Roller
Skating
Forget
inline skating—roller skating will bring even the most cynical of us back to
our most tender moments of adolescence, when nabbing the boy or girl you liked
for the “couples skate” was the height of pleasure. Most roller rinks have a
late-night adult skate—and some even have bars. Plus, roller skating is good
exercise, something you can’t say about wolfing down a pricey meal.
The at-home cafe
Author Smith suggests converting a back porch, balcony or roof into a cozy café. “Move furniture that you have in your place — maybe a table and a lamp — outside and put a CD player out there for ambiance,” Smith says. Dress up the meal with little extras—from candles on the table to coffee with liqueur at dessert.
Go-Kart racing
“Go-kart racing is a fun date for just about anyone,” swears Lucy Morgan of Boston, MA. Some tracks offer double karts so you can sit side by side with your sweetie. Or show your independent spirit and leave your date in your dust.
The at-home cafe
Author Smith suggests converting a back porch, balcony or roof into a cozy café. “Move furniture that you have in your place — maybe a table and a lamp — outside and put a CD player out there for ambiance,” Smith says. Dress up the meal with little extras—from candles on the table to coffee with liqueur at dessert.
Go-Kart racing
“Go-kart racing is a fun date for just about anyone,” swears Lucy Morgan of Boston, MA. Some tracks offer double karts so you can sit side by side with your sweetie. Or show your independent spirit and leave your date in your dust.
Take
a Hike
Walking is free and walking around in nature puts most anyone at ease. Plus, it provides an environment where two people are given ample opportunity to communicate without any other distractions. “When I went on a hike with the last guy I dated,” says Arabia, “we saw a rattlesnake and a tarantula and he got to be all manly. Plus the view was so incredible; it gave us a lot to talk about, so we really got to know one another better.”
Walking is free and walking around in nature puts most anyone at ease. Plus, it provides an environment where two people are given ample opportunity to communicate without any other distractions. “When I went on a hike with the last guy I dated,” says Arabia, “we saw a rattlesnake and a tarantula and he got to be all manly. Plus the view was so incredible; it gave us a lot to talk about, so we really got to know one another better.”
The
Usual, plus extras
Want to transform an average date experience into an extraordinary one? Author Smith has some suggestions. “Maybe you go to a cheapie matinee but you slip a sweet little note in the popcorn container with a keychain light for the person to read while the movie plays,” he says. Smith recounts a time when he had a jogging date with a woman, so he went on the route ahead of time and placed two Diet Coke’s on ice in a hole in the ground. “She was thrilled,” Smith remembers.
Want to transform an average date experience into an extraordinary one? Author Smith has some suggestions. “Maybe you go to a cheapie matinee but you slip a sweet little note in the popcorn container with a keychain light for the person to read while the movie plays,” he says. Smith recounts a time when he had a jogging date with a woman, so he went on the route ahead of time and placed two Diet Coke’s on ice in a hole in the ground. “She was thrilled,” Smith remembers.
…Anna
David
Courtesy
of Match.com
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