If you are single then you are already experiencing the difficulty of dating and meeting people in this black hole we still call “the economy.” So many people have already lost jobs, others are about lose their jobs, and the rest are working with no guarantees. The last thing on anyone’s mind is his or her love life. After all, dating is expensive.
It is common wisdom that it is much more expensive to be a single man than it is to be a single woman After all, men typically pay for dinner, movies, gas (to pick up the women), and the occasional flowers. Women, however, spend just as much—on getting ready! A woman prepares for a date way in advance. She needs a new outfit, beauty products, a perfume, a manicure, and an occasional hairstyle from the salon. So, basically, going out on the town means more spending than the tab you run up by the end of the night. Both parties need “play money” in order to be able to go out and “play.” And who has “play money” nowadays?
Everyone should stop dating and wait until they have a stable work-life before trying to have a love life, right? Wrong! Even if you are out of a job, money is tight, and you are worried about making rent, you can still, and should still, try to meet new people. You just need to change your mindset a little.
It used to be that someone’s career was almost like their last name. When meeting someone new, the first two questions often were “What is your name?” and “What do you do?” Since the “what do you do” has become a sore subject for many right now, it might not be the best opening line. In fact, now is the best time to date if you want to meet someone who doesn’t really care about what you do. Someone who is more concerned with getting to know you than categorizing you by their pre-determined list of qualifications. Think of it as getting a job interview without having to submit a resume first.
Also, meeting someone can be simple. You don’t have to hang out at fancy bars or restaurants to meet someone fancy. It doesn’t cost anything to go to a bookstore. You don’t even have to buy any books! Museums are a good way to see something new give yourself a boost of culture. You can go to the gym more, now that you have the free time. Don’t have a gym membership? Go for a jog. Look up a free conference. This might benefit your career and your personal life. The topic will give you something to discuss after it’s over. Do more to fulfill yourself rather than trying to worry about impressing others. It is when you are truly self-fulfilled that you will find someone who appreciates your intelligence and independence.
If you have just started a new relationship and are afraid you don’t have the resources to woo him or her, be upfront about that right away. It’s the effort and creativity that matter more. Don’t be embarrassed to say “one day we will do this” or “I’d like to show you that” or “I couldn’t do this but here’s what I did for you instead”. Don’t dish out on expensive gifts but do give small tokens of appreciation such as a box of chocolates you can share with a glass of wine or a rented DVD that will keep you occupied for at least two hours during the night.
Love brings happiness to everyone’s lives. If you are stressed, depressed, unhappy, or simply bummed because you, or someone you know is suffering from the recession that we are in, then this is the perfect time for love to come your way!
