Dating is expensive? Not really! Q: Julie, how can we make dating less expensive? A: First date ideas for those who like to hang on to their cash: As a matchmaker overseeing the love lives of thousands of single love seekers, I hear plenty of grumbling about $14 glasses of wine, $85 lunch bills, and all of those little and not so little expenses that are…the costs of courtship…More so now than ever with our current economic challenges. So, what are simple, yet highly effective things you can do when you’re ready to meet, greet, date, make a good impression and have fun? Here are some stellar notes I received from my clients about their creative and inexpensive dates that were awesome. Catherine’s a busy CPA and single mom, whose only opening for a first date with Brian was Sunday morning, squeezed in between her puppy training class and her son’s soccer game. The meeting spot? Sharky’s Fresh Mexican grill – a super casual fast food restaurant, classed up by mesquite, stone fired ovens, organic fare and a lovely outdoor patio area. Brian couldn’t have handled things better for this quickie date, which was not at all expensive, and came across as anything but cheap. In confirming plans with Catherine by phone, sensing that her day would be hectic, he suggested this casual but pretty outdoor spot, and (smart boy) discovered in advance that Catherine loves Fresh Mix salads. Catherine arrived right on time, delighted to find Brian seated at a sweet little table by the fountain. On the table already? A couple of different salads, tortilla chips, guacamole, lemonade and …get this…at his feet…a bowl of water for her puppy.
Glowing post-date reviews from both of them. They’re meeting up this coming Sunday…same time…same place…same pup….and they’ll have fun fighting over the bill, which will be all of about … eighteen bucks. The moral of the story? Creativity, flexibility and thoughtfulness stretch a lot farther than the almighty dollar in making that all important first impression on a date. With much love, Julie Ferman For more interesting articles on dating and matchmaking, visit www.blog.julieferman.com