eHarmony Advice

Feeling the crunch? Don’t let money worries curb your love life. Find out when to budget on a date and when you should go all out.

As if dating didn’t come with enough challenges, it’s a costly process to boot. Times of financial gloom only exacerbate the pressure. In a recent eHarmony survey, 50% of people said they are stressed about how their personal economic situation is going to impact their love life. But it’s not all bleak. Tough times also help us reassess our priorities and 42% said the one thing that could help them cope better is a healthy, happy relationship.

So where does this leave the singleton? How can you save without looking tight and when should you splurge? Financial stress needn’t spell doom to your love life. While there’s no rule book there are some pretty clear guidelines about when to spend and when to splurge.

You don’t have to break the bank
Never spend beyond your means – you’ll only promise a lifestyle you can’t deliver. Money might open up all sorts of interesting dating opportunities which will impress your potential partner, but you shouldn’t feel you have to spend heaps of cash. If you do feel pressure, then maybe you’re dating someone who’s not right for you.

A well planned date is key
A good date shows that you are investing in a relationship, and not just financially. The amount of effort you put in is more important than what you spend. Whether it’s early or late in a relationship, it’s vital you treat your partner to a meaningful date every now and then.

Some dates can be relaxed and informal
Don’t put pressure on yourself to come up with perfect date after perfect date. As long as you make an effort to do something special occasionally, other times you spend together can be more low key. Particularly when you’ve got into a rhythm in your relationship, you can just relax together and watch a film – if that’s something you both enjoy. The main thing is to create an environment in which you can get to know each other better.

Some situations demand a little cash
Never allow yourself to come across cheap. Sometimes you just can’t avoid spending on the extras. If rain strikes your stroll to a restaurant, don’t refuse to grab a cab, or if that supposedly free exhibition actually has a £5 entrance fee, don’t kick up a fuss. If you get your priorities right, spending a few pounds here and there won’t feel like such a sacrifice.

Be creative and thoughtful
Money isn’t the secret to a good date. A thoughtful, well-planned evening that only costs about £20 can make a much better impression than an expensive date that shows no forethought or imagination. There are plenty of activities you can do on a budget like going for a picturesque walk, having a picnic in the park or catching a free concert.

The secret to a good date is to make the other person feel special. Flashing your cash might be impressive but dates that have involved lots of effort and thought on your behalf will be much more memorable. Anyone with substance will be grateful for them. If you do have money to burn and are happy to spend it on a date, make sure you add in some personal touches to make your time together unique. Ultimately, whether you’re a struggling artist or a flush banker, the key is to take time to plan an evening that will allow you both to have fun and enjoy each other’s company.