Date Nights on a Budget

Somehow, someway, we have started associating dates with a price tag. The bill on the first date is the main topic of many conversations, especially on social media. However, this does not mean that date nights always have to be in a high-end restaurant with a bill to pay. You should not have to wait for a bonus or your paycheck to spend a romantic night with someone that you love. Date nights can simply involve doing things together that you both enjoy. Learning new hobbies together, spending time on said hobbies together, and many more. Here are more examples:

• Cooking: it can be themed on certain countries, or just cooking a random recipe that either of you has been wanting to try!
• Watching a movie: might be boring since it has been done so many times already, but it can easily be more appreciated by building a fort together and getting well-loved snacks!
• Indoor camping: yes, this is a reference. Setting up a tent inside the house can easily become a memorable night!
• Local bookstores: going to a local bookstore and giving each other a few minutes to pick out a book you think the other person might enjoy(since the place is local, it is cheap!). Then, going home and reading the book together. Creates opportunity for banter and new insights!
• Walks: the world is scary. There may be a place you have been wanting to go to, or a forest you want to explore. Doing this together is much safer and creates an opportunity for deep talks and adventure!
• Bowling: since we are students, there is an opportunity to bowl for free. Talking about how bad the other person is, or complimenting them when they get better, can help you spend time together and learn a new skill. 
• Doomscrolling: this is a personal favorite, something about both people looking at one screen and just…scrolling.
• Thrifting: doesn’t have to be just scrolling through clothes together, can also include buying the other person an outfit with a budget. Creates laughter!
• Becoming an artist: it is just you and your person. Learn a dance together, learn to sing a dumb song together. There is no judgement and it creates a really fun memory. 
• Culinary experiments: make a new drink together (non-alcoholic), or just try random combos that either of you is interested in. If you guys become sick…um its not my fault.

The truth is, it’s not about the price of the date; it is about the person you spend your time with. Personally, going out to eat isn’t my idea of an ideal date; it is more about spending time together and laughing. No one wants to eat at a high-end restaurant in dead silence because both people are thinking about how much the bill is going to be. It is nice to be taken out to a good restaurant, but it is not necessary when it comes to loving someone and going on dates. Just spend time doing things you can enjoy!