Is dating now too expensive due to inflation and rising gas prices?

Question

JamesDiaz11 · Accepted Answer

It depends on how you approach it. If you're still single, taking multiple women out each week, even to a coffee can get expensive- not to mention if you're taking them out to eat.
Choose dates where you get a single drink, maybe go for a walk, and then be creative in your date ideas. Don't do the movies, out to eat, bullshit. Go to the gym together, make a meal together, go to the beach or go on a hike (bring water, and a few granola bars), even a picnic is a good idea. These are all better date ideas than taking someone out to the ridiculously inflated prices we see everywhere- even if inflation were not an issue.

Just don't take someone out AT ALL if you don't have chemistry beforehand. If she's touch and go with communication, and you finally get put on her calendar for a Friday/ Saturday night only because you promised to take her to sushi... DO NOT. I'm currently making enough money to afford these meaningless excesses with women, but if you're a young guy, working an hourly job (under $22/hour) this can easily wipe out half your weeks paycheck in a single date... Don't do this in the hope that you may get lucky, because we all know that 4/5 dates don't turn into anything- just a "thanks, it was nice meeting/ seeing you."

ManOnFire · Accepted Answer

Dude, there are all kinds of creative ways to have dates that don't have to include a lot of spending. In fact the best dates are those that are low key and allow you and your partner to connect in more meaningful ways. With my last girlfriend we often would drive somewhere far while we talked, then we would get something to eat, and we would either eat in the restaurant or eat in her car or mine and just enjoy each other's company. Other times we did nice things like go to the sunflower field or walk around her city or mine.

Dating does not have to be like some picture perfect Hollywood vision where money is spent on a lavish dinner in New York or L. A.

Smoke-n-Growls · Accepted Answer

No, there's plenty of fun things you can do without cars or driving, or spending too much money.

Personally, I'd love to go on a bike ride around my city's green spaces. See how many we can hit up, pack a picnic from home, and find a nice venue. Free, no gas, exercise, and the outdoors.

Or heck, meet at a park or a market outdoors. Go to a farmer's market with samples and see how full you get on free stuff, lol (but, y'know, ideally bring $20 and support your local market - pool your resources and find out how much of a picnic you can assemble).

Personally, I'd be more impressed by a date that got resourceful and creative with being on a budget and trying to go as car free as possible.

Inflation isn't going to get better anytime soon, economic and supply chain collapse are imminent, and creativity and resourcefulness are useful and attractive qualities in a partner.

This way, even if we do end up with a lot of money, I know my partner isn't going to just spend it all on convenience things.

Brainsbeforebeauty · Accepted Answer

There's still plenty of ways to spend quality time getting to know someone without spending money, or much money... Walk by the beach is free, picnic in the park is just packing a lunch, even if you don't use items already have, still much cheaper and more intimate than a restaurant..
Game day, dinner/movie night, snuggled on a couch..
Good way to find out who's serious about getting to know you, versus just in it for a good night out... And the other upside is it takes away the "who should pay for the first date" nonsense unless people gonna squabble about who should provide the picnic🙄🤷🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

Pinay_ako · Answer

Everything is expensive. Just have to find ways to enjoy life and each other without breaking the bank

ohshee · Answer

Depending on who you're dating what your relationship is about there are so many different ways to go dating it's time to change things up become closer become more in tune with each other you don't need to go someplace to have a date there's all different ways if you use your mind to do something fun and the new experience that's all dating is

OpenClose · Answer

Never been so glad I bought an EV.

Jokes aside, money and dating shouldn't go together. If it's too expensive to go to that restaurant across town, then go to the park and have lunchables. If one of you has a problem with less extravagant dating, then tough shit for them, that's what they're getting.

I despise money/dating interactions. If you think he loves you less because he doesn't give you gifts, then give him a gift and see if he reciprocates. Never show up to a date assuming you're paid for or thinking "I should be paid for". Time and attention don't convert to dollars. So your time and attention should only be worth time and attention in return. What I can't get my head around is why so many people are incapable of processing this.

But one area where money and dating is kind of unavoidable in going out and meeting people. Online dating is currently awful. And places where people hang out to meet new people are usually expensive.

Texasgal95 · Answer

I think there’s ways you can still date and not spend a lot of money especially with all the technology there is today. My boyfriend and I are an hour apart and we will do FaceTime dates. We’ve been watching the new Kenobi series on Disney plus via Facetime. If you are serious about the relationship you will find ways

Bob92220 · Answer

I'm on Match. com and the women I correspond with and then ask to meet at Starbucks for coffee have said, "I'm a high-quality woman and deserve a high-quality date." "I don't date cheap men." "If all you can afford is coffee then I'm not interested." Basically, the women I've corresponded with feel insulted that I want to meet for coffee on the first date. (I pay.)

So yes, I believe spending $100 on a date is too expensive due to inflation and gas prices.

Kaamraj · Answer

It's interesting that more men than women think that dating is more expensive as they are the ones footing the bill most of the times. I'm sure if women were serious on the first date then men would not have an issue even paying for it, but with the emergence of the "foodie call" culture were men are being used only for a lunch or dinner source by women with no intentions for a sexual relationship, I advice men to stay away from dates all together until they make themselves part of the top 10 %.

Fireguy17 · Answer

There are less expensive things you can do.
Maybe a picnic in a park, less expensive early movies, cook your date a meal at your house, and watch a movie.
Everything costs more now, so hopefully your date will understand and have fun just doing simple things.

Anonymous · Answer

naaah.. at least not the way I usually date.. most important is time for each other.. if the higher orices means one has to work more/get more stressed then it has a bad influence, but I don't need someone to drive me around or buy me stuff.. less money for extra nice things, but don't need something extravagant for dating/getting to know each other

beebella · Answer

Everything is too expensive now due to inflation and rising gas prices.

SaartjieJane · Answer

Go for a walk… then again I live in a smallish area where I can take a 5 minute walk and there’s everything right there. Could hop on a bus into town. You don’t need a car to go on a date… or at least not in my opinion

Guardian45 · Answer

If you're dating the traditional way, then it ABSOLUTELY is expensive.

I used to pick up my date in Mom's car. We would go to a movie first, rarely a drive-in, then a restaurant and/or café. If I was particularly enamored with her, I would bring her flowers, sometimes every weekend.

I don't remember anymore what I paid for an evening date, but in today's prices I shudder at the cost!

I don't want to age myself, but let's say I remember when payphones were a dime flat, and a big glass bottle of Coke or Pepsi was 25 cents!

CallmeTheKnight · Answer

Depends honestly. If you're already a creative and planner like myself, then no. But if you go to dinner and the movies for every date you have then you're clearly wasting your time.

Lionman95 · Answer

No inflation and raising of prices have no influence in my dating life and are no reason why I my dating life is not existing. Dating in general isn´t something I have time for at the moment and there are deeper reasons I´m single.

purplepoppy · Answer

It just means your now approached by a better class of guy

DarkCarousel · Answer

Not just dating. Everything is too expensive due to inflation and gas prices. But I’ve been pinching pennies for a long time and not living enough. It’s not like I can take it with me when I die. Adventure awaits.

Red-Blaze · Answer

It shuld not be Dating can be qruit place in a part with some home made stuff Or just something small somewhere go for a walk there are a lot of options dont dven have to cost

Jessica405 · Answer

Nah! When my boyfriend and I were impoverished students, we brewed up coffee in our dingy flats rather than go out. Things different now we have well paid jobs.

ChrisMaster69 · Answer

Lucky poor people have never dated before, those who can’t actually afford a car..

There does seem to be far to much emphasis by some on a date needing to actually cost money, as in its sort of a measure how the date is.

You don’t have to spend cash to date, it’s about being open about expectations and picking something fun or where both can learn about the other.

SassyAussieAddy · Answer

Some of the most fun I have had on dates is ones where very little is spent.

ShadezMcgee · Answer

Definitely limits the amount of what can be done. I know me and my girlfriend can't go out and do as much as we used to. We can still do some small bar dates or mini golf, bowling, or hiking, walking in the park etc, but dinners and travel vacation is pretty much gone.

hellomellow7 · Answer

Dating doesn’t have to be expensive, could always walk or bike together to go do something, and find cheaper or free date ideas

Citizenkirk · Answer

Life sustaining resources are too expensive due to inflation. A picnic basket and blanket can be found at many rummage sales and garage sales, as well as thrift stores.
If you have any culinary skills and good taste in food, you can stretch that dollar a lot farther at a community park or trail, than you can at a half decent restaurant without having to show your I. D. or leave a tip.

Anonymous · Answer

If dating is a problem imagine getting married buying a house living a normal house or having kids
It’s clear this is a war to destroy families.. scariest war earth can endure than guns and tanks and soldiers dying

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

Living is too expensive now, then again one need not spend much on dates either. A walk in a park, to talk and hang out is pretty cheap.

Iron_Man · Answer

If the girl pulls her weight and bring something to the table it’s not that bad you have to live your life this will pass but of course if every time you go out she just shows up and you have to do everything by yourself and spend spend spend yes it is quite expensive

IveGotNoName · Answer

Ehhhhh a date doesn't have to be at some stupid expensove restaurant... there are lots of things to do for free

FreyaRed · Answer

Not for me. My car makes up to 150 km on power from the socket.

Titanic1912 · Answer

Yes, thanks to liberals who voted for Joe Biden! Thanks to liberals and butthole Biden, gas is too expensive for people to go on vacation and go on dates, and get to work, too!

Anonymous · Answer

I'd say so, my boyfriend and I still do fun things but we are both way more cautious on what we spend our money on. However, we found other ways to spend our time together like binge watching tv shows, picnics, bike rides, working out, and playing video games. We still have dinner dates but we usually go to places that are cheaper or charge us reasonable prices for the food.

ArtemisSilver · Answer

Congratulations, if you're so economically suppressed that you can no longer afford to date or have children you've become a victim of textbook genocide. Aren't we living in wonderful times?

RationalMale · Answer

A guy taking a girl out to a nice dinner for a first date is like a girl putting out on the first date haha.

It has to be done with discretion, only for girls you're really into, and you need to accept the risk you might get nothing out of it.

Djaay · Answer

Dating is'nt worth any amount of money. Im not paying for a parole officer over my life or buying an oppertunity to be one over they're's so why date then. Just step straight into relationship instead.

PatriceONeal · Answer

Women are too expensive. Dangerously overvalued really. Gas prices just make for a better excuse.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

Yes, if you're assuming that dating means you have to go out somewhere.

(Which yes, you should, generally speaking. That's always a nice thing to do with your sweetheart. I just don't view it as a hard rule or a requirement. This is the 21st Century, and most of us have high-speed internet.)

SomeGuyCalledTom · Answer

Nah you can always adapt and date on a suitable budget. Some of my most memorable dates cost less than a tenner, all considered.

Whatever2929292 · Answer

LETS GO BRANDON!!! No but I might not pay both tabs.

Avicenna · Answer

It might affect how many first dates you go on and what you do in those dates.

AssholeNumberOne · Answer

Honestly, just do free activities. It'll filter out the gold diggers as well

kobeni · Answer

I've never been expensive, and I've never insisted a man pay. I already eat out more than I should anyways.

I'm upper class, though. Benefits of being a loser nerd who throws away interpersonal happiness for career.

Anonymous · Answer

dating doesn't have to be expensive... being in a relationship doesn't have to be expensive. to cut cost, cook at home... etc...

ImJustSomeGuyLol · Answer

Inflation and gas is the least of my concerns when it comes to dating 😂

XXblack88 · Answer

Yeah it has. Unless your idea of a date is going too the public park

slatyb · Answer

No doubt some people are unable to afford some things they used to enjoy. They can still date. It's not necessary to spend $100 on a meal. It's not impressive to show someone a good time without spending a lot.

cth96190 · Answer

No, dating is not too expensive, if one does it intelligently.
Interaction with females is, however, too legally dangerous to survive a cost/risk/benefit calculation.
Today's consensual sex is tomorrow's false rape allegation.

Pudsmucker · Answer

Dating can be fun and inexpensive. You can make a picnic lunch. Or you can have a dinner in the outdoors with something special, cook out. Take a nice table and chairs and set up at a park and have a dinner for two. Go to the zoo, swimming, walks.

Likes2drive · Answer

Yeah because going out and traveling is what you mostly do dating and those are the biggest things that went up

Anonymous · Answer

Well if you're accustomed to trying to wow your date it could be a problem. Call me cheap if you want but first dates are usually coffee dates for me so we can talk and get to know her. And I'm a thrifty person in general so if it's past the first date and I don't the sense she's my equal in that sense then I'm probably NOT dating her anymore. Lol

AviatorTom · Answer

No, dating is still important. You just find cheaper and easier things to do. Like take a bike ride, stay at home and watch a movie, etc.

warren_zevon · Answer

Real dating has been affordably for a broad cross section of the country for decades. This is not news or new. The recent inflation trend is just another chapter in the saga.

Pixel343 · Answer

Girls love the romantic nature of a guying burning his money on her it's endearing.

Snsl153 · Answer

Going for a walk along the beach isn't expensive, it's free. So is watching a sunset, or just getting a coffee.

TheorionMage · Answer

A cup of coffee and a walk in the park with REAL conversation costs virtually nothing but your honesty!

Ms_Facesitter · Answer

No. You need to work with what you have! I have a couch for two, I have a tv, food. All I need is you, and it's a date. Nothing fancy, nothing pricy.

LilyoftheLake · Answer

Dates don't always mean going to expensive places to eat! Just take us to the park or something if you can't afford it!

skeetskeetskeet · Answer

Personally If you can't afford the gas to see her maybe you shouldn't be dating and get another job

MountAverage · Answer

No, just go for a couple of drinks. Or even better, it's summer - go buy something to drink cheaply from the supermarket and sit outside somewhere. Where I live there's plenty of pretty parks or squares or whatever that can be quite romantic.

LovingLoverReturned · Answer

Too expensive only for unwise people. Not expensive for wise people.

jamesgoldman · Answer

I haven't dated in so long I can't really comment but given the rest of inflation has only led me to a business bridge loan from my father (too much gold on the market and not enough cash)

aliiiek · Answer

Dude in my country we have 70% inflation each year. And people still get married let alone date 😂 , and when divorce happen men loose everything in most case and they might end up in prison , but they still get married

007kingifrit · Answer

"dating" is whatever you make it to be. you can invite a girl over to cook with you, or go to the park or go mining deep in the earth for gem stones and make a profit... i mean i would call that last one ideal but that's just me

Is dating now too expensive due to inflation and rising gas prices?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Is dating now too expensive due to inflation and rising gas prices?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.