Since people have helped with other problems, hopefully someone can help with this one.

Situation: I see a woman I want to ask on a date, but I have no money. What can I do without looking like a complete loser or cheapskate. (Yes, I realize I'm going to look like a partial loser or cheapskate regardless.)

sub 1: I do have a car.

sub 2: I have a car, but no gas at the moment.

 

Sounds like me.....but without the car....

 

When my wife and I first started dating we had no money, I don't think I looked cheap because she knew I had no money, I wasn't ashamed of it, I didn't like it and worked hard to change it. But as I say at that time I was permanently broke. We did all sorts of things that were either free or very cheap.

1) Guess you have to eat anyway so why not make up a picnic and go somewhere picturesque.

2) Walk on the beach, mountains , whatever, whatching the waves crash is free and fantastic.

3) Ferry ride, always found being on the water romantic.

4) Museums, Art galleries, don't know about US but free in the UK.

5) Get an all day bus or tube pass for a city and go photographing. DIgital cameras or phone cameras are great because you don't need to buy film.

Once you are dating:

6) Cook a meal together, eat it by candlelight, we used an old wine bottle as a candlestick. Make everything from fresh it is so much cheaper and a lot more fun.

7) Play games, cards, scrabble, trivial pursuit.

8) Get invovled in something together, amateur dramatics for example, lots of nights out, common interest, completely free.

9) I remember making some wine, it cost pennies but took weeks, the anticipation of sharing the first bottle we made together on our picnic was great. It tasted awful but we laughed and got merry on it.Once you have that wine made, light a couple of candles, turn off the lights, watch a romantic movie on the TV.

10) Build a snowman, have a snowball fight.

11) Go swimming

You probably will not believe me now, but when I look back I had some of my happiest times when I was broke. I don't ever want to be broke again, but it is true.

Good luck, if she doesn't want to know you because you are broke she is no loss.

 

Well said, Money don't buy good dates.

 

Those were great suggestions, MM. I think a cheap date can be vastly more romantic than one you spend a ton of money on. Have a nice old-fashioned picnic on the beach with some wine and cheese. And of course, sex is still the best bargain there is.

 

My husband and I also started out with very little money. Well, actually, we still have very little money, but that's besides the point.

For our first date, he took me to a park, he had packed a picnic and a few beers (we're simple country folks) and did not (would not) tell me where we were going. When we got there, we wandered around, talking, looking at the nature, etc. It was very peaceful and relaxing. Then, he surprised me with the picnic lunch.

It was probably the best date I have ever been on. I think back now about how nice it would be to be that relaxed and carefree again.

Another thing he used to do, was on his way home a time or two, was he stopped at those road-side/corner vendors and bought a couple simple flowers (i'm not a rose-kinda girl). It was the sweetest gesture and let me know he was thinking of me...there is a song called redneck roses, about how the guy picks wildflowers on his way home...its the thought not the cost!!

Now, with the kids and me being in college and all, we have little money again, and we often struggle with "things to do on a tight budget" One thing that we found near us is a free zoo. Which, I know is usually thought of as a kids' thing, but it wouldn't be a bad date, especially if you or she is an animal lover.

To wrap things up, my gf's and I have often talked about how the simplist things are the sweetest and most remembered.

 

dont need money to do everything...nice beach walk...zoo like they said would work

 

Thanks everyone. I should have said this sooner, but . . . Anyway, thanks for the advise.