With the new budget in swing everyone is taking a hit to the pocket – so here are our tips on how to date her without hardly spending a penny!
Take in some scenery
Beaches, forests, fields and mountains; all ideal settings for romantic walks, picnics and general frolics. As staple settings for countless romantic films, scenic locations seem to have an erotic power that bus stops outside Mecca Bingo just can’t match. (Remember that ‘meadow scene’ from Twilight? Me neither. After research, it turns out they just angrily stare at each other before daylight ruins the vampiric “fun”. Try and be a bit more animated than that). If you don’t live close to any of the above, parks work just as well.
Nights in
Whip up a yellow-stickered, reduced aisle masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen. Not a chef? Get some microwave meals you can legitimately pass off as your own handywork. Hide all evidence, light some candles, borrow movies from mates and get some cheap sweets. After the film, whack on the odd tune or two, and whadayaknow, Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” is the third song in. One website suggested learning a strip tease to entice your partner – something that would only work in a parallel dimension.
Pack a picnic
It might sound a bit Grandma and Grandad but it doesn’t have to be like that in reality. Whisk her off for a walk in the country, pack a flask and a bag of treats for when you stop off somewhere. Don’t be put off by the cold weather! Prepare something that’ll keep her warmed up. Far more romantic than a night at the flicks with a bag of Sour Snakes.
Collect vouchers
Once a prized past-time of frumpy aunts everywhere, now a legitimate past-time for us all, collecting vouchers and coupons could be the perfect way to stretch your budget further. Everyone likes a bargain, so you or your housemates probably have a few of these lying around already, but those of you not in the know check out or boardsdeals.ie . There are some excellent opportunities here to save money on nights out, and also on spending in general, leaving you more cash to flash. Keep this on the low-down however if you do want to impress, and watch out for hidden catches on some deals, which could blow the cover on your saving scheme.
Invite her to a houseparty
Either having your own or attending a friends, bear in mind you are known by the company you keep. If you’re actually attending a football team social, chances are she may be left out or intimidated. Remember that although you’re there to have fun, you also still want to impress. If you get as wrecked as you would with your social mates, she might just go home with someone else.
Euro Shops
A treasure trove of books, DVDs and household cleaning products, you’re bound to find something fitting here (try not to make it a household cleaning product. Not on a first date at any rate). Bring her here on a date, joke that you’ll treat her, then amuse yourself asking a cashier the price of every item until you’re thrown out.