Economic Crisis-Friendly Date Ideas

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With the economy looking gloomer than any of us have ever seen it, extravagant dates have taken a dramatic hiatus. Gone are the days of decadent lobster and champagne dinners at the haughtiest restaurants in town (for most of us). Instead, couples are creating new ways to spend time together that don’t put a noticeable dent in the pocketbook.

Something worth mentioning: The conundrum of having both a mobility disability AND figuring out a cheap (yet fun) date, can be quite the challenge. Here are some economic crisis-friendly date ideas that anyone, disabled or able-bodied, can take advantage of.

- Cook Together! Instead of going out to a restaurant (no matter how much, or how little it may cost), you’re sure to save money if you stay at home and cook with your date instead. Cooking together can be a very romantic activity anyways. The sharing together, the creating of something together, the enjoying the fruits of your labor together, will surely bond you and your S.O. more than ever before. And instead of cooking something high-end like steaks or seafood, consider making a pasta dish. Pasta is notoriously cheap and delicious to boot.

- Say Hello to Nature! If you live in a part of the world where it’s still comfortable enough outside to go out and enjoy the weather, do it! Public parks and nature reserves across the country are waiting for you to enjoy. Most parks have accessible walking trails too. To make the outdoor experience more romantic, pack a backpack full of goodies. I like going to Trader Joe’s a buying a bottle of their “Two-Buck Chuck” (their famous $3 bottles of red wine). Pack some wine, non-breakable glasses, and even some yummy cheese like Muenster (cheap and great on crackers). The solitude of nature combined with a delightful wine buzz, along with someone you’re enamored with, is an excellent way to spend a date.