With the economic crisis looking gloomier 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.
Cheap Date #1: Cook Together!
Instead of going out to a restaurant, 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 anyway. The sharing together, the creating of something together, the enjoying the fruits of your labor together, will surely bond you and your date more than ever before. And instead of cooking something high-end like steaks or seafood, consider making a pasta dish. Pasta is cheap and delicious to boot.
Cheap Date #2: 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 wheelchair-accessible walking trails too.
To make the outdoor experience more romantic, pack a backpack full of goodies. I like going to Trader Joe’s and 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.
Cheap Date #4: Sunday Evening at the Movies!
Did you know that at most movie theaters across the country, Sunday nights are the best time to go? Most theaters provide the cheapest tickets of the week on Sunday nights ($5/ticket in these parts). So be a maverick, and go out during a time that isn’t the most popular. You may even end up in a nearly empty theater, which will surely make you and your date happy if you decide to get mischievous halfway through the flick.
Also, wheelchairs provide multiple hiding places for you to sneak in your own munchies. I’m a big fan of Twizzler’s (red cherry) licorice and gummy bears myself. Why pay $4.50 for candy when you can get it for $1 at Target? Don’t be stupid!
Cheap Date #5: Free Music at Coffee Houses!
Did you know that a big chunk of coffee houses (non-chain ones particularly) offer free music, played by local musicians, on a regular basis? Branch out in your neighborhood and see if a coffee shop near you offers free live music.
I love sharing live music with my boyfriends. It can be a very religious/emotionally-bonding experience if the music is good enough. And stay away from the $3+ lattes or mochas. Instead, buy a cup of coffee and add a shot of flavoring for a MUCH cheaper java experience.
Cheap Date #6: Find Free Museums in Your Area!
There are hundreds of museums of all varieties across the country that offer free admission, especially art museums. Wandering museum halls with your date and experiencing priceless art or artifacts together is a seriously fantastic date idea. Walk/roll hand-in-hand, as you discover the museum. Another great bonding experience if I do say so myself.
Cheap Date #7: Free Streaming TV Shows!
Do you like SNL Heroes, House, and other highly popular TV shows? Visit your favorite network’s site and enjoy the free streaming versions of their programs. You can literally watch them whenever you want. Love it! And if you have a laptop, sitting on the couch or laying in bed together while watching some shows can be a truly lovely experience. Hulu.com and ProjectFreeTV.com are free streaming site that offers a lot of good entertainment.
After writing this article, I had a revelation of sorts. While not having adequate amounts of money can suck, it truly forces us to think more creatively, and as a result of these cheap dates, we may end up being closer than ever before.
I knew there was a silver lining in this mess somewhere.
