I keep hearing that there’s a recession out there, and that everyone wants to save money on every little thing. How depressing! Dating is an obvious cutback – for some people at least. But no dating means no fun, no love, no excitement… and we can’t have that. This is Dating Dave talking! There are quite a few ways you can have cheap or low cost dates with women, and here are some of my favourites.

Inexpensive Date Idea 1: Picnic dinner and a walk on the beach.
Many women love a long walk on a moonlit beach. You see this request in thousands of online dating ads and in newspapers. So make it happen. Instead of the expensive dinner at a new French restaurant, put together a picnic hamper from supermarket bought ingredients (take the time to make the food special by cutting crusts off the bread, packing sexy strawberries, or making a nice dessert etc) and head off to a beach together at dinner time. Sit on the free BBQ tables or seats and eat dinner, and then have that lovely walk in the moonlight you both want.

Inexpensive Date Idea 2: Bike Riding in the countryside.
This is a good daytime date idea. Go off to a mountain or forest and bike ride together. Ride for a while. Stop and have some snacks. Then ride back to the car / bus / home. It’s a fun way to have some shared space together without too many words – and the exercise does wonders for your body and libido.

Inexpensive Date Idea 3: Go to free concerts.
Most councils / cities / towns have free concerts from time to time, like orchestral concerts, or “party in the park”, or “Christmas carol services” etc. These are particularly popular in summer. Going to a concert implies that you have a “touch of class” – and does not scream “cheapskate”.

Inexpensive Date Idea 4: Museums can be fascinating – and free.
Many museums have a free entry evening one a month or more. Go along to one of these free evenings and appear cultured and relevant to your date. Impress her with an “on sale” good bottle of wine for you both to drink later in the evening. All class, all brilliance, all culture… and basically free.

Inexpensive Date Idea 5: Babysit a married couple’s children together.
This might sound strange – but the idea is perfect. Kids can be fun to play with, but even if they aren’t this free dating idea shows your date that you might be good with children in the future. If she’s not already planning babies and a future with you, this might well be the push she needs!

Inexpensive Date Idea 6: Go house shopping via open homes.
Don’t look at this too seriously – you don’t want her to get the idea that you’re planning to move in together at date three… so look at homes that are well outside your price budget (e.g. million dollar mansions are always good – or just nice homes in an area). House shopping / buying is a “feel good” exercise. Every one likes to dream of their future. It might make you both happy in the present.

Inexpensive Date Idea 7: Seasonal dating activities.
When there’s something special and free happening, make sure you both attend it. For example, the turning on of the Christmas lights in an area can be an event full of fun and wonder. Looking at the Christmas lights on people’s housing is a good free activity, and spreads love and joy. And these types of dating activities are completely free to undertake.

Inexpensive Date Idea 8: Stay home and share the love.
If your home has a fireplace, light the fire, and sit or lie down nearby together (depending on where your relationship is at), and read poetry to each other (or sing / play a guitar if musically talented). If that doesn’t get your partner in the mood for love, nothing much will.

Love is free, and meant to be shared. So don’t let the costs of dating stop you from having a good time.

Dating and looking for your perfect match? Find your match at Xpress.com, Amateur Match and Webcam Club.