That’s all very lovely but I think you’re missing the point of what I’m trying to say.
I’m not saying anyone is dropping loads of money to impress anyone, I’m saying going out in most any context costs loads of money without even being “impressive”.
Obviously a hike and a picnic is a great date! But it’s reckless and irresponsible as a first date. You could end up murdered. For a first date you’re likely meeting in a public place. Heck, even in your own example your first date was in a bar, which now a days is a dozens of dollars experience for just a few drinks, much more if you’re buying for two or it’s a nice bar, or if there’s any food involved.
I’m saying even for frugal people (hell, my husband and I first got to talking in a thrift store through a mutual friend!) dating is expensive, and it’s not about preferences, it’s just that eating out at all or even just drinks or coffee not at home is very pricey.
…Heck, even in your own example your first date was in a bar, which now a days is a dozens of dollars experience for just a few drinks…
Pro tip for anyone still reading this far down into the thread: If you’ve a hotel - like a Sheraton, Hilton or any higher-end lodging… Check out their lounge. The cheapest drinks in the city I live in are at the hotels - they generally will price cocktails 35 to 50% lower than the bars and clubs in the area, simply to catch a little bit of the cocktails action… (also the hotels all have beautiful lounges)
Last time I went to New Orleans I stayed in a hotel on the edge of the French Quarter and drank for one fifth of the price that the drinks outside cost. Got good and oiled THEN headed out to hear live music.
I went gambling ONCE, with my grandparents who loved to go to Foxwoods. Played the slots, lost 20 bucks in a few minutes and got ZERO frisson from it.
Am like “People get a charge from this…?” as I was sitting there watching the others in the aisle poke the spin button on the machines they were playing, like they were robots…
I had more fun the rest of the afternoon playing video games in the arcade. It took me a LOT longer to go through 20 bucks there.
That’s all very lovely but I think you’re missing the point of what I’m trying to say.
I’m not saying anyone is dropping loads of money to impress anyone, I’m saying going out in most any context costs loads of money without even being “impressive”.
Obviously a hike and a picnic is a great date! But it’s reckless and irresponsible as a first date. You could end up murdered. For a first date you’re likely meeting in a public place. Heck, even in your own example your first date was in a bar, which now a days is a dozens of dollars experience for just a few drinks, much more if you’re buying for two or it’s a nice bar, or if there’s any food involved.
I’m saying even for frugal people (hell, my husband and I first got to talking in a thrift store through a mutual friend!) dating is expensive, and it’s not about preferences, it’s just that eating out at all or even just drinks or coffee not at home is very pricey.
Pro tip for anyone still reading this far down into the thread: If you’ve a hotel - like a Sheraton, Hilton or any higher-end lodging… Check out their lounge. The cheapest drinks in the city I live in are at the hotels - they generally will price cocktails 35 to 50% lower than the bars and clubs in the area, simply to catch a little bit of the cocktails action… (also the hotels all have beautiful lounges)
Last time I went to New Orleans I stayed in a hotel on the edge of the French Quarter and drank for one fifth of the price that the drinks outside cost. Got good and oiled THEN headed out to hear live music.
In my town the cheapest drinks are at the casino. They want you drunk, and they want your money in the slots
LOL! Yup.
I went gambling ONCE, with my grandparents who loved to go to Foxwoods. Played the slots, lost 20 bucks in a few minutes and got ZERO frisson from it.
Am like “People get a charge from this…?” as I was sitting there watching the others in the aisle poke the spin button on the machines they were playing, like they were robots…
I had more fun the rest of the afternoon playing video games in the arcade. It took me a LOT longer to go through 20 bucks there.