[Monday, January 12, 2008]I recently started dating a wonderful curly-haired guy and he is so on top of actually "dating." We go to movies, he makes reservations at swanky restaurants, he invites me to his shared ski-condo up in Frisco, buys or makes me little things that shows he listens to (and remembers!) our conversations, and is just (so far as I can tell) an all-around good man.
And he pays for everything, which is lovely; I am, however, afraid of it taking a toll a little later on in the relationship. I'm currently trying to pay off both credit card and student loan debt, and as a result, I have very little expendable income. I love the places he takes me to; I just can't afford them. He says that he doesn't mind - but I don't want his offer to pay to become expectant on my part or our going out dependent on his good natured spending.
I would like to reciprocate the awesome date ideas, but need to do so on a budget. Any thoughts?
Much thanks,
UnWealthy Woo-er
I would like to reciprocate the awesome date ideas, but need to do so on a budget. Any thoughts?
Much thanks,
UnWealthy Woo-er
Dear UnWealthy Woo-er
Congrats on finding a stellar man - they seem to be few-and-far between these days. Chances are if he is as awesome as you say he is, he'll appreciate your creativity and thoughtfulness when picking out your date spot.
So here are a few ideas I conjured up that will hopefully be of use in the future - after all, a thoughtful gesture will stick around a lot longer than that twenty you should have used to do pay your electric bill...
Free Dates:
*Cook him dinner! If you're not so savvy in the kitchen, arrange a potluck with friends and make a theme night out of the variety of foods.
*Go hiking - there are a number of good trails listed here
*Go through your (and his) movie collection and make a marathon out of a Saturday
*Make your own kite out of newsprint and go fly it in the park.
*Walk around downtown and window shop - act like a tourist in your hometown.
*Plan a scavenger hunt - whether all around town or just in your neighborhood.
*Head to the library and check out some books/movies (free entertainment).
*Plan a picnic.
Cheap Dates:
*Scope out the Zoo, Botanical Gardens.
*Go to a dollar movie and split a sundae at a nearby ice cream parlor
*$2 root beer float happy hour at Red Trolley (Every day 3-6pm)
*Rent a bicycle for two
*Scope out Westword for local festivals. Denver is a HUGE city, there's bound to be something.
*Visit a local museum - Denver has tons! We're sure you haven't seen them all.
*Cheesy date - but you'll be laughing a lot - Miniature Golf.
*Take a scenic drive in the mountains - settle in somewhere cheap for burgers and beers
*Take a dance class together: The Mercury Cafe has a large offering of salsa, belly dance, ballroom, etc.
*Check the paper for local sunrise/sunset times and head up to a good watch spot together (if you get up for sunrise, go grab some hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls after)
*Can you say Happy Hour? My favorite? McCormick's on 17th and Wazee. $1.95 Cheeseburger and fries from 5-7pm and 9-10:30pm. There are TONS of happy hours in town, just do a quick search online and see what kind of cuisine you're in the mood for!
Most of all, have fun! This list should give you plenty to get started, and if all else fails, just show some leg. ;)
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