How to Date When You're Broke & Horny

By Nicholas Velotta

Are you low on cash? Are you also a Millennial? Well you’re in good company. Millennials are less well off than members of earlier generations when they were young, a recent study by the Fed finds. Unfortunately, couples who are trying to save money tend to get fixed in a pattern with date nights, sticking to the same low-cost ideas they’ve enjoyed in the past. And for singletons, the same first date spots become a crutch anytime they meet a potential match. But just because you’re on a budget (or trying to be) doesn’t mean that romancing Mr. Right is out of reach, nor is keeping things fresh by enjoying a variety of new exciting date night experiences. You just have to get a bit creative to keep costs down while keeping romance high.

Thrill seekers start here.

Some dates aim to ramp up the adrenaline, which, lucky for us, is produced in our bodies for free! All we have to do is introduce some intense stimulation to get our hearts pounding like a serial killer is chasing us…is my extreme love for horror movies coming through yet? Well good, because scary flicks are a great way to spend the night together and keep the tab low. Here are some other thrill-worthy date ideas: -Cliff jumping (be careful af though…no need to die for a date) -Rock climbing -Laser tag -Go-kart racing -A group fitness class -Paint ball -Go dancing or check out a drag show

Romantics start here.

Romance is in the eye of its beholder, however, most of us would agree sentimentality and intimacy are two universal components to having a romantic date. These dates will require you to do a little extra planning and preparation, but that’s what makes them so endearing! Even if you’re cutting costs, you can’t be cheap with your love or attention to detail if you expect to get anywhere with Mr. Right. -Picnic with a view (the view is extra important because it shows foresight on your part…but make sure to check the weather forecast so you can actually catch a glimpse of it!) -Movie in the park or a drive-in movie -Catch the sunrise together (#MorningPeople this one’s for you) -Go on a tourist attraction hunt around your city -Cook each other your specialty dish from scratch -Tour a botanical garden or outdoor sculpture park -Give each other massages and be generous with feedback on how you like to be touched -Spend the night talking about your dreams and greatest fears—I suggest trying out the New York Times “36 Questions That Lead to Love” because it’s romantic without being too cheesy…a glass of wine and candlelight helps with this one ;)

Relaxers chill out here.

Sometimes you need to slow your roll, and a date is a perfect opportunity for both partners to relax (physically and mentally). When we relax our minds, we also tend to lower our defenses and let people in, which is kind of the point of a date right? So take a breather and check out some of these chill-inducing date ideas: -Coffee shop and a board/card game -Video game night or check out an arcade -Museum date (most museums offer free entry on certain days, so check out their website in advance) -Decompress together at a bathhouse (and yes, there are non-sexual bathhouses out there, for all of you wondering) -Beach day (weather permitting) -Indoor camping date—break out the blankets and make yourselves a fort for the night -Create a playlist together—this one requires collaboration and opening up about music tastes, which is something us Millennials find very personal -Pick a series and do a movie marathon, just make sure you stock up on the snacks! -Sunday farmer’s market trip