Melissa Braverman, who blogs about dating, said she knows someone who was asked out on a walking date and considered it a turnoff. And in the last six months, she’s noticed that men don’t suggest meals. When they meet for drinks, they limit it to one hour. She believes it’s so she won’t order a second drink.

“The recession is almost becoming an excuse,” said Braverman, 35, of New York. “Men don’t want to take the initiative, suggesting something fun that is inexpensive. It’s more, well, ‘I can’t afford to take you out for a meal, let’s keep it brief.’ Unfortunately, a lot of times chemistry needs time to develop.”

I agree that chemistry takes time to develop, that you need time to get to know one another (that’s why I’ve given cheap ways to meet potential mates and listed cheap date ideas), but are men (and women too) weaseling out and being cheap as opposed to being practical or thrifty in these economic times? If so, they are selling themselves and possible relationships short.

Related posts:

1. Cheap Date Ideas
2. Searching for Friendship or Dates
3. A Singles Guide to Dating on a Budget

Just because times are tough and you want to make an effort at remaining ‘budget conscious’ – that doesn’t mean you have to look or act like a cheapskate on a date.

Match Special has a wonderful list of ideas on how you can maintain an active dating life and not put a strain on your wallet.

The one I’ve always liked most is going Dutch!  To be honest, I always felt guilty having the guy pay for everything and most of all, I never wanted to feel I owed him anything following the date.

Dutch is the best way to go as far as I’m concerned.

What about dating during lunch and happy hour instead of going out during the most expensive times of day?

Go out to eat early in the day and then make it a home date complete with movie rental and popcorn.

For more ideas on dating on a budget, check out Match Special’s Guide to Dating on a Budget

Related posts:

1. Are Cheap Dates A Problem?
2. Cheap Date Ideas
3. Dating Tips & Advice for a Successful First Date