Love doesn’t cost a thing, but dating is pricey, and the stresses of rising living costs negatively impact relationships and potential romances. Here is how living costs force people to stay single, and the issue is affecting millions, if not billions, worldwide.
A majority is not dating over prices
Aquacard’s survey found that in 2023, almost a quarter of single Brits planned to stop dating to save money. In a new study, 54% of single Brits have no plans to date due to financial climate. The situation is similar in other countries, and people are choosing to save as much as possible because inflation is not going anywhere, or at least it appears that way.
Worse than the pandemic
Health and wellness brand Hims reported that inflation and rising living costs reflected so poorly on people’s lives that it affected them worse than the Covid pandemic. It comes down to working hours, housing prices, and the stress that follows the increasing prices.
The cheaper times
Dating is more or less like playing the lottery. There are no guarantees that you will hit the jackpot the first time, so you must continue buying tickets. But people today have less money to spend on bad dates, so the only solution is no more dating. An additional layer takes the romance out of dating due to financial struggles.
Penny for your thoughts
If you do go out, there is one interesting element people have noticed. They started thinking about the monetary value of chatting and making various equations that compare conversational enjoyment to financial costs. While some are more picky about their dates, others are trying to find cost-free ways to date until they are ready to give up dating altogether.
Dating to save on rent
If you think the romance is dead, you are wrong. Home prices and rent are increasing seemingly every month, so people move in together faster than they would in the pre-pandemic days. Some couples even moved in within a week of their first date, and there’s nothing romantic about it. It is as practical as finding a roommate.
It leads to even faster breakups
Most couples find themselves moving way too fast, and instead of getting to know each other during dates, they are trapped inside an apartment. This raises concerns about domestic violence and addiction, as well as unplanned pregnancies among two people who are basically strangers.
Ways to date despite the crisis
Some activities are low cost, yet they can give you enough space so you don’t end up living with someone you know very little about. It could be a park picnic or a date in a museum, though some tickets cost as much as a dinner in a fancy restaurant. You can look at discounts in cinemas and restaurants.
Honesty works
Less than 20% of women think men should pay for dates, so if you’re a guy, tell your date you want to see them, but you are financially troubled. However, do not insist on home dates early on because women, in particular, are feeling more vulnerable due to the rise of violent crimes against them.
It is okay to take a break
Financial stress can become a burden, and you might not be in a position to date. Taking a year off while working on your fears about the future may bring you a sense of relief. Additionally, you may meet someone while not looking. You should not forget about love because the economy is in shambles.
Forget expectations
Another critical thing to keep in mind is that holidays are incredibly stressful for your wallet. If you have a partner, talk to them openly and explain why gifts are not expected. Instead, prepare a meal together, light up candles, and celebrate your anniversary or any other holiday on a budget.
Love on a budget
Gen Z and Millennials spoke to Trustpilot about the past Valentine’s Day. A quarter of those surveyed expressed they planned to cut on necessities to accommodate Valentine’s Day’s spending. Another quarter of those surveyed have deepened their debts for the holiday. But that’s not a good idea.
Mental health and relationships
The financial stress of making debts for one holiday can cause a sense of resentment toward the partner, regardless if they did not ask for any gifts. Instead of putting additional stress on your mental health, use your relationship to relax you because if you can’t be open with your partner, who can you talk to?
Epidemic of loneliness
Ironically, people are more disconnected than ever (or at least in modern history), so if you have your person, try to make budget-friendly dates. Don’t think they will love you less because you are living like the vast majority. If you’re single, you can focus on your friends and hope that the future will bring more romance into your life.
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.