When you had it like that, it was all good for you and your lady friend. That doesn’t mean you ran out and bought her a gold necklace on a regular basis or that you deliberately found the most expensive restaurant you could to the point the waiters knew you by your first name. But you did alright for yourself and by your date.
That was then, this is now. This recession is not sparing anyone so you have been cutting back in regards to your finances. You were never much of coupon user before. That changed dramatically. What about bargains? We all like them but it is not like you really ever went out of your way to find them.
Not anymore. Unfortunately this cost cutting does not stop there. The days of going out and painting the town are still going to happen. However as you have calculated, they will not only be few and far between but more budget conscious.
Now the question is how will your lady friend will take it?
A great many women are very prudent when it comes to economic matters. If you have a coupon for that eatery or can catch the early bird special, she has no problem with that; in fact she maybe the one suggesting you do so.
Going easy on your finances may be her idea. She also may offer to foot the bill from time to time or at least pay half. Then there are the creative but inexpensive date ideas.
But if she has grown accustomed to the life you have provided for her before this economic downturn and refuses to make any compromises or changes then you may have to sit down and take a long hard look at the relationship.
She may decide to beat you to the punch and look for greener pastures elsewhere. If that happens so be it. In these tough times you need a partner not a burden.
(** This goes for women who were in a better financial situation than their boyfriends. If he can’t compromise and continues to spend your money like it was water saying adios may be your best bet. Tough times have a funny way of not only testing a relationship but pulling back the curtain and examining it under harsh light. )