Howdy r/frugal, long-time lurker here. I've been frugal for years which has really helped me develop some new skills which has had an unexpected positive effect on my dating life. For the past several months I've been spending some time with a great girl, and recently realized that some of her favorite things about me are a result of me being frugal. For example:
- For years I was too poor to afford fancy meals, so I learned how to cook - and cook well. She LOVES it when I cook for her rather than take her out to a nice dinner. I have easily saved hundreds of dollars from this aspect of dating alone.
- Similarly, I grew up eating fresh, artisan bread from local bakeries my entire childhood, but adult me was too poor to buy bread at a bakery. So, I learned to bake. Whenever I bake, I double my yield and send her home with a loaf.
- I live in a city where there are TONS of free things to do. I follow lots of blogs, newsletters, instagram accounts, etc and curate these events for us to go to. She mentioned the other day how she loves that I have my finger on the pulse of the city. I thought to myself how funny that is because the reason I started going to these free events was because they were free.
- In the summertime, to save some money on groceries, I plant a small garden with herbs, fresh vegetables, and a few fruits. My passion for gardening and enthusiasm in sharing it with her has been very well received.
- In brainstorming adventures for us to go on, I've opted for hikes (free) or bike rides (cheap if you use bikeshare) rather than fancy, expensive experiences. She's new to outdoor activities, but has really loved these dates.
Anywho, take it from me - I did not expect the benefits of frugality to spill over into my dating life. But here we are, and I am so much better for it! Good luck to all and happy fruging.
March 18, 2019 at 11:05AM
