The economy is a mess but that's not stopping singles from wading into the dating pool in record numbers. They're getting inventive when it comes to dating on a budget.
Whether you are in college trying to date, a twenty-something looking for that special someone or in a committed relationship and think you found the one the rules of dating are changing the reason the recession.
Deena Vasilakos of Great Date Now says "in this economy we find men and women pay and several times on that first date the man will pay and if they continue to go out a lot of people will alternate."
With companies not hiring and cutting people's hours men say their pockets aren't as deep.
Devon Glasper says "it's getting hard to save for a date. It's getting expensive gotta pay for food. Fancy restaurant no movie maybe go to blockbuster and rent a movie get something cheap."
Despite the lackluster economy dating services are experiencing a boom. Online personals like eharmony and match.com saw 20 percent increases by the end of 2008 and they said high traffic days online were when the dow was plummeting.
Great Date Now in Milford is seeing this trend as well.
Deena says "we've had a 385 increase in clients right now and I think that is due to poor economy."
But people have gotten creative with dating on a budget that includes going to community theater, a local museum, even walking your dog in the park. Drinks and appetizers instead of dinner and when it comes time to pay.
Jenna Adams says "instead of going out to eat we stay in and we try to cook more which is interesting for me cause i can't cook so I'm trying to learn."
And women said it also means no more big presents "saying I like you" or new outfits to impress.
Jenna Haigst says "I think people are being more picky who they choose because its expensive to wine and dine someone.
Jason says he doesn't mind a bit because having less money to spend on dinner and a movie pushes a couple to really talk to one another.
Jason Braff says "it can make a couple closer or people that are dating a little closer because it does force them to spend more one on one time with each other instead of being distracted by a movie."
So it seems the economy isn't keeping people from looking. If anything it's the opposite.
Deena says "even in hard times people want to find love."
