Yesterday on the Fox 9 Morning Buzz, I sat in on a discussion about a recent survey from ING Direct USA. They asked folks what they’d think about a blind date who described themselves as “frugal.” Would they find that person smart? Sexy? Or stingy?
Sadly, many people (many FEMALE people) were less than thrilled about the idea of going on a blind date with a Cheap Dude (not MY Cheap Dude, he’s taken, thank you very much). Only 44% of women surveyed thought a frugal blind date would be smart. 33% of women thought that the frugal date would be stingy, and 17% thought they’d be boring. Really, ladies? Stingy? Boring?
Here’s another mildly horrifying statistic. In today’s scary economic climate, I’m shocked to learn “women are more likely to be upset about gaining weight (30 percent) than accumulating debt (27 percent).” Oh. My. GAH.
Now, I understand we don’t want someone to bust out a coupon, or insist on going Dutch, on the first date. That first date is not the best time to scrimp. But just because someone describes themselves as frugal doesn’t mean they’re going to take you to McDonald’s and insist you order a Happy Meal. There’s a huge difference between being cheap (like me!) and being a cheapskate.
My advice? Give that frugal guy or gal a chance. Frugal is smart, sexy and AWESOME. So learn to embrace the frugal folks around you, whether you’re dating them or not.
Now let me ask you – would you date someone who described themselves as “frugal?” Why, or why not?
3 Comments
First dates are all about making a good impression. I’m not sure how well it would go over if your date handed over a discount coupon to the waiter.
When you’re dating in college you can get away with being cheap on dates – in fact it’s expected. I think it’s harder once you’re out in the workplace.
I’ve been out of the dating pool through this recession, but I think it still holds true that the guys who insist on a “big bucks” first date generally insist on a big return, or they’re the showboating type that I don’t want to be with anyway. Treating a woman good is one thing, blowing all your money on a good time is just a sign that we wouldn’t be compatible in a day-to-day relationship. Unless, he’s filthy stinking rich, then he can spend whatever he wants.
I agree with your closing advice, Cheap Chick! And yes, I’d date a “frugal” guy. I’d have no problem if a guy were to use a coupon on our first date (or any dates). While first impressions are important, showing a dedication to being money-smart is important too. Maybe he just bought a new home, a new car, is helping to care for ailing parents or relatives, just got a new job and is getting back on his feet, or whatever, and is more cash-strapped than ever (like most of us). Honestly, I once had a nice date (mutually agreed upon, not by anyone’s insistence) at a McDonald’s — and we had Happy Meals.
“Stingy”? “Boring”? Booooo! How shallow.