Friends used to tell me to just go on a date with a guy (even if I am not interested in him) for a free meal. No thanks! I turn down a lot of guys because I value my time and want to preserve my mental stability. After a very bad date, it is likely that I'll be mad at myself and think of all the other things I could have done with that time (watch a movie, read a book, do some yoga, see friends, etc). You always hear millionaires talking about how time is their most precious commodity.
Let's break down a typical dinner date:
- Cost of dinner for two $120, so $60 a person
- Length of date: three hours
- $60/3 hours = $20 an hour
My time is worth much more than a free meal and $20 an hour. If I thought the guy could be the right guy, I'll take that chance. However, if I don't think he'll be the right guy, then no. I totally should have cancelled on
this guy and am still mad at myself.
This view of time was not something that registered with me when I was in my early or mid 20s, I did love my "free" meals back then.
People tell me that too, but I feel bad when someone pays for me so I don't know how I could do it with no future intentions!!
ReplyDeleteThat doesn't even include time/money spent into getting ready for said date!
ReplyDeleteUgh, anyone who thinks you should go on dates for free meals clearly didn't factor in opportunity cost. Like you said, you could have spent that time reading, watching yoga, out with friends, or even parked on the couch - the latter has a high level of utility, even if you cannot quantify it!
ReplyDeleteAnd while the incremental cost of makeup, hair products, and clothes might be nominal for this one particular date, when you multiply it by dozens of dates, it adds up!
All true, ladies!
ReplyDeleteThat's why you always do drinks for a first date....always.
ReplyDeleteOr coffee, ice cream, juice bars! A girl, I'd feel terrible for a guy to buy me a meal when I'm not entirely interested in him. Frankly, if you can't afford your own dinners, you have bigger problems than being single.
DeleteI would love to go on a date where a guy suggests ice cream or a juice bar! Bars in general are too loud
DeleteWho the heck spends $120 on a first date?!?!? O_O
ReplyDeleteI hear that mantra all the time from people. The thing is, if I have to sit through a meal with terrible company feeling uncomfortable, I'd rather go hungry. It's not enjoyable.
A lot of the guys I go out with, so usually the guys with no personality hahaha
DeleteTotally agree, rather go hungry, lol