There’s nothing like a date night at the local fast-food joint with a two-for-one coupon in hand!
Everyone can appreciate being fussed over and made to feel like you’re worth splurging on. These days, though, saving money is apparently sexier than spending it.
Several new surveys find that a majority of people on the dating scene now believe that deals and discounts make a potential partner desirable instead of dumpable.
“Some think using coupons on dates is embarrassing,” Savings.com said in revealing the results of a new survey. But “most Americans see it as acceptable, and many even find it attractive.”
One in three single Americans surveyed said they’re stressed about the current costs of dating, and are going on fewer dates as a result. But most of them are avoiding the one thing that could help making dating more affordable: coupons.
Only 14% said they’ve used a coupon on a first date. Many say they worry about appearing “tacky” or “being perceived as a cheapskate.”
That’s even though 79% believe it’s okay to do so, and 22% even called it a “major turn-on” if their date were to use a coupon.
Those results are in line with another new survey, released by another savings site, TopCashback. 56% of respondents said using a coupon on a date is perfectly acceptable, and 28% called it “sexy.” Once a first date turns into a second, and a third, 60% said they are likely to stick with someone who frequently looks for deals.
There’s a difference, though, between being frugal and being cheap. 34% said they’re not impressed when a date tries to save money by skimping on something like a tip.
Finally, CivicScience conducted its own dating survey, and found that many singles are looking for ways to save. A quarter are opting for at-home date nights instead of going out, 21% are seeking out discounts or otherwise cutting back on their spending, and 14% are choosing fast-casual or fast-food restaurants over fancy restaurants, for more inexpensive dates.
Reactions to these results, from others who are in the dating pool, are somewhat mixed. In response to a recent social media post about using coupons on a first date, one commenter said “I have started with ‘hey I have a coupon for ______, would you like to go to dinner with me?’ Never had a girl look at me funny for it. Open and honest.” One woman who was not impressed responded with “Hell no! That would end up being the LAST date!!!” Another commenter encouraged others to “use those coupons, gift cards, etc. No shame in it. If your date thinks otherwise, it is a red flag that they don’t care about you saving money.” But another urged, “just pay for the date. You don’t need to go Dutch or search your pockets for crinkled old coupons. It makes you look like a loser.”
For a more professional opinion, Savings.com asked licensed marriage and family therapist Michelle King Rayfield. “Using a coupon on a first date can be fine, it’s all about the approach,” she said. “Try bringing it up lightheartedly so it comes across as thoughtful rather than awkward. Transparency and humor can help it feel more natural and comfortable for both parties.”
TopCashback’s consumer expert Destiny Chatman said the survey results speak for themselves. “The data shows today’s daters aren’t looking to be swept off their feet by spending,” she said. “Thoughtful financial choices like using a coupon or redeeming cash back show planning, not penny-pinching. In this economy, frugality isn’t just practical. It’s an attractive sign of long-term potential.”
After all, being a good catch and being a good saver don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Just as long as you don’t mind a romantic candlelight dinner at Burger King.
Image source: René Ranisch on Unsplash
