Thrills > Frills? Why it’s Time to Talk about the Cost of Loving.
Heard about the cost of living? Spoiler alert: it’s rising.
Whether it’s news bulletins, op-eds or just the hot topic of discussion at every dinner table, it’s no secret that it’s getting pricier every day just to live, laugh and, indeed - love.
More on that last one.
Turns out, the cost of living is having a knock-on effect on the cost of loving. Mass inflation means 41% of singles are getting pickier about where they go and what they do on dates. In extreme cases, almost half are scaling back on dates altogether.
Romance is at risk. And we reckon it’s time to take dating back to the basics.
Let’s get cinematic, shall we?
Think of every romantic comedy you know - and every iconic rom-com couple for the ages. What stands out most in their dating stories?
Is it the steak-and-lobster dinner; the designer gown? Or, is it the heartfelt boombox outside of the window, the cross-legged date with birthday cake and ultimately, “a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her”*?
(*Or, you know; some variation of this.)
The point is: a great date doesn’t have to break the bank.
Yes, we all like the odd (gulp) £15 cocktail or (let’s be honest: overpriced) sushi haunt where you can’t tell if you’re paying for the sensual lighting or sashimi - but, as it turns out, 29% of Inner Circle members say that they prefer cheaper dates over more expensive ones.
Daters claim to feel more relaxed (29%), part of a more realistic scenario (27%) and, ultimately, less pressure on the date as a whole (25%). A whopping 69% also believe that a better connection can be built when the setting isn’t too fancy.
Thrills > frills? We’re inclined to agree.
It goes without saying - but someone should say it - keeping a date cheap and cheerful doesn’t mean skimping on emotion. It’s key to impress on a date; perhaps, less key to impress on your wallet. After all, 39% of members are happy to keep meet-cutes budget-friendly, so long as the meeting itself is thoughtful.
So, where do singles (literally) go from here?
Topping the list for desired dates is the classic coffee-and-a-wander outing (29%), with a picnic in the park not too far behind (22%). Grabbing a couple of drinks or supermarket snacks and basking in the sunshine together has never been more of a no-brainer.
Take it from our in-house dating expert, Crystal Cansdale:
“This summer, Inner Circle is bringing back the ‘cheap date.’ [It] doesn’t have to be sub-par or low effort. With so many ideas to choose from that don’t break the bank, we want to get singles out there this summer.”
Part of getting more singles out there this summer?
An Inner Circle giveaway of great dates.
We weren’t kidding when we said the nation likes a cheap date. And the nation weren’t kidding when they shared their list of cheap date guilty pleasures*.
*Not like that. Let’s keep this wholesome.
Whether it’s a free coffee or a fish ‘n’ chips, we’ve compiled a list of the UK’s favourite ‘cheap dates’ to giveaway. From 20th July to 4th August, we’re giving everyone a chance to win one of 250 budget-friendly outings.
Here’s what’s up for grabs:
50x Supermarket picnic vouchers
30x Fish ‘n’ chips vouchers
95x Complimentary coffee vouchers
25x Painting at home vouchers
50x Cheese 'n' wine at home vouchers
Simply sign up to Inner Circle and head to this page for more information.
A final note on all things living (and loving) in times of inflation:
The crisis may loom at large - and cast questions on the future of dating. But, at Inner Circle, we’re committed to helping you access high-quality dating without breaking the bank.
It’s time to redefine the notion of a great date; one cheap thrill at a time.