Have your recent dates been miserable AND expensive? You’re not alone and whether you are dating in college or mid life or a senior, there are some great ways to have a great time without breaking the bank.

In fact, breaking the bank is not a good idea. Besides the dollars lost, an expensive date brings a lot of expectations and disappointments. She might think: “Gosh, I only wanted to get to know him, not be taken to a fancy, formal restaurant. I feel awkward and don’t know how to act or what to say.” Meanwhile, he’s sitting there, sweating over the bill and wondering what ever made him do this and how will he pay for it? Lots of strained silent moments at times like this. Misery!

Maybe you haven’t dated in a while and you don’t know what to do so you think you have to make it expensive. No, you don’t. Sure, getting a new relationship off the ground can be difficult. But it can also be fun.

And when you think about it, isn’t having fun what dating is supposed to be about? So why not go for the fun? Having fun breaks down barriers really quickly. Don’t you like someone you are laughing with? Sure you do. It bonds people to one another.

So, instead of “dinner and a movie?” why not try pumpkin carving at Halloween, or making a snowman with hot drinks to follow, or a picnic in a place you hiked to? How about a book signing followed by dessert and coffee?

Pumpkin carving may seem strange, but that’s the point. Doing something outside the dating box may say to her, “Wow, this is different! He must be creative.” And outside that “box” there is a whole world to explore and a lot of it can be fun. Go to the lake, go to the carnival, go to the wine country. Make it casual, cheap and fun. Leave some room for laughter - it breaks a lot of barriers.

If this sounds like a good idea and you want some more ideas, ask other people what they do.

Or you can visit Ann’s site at http://www.howtohavegreatdates.com/ and find out some more ways to have great dates. If you want to find out more about your date and don’t know how to ask the right questions, go to http://www.cyberluv.com