This terrible economy doesn’t seem to be getting better very fast. Chrysler and General Motors have gone bankrupt, housing prices are rebounding slowly (if at all), and the ranks of the unemployed continue to swell by huge numbers each month. With all of this bad news around us, who has the enthusiasm to bother with dating?

Yes, things are tough, but one of the worst things you can do is to totally give up on dating altogether. Just because you’re facing financial challenges does not mean you are any less interested in finding a partner whose companionship you enjoy. The trick is figuring out the dating scene when everything around you seems to be falling apart.

Here are some tips and suggestions for dating in a terrible economy:

1. Broaden your preferences. It used to be that no self-respecting woman would consider dating a man who didn’t have a job, and a large number of men took the same approach. Today, however, you’re more likely than ever to find potential matches with people who are out of work for one reason or another. If you want to stay in the dating scene you need to consider broadening your preferences a bit so you don’t automatically exclude someone whose current situation is not ideal.

2. Get out and meet people. Let’s face it, online dating services can be pretty expensive, and that’s a cost your budget might not be able to handle anymore. The solution is to get out into your community more so you can meet people in the traditional way. Volunteer at a charity, take a class at the community center, or simply go for a walk each day along the same route. You’ll be amazed at how many opportunities to meet new people will come your way!

3. Stick with low cost activities. It’s okay to let the person you’re interested in know you would prefer to do low cost activities, so don’t be shy. If you can’t afford to go out to dinner, for example, suggest packing a couple of sandwiches and meeting at the park for lunch. Put on your thinking cap and be creative to find the best low cost activities to enjoy!

Dating Essentials Economy, Job, Meet People, Money, Volunteering

When you’re down on your luck, sometimes the last thing you want to do is to go out and to meet people. After all, who wants to be with someone who’s moping around and is depressed? But when times are tough, why not reach out to others – you might find love in the process.

If you’ve found yourself ‘between jobs,’ getting out of the house is one of the best things you can do for your mood. Instead of sitting around, worrying about your life, you should think about ways you could help those even more less fortunate – by volunteering. Not only will this fill your days, but it will also fill your heart.

You will feel better about your situation and in turn, you will be able to meet others who are in the same position as you. Working toward a common goal is a great way to meet someone who you might even consider dating – after all, you already have one thing in common. And as an added benefit, knowing that someone else is volunteering their time and talents shows you just how nice of a person they might really be.

So, why not help others while helping yourself at the same time? This recession might just be the best opportunity to spread love and to receive love in return.

Self Confidence Depression, Lonely, Money, Recession, Volunteering