Because everything has a price. The cost of flirting and dating

Attraction to other people begins when there are common characteristics. Thus, issues such as race, age, intelligence, personality, socioeconomic level, education, religion, values, etc., are the similarities between people who want to start a courtship. However, this stage of falling in love mustn't sweep your finances, because if you now consider yourself single and without commitments, you are wrong, since you have it with you and your future.

The flirting, the preamble to courtship

Flirting consists of establishing a romantic relationship with a person, and if the process continues, establishing a closer relationship, that is, a courtship. Courtship is a transitory state during which two people maintain a loving relationship to advance mutual knowledge, that is, getting to know each other through the other person.

In turn, an exchange of feelings and emotions comes into play in a relationship that can either culminate in a solid and healthy courtship or a stormy and dysfunctional relationship. Although there are ephemeral courtships that end in separation after a few months, others extend for many years until marriage. There are four stages of courtship, which are described below.

Friendship

This stage originates trust, respect, courtesy, and acceptance towards others.

Casual encounters

It consists of seeing each other "from time to time" in different places. They are not official dates, since time is shared with other groups of people, whether friends or family.

Special friendship

You begin to share activities such as watching movies or television, going to parties, attending concerts and sporting events, among others.

Dating

There is a greater interest in getting to know the partner's likes and dislikes. These dates reaffirm feelings of self-esteem, help the couple get to know each other, and create bonds of mutual responsibility.

The price of love

During the courtship stage, the desire to please one's partner increases, since endorphins are generated that make us feel a lot of pleasure. We are doped intrinsically. We feel that we do not want to lose our partner and so we take care and pamper him/her.

Undoubtedly, in the "flirting" stage, multiple elements are used to seduce. For example, flattering her with some detail, such as buying her ice cream, giving her a chocolate, a rose, inviting her to the movies, a concert, etc. Well, these gifts and details, undoubtedly, generate an outlay in which you have to consider the tastes and preferences of the person you want to "flirt", as well as your economic possibilities.

Getting to know another person is a continuous and always new process. If you want to get to know the person you have thought of courting in more detail, there are several establishments you can visit as a pretext to spend a pleasant time. If you still don't know where to invite her or what gift to give her, here are some options.

You can go to the movies, restaurants, canteens and bars, a dance hall, a theater, etc. In short, there is a wide variety of places for different tastes, ages, and budgets. Besides a walk, a meal is ideal to talk and continue to socialize with the person you are interested in. If you do not feel like some kind of food, you can opt for ice cream. If you desire to give a gift to be nice to your partner, you have several options: chocolates, stuffed animals, roses, or even a sophisticated floral arrangement.

Also, keep in mind that the use of cabs or parking lots will increase because at this stage the relationship is all about pampering. Some say that the gift represents the personality of the giver and the receiver, and also tends to prolong bonds in any type of relationship. However, remember that when a gift is given, it does not necessarily have to be expensive, it should be something that simply reminds you of the occasion.

If the plan is to be together, you can combine different activities throughout the month or even skip some and stay home together. Make your imagination your best ally.

Recommendations

To have a lot of fun without stressing about financial reasons, it is advisable to organize and plan your expenses. Here are some recommendations to help you get off to a good start with your future or current partner.

If you plan to go to dinner or lunch, go to the place that fits your budget and your needs.

Develop a budget. Remember that planning allows you to put your expenses in hierarchical order, and thus control and optimize your resources.

Break down your "new" expenses (outings, parties, outings, food, gifts, etc.) and integrate them into your budget.

Remember that communication and trust with your partner will help you implement savings strategies such as taking advantage of two-for-one promotions, discount schedules, or frequent customer cards.

If the idea is to be together without spending so much, you have options to take care of your budget such as going for walks outdoors, preparing a home-cooked meal, walking in a park, watching movies at home, etc.

By Alma Beade Ruelas and Carlos Enrique García