A relationship expert has shared her predictions for how the cost of living crisis will impact singletons – and offers tips for keeping your love life going with some budget-friendly options.
It’s no secret that inflation is rocketing and is at its highest point in 30 years, according to The Office for National Statistics (ONS).
People’s finances are seriously squeezed as heating bills rocket, petrol increasingly becomes a luxury item and food gets costlier.
So where does dating come into play?
According to eharmony’s relationship expert, Rachael Lloyd, 49, from London, it’s bad news for the singles, who will fare worst.
“Single people will arguably feel the biggest impact of rising costs,” Rachael told Jam Press.
“Families and couples can shoulder mortgages, rents, bills, food, holidays and socialising collectively.
“But those who are romantically unattached often carry these costs alone – at the very least, they tend to carry a bigger burden.
“The cost of living will already be having a hefty impact on singles, who will be looking to cut down their expenses. This means less going out, less seeing friends, and in some cases, less dating.
“It’s likely that singles will cut down on more extravagant dates and opt instead for low-cost get-togethers.
“Some may even put dating on hold, preferring to save up their hard-earned cash on a summer holiday, paying the bills or filling their car with petrol.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom – with the expert providing her top tips for dating on a budget, to ensure your love life isn’t impacted too heavily.
STAY COST-EFFECTIVE
Rachael said: “There are plenty of cost-effective ways to date. You can simply meet for a coffee or a brunch – brunch tends to be cheaper than eating out at night – walk in the park together, have a picnic or visit a gallery.
“If it’s a second or third date, why not share a round of crazy golf, stargaze from a patio together with takeaway drinks, or have a film night at home?
“If you live in the city, book cheap train tickets in advance and find a scenic spot to go exploring together.”
MAKE SURE YOUR DATE IS COMPATIBLE
Rachael advised: “One tip to ensure you save your pennies, is to choose matches who are fundamentally compatible with you.
“In other words, they share your personality traits and values, and have similar relationship goals. You can get a reasonable sense of compatibility via a pre-date phone call.
“All the research suggests that the more alike you are the more you chance of a great date, so you won’t need to splash the cash on gastro pubs or costly meals to impress each other.
“Instead, your natural rapport will ensure you make the best of any time you spend together.”
GET VIRTUAL
With lockdown leading to singletons across the globe embracing more virtual methods of dating – including using apps, having video dates and sending lengthy messages, this method of keeping costs down might come naturally in 2022.
Rachael said: “The dating industry boomed during lockdown. Rather than meeting up in real life, singles started having video dates and we saw a return to more romantic gestures, with contemporary-style love letters sent via long texts or emails.”
And Rachael says it’s crucial to stay active in the dating game, explaining: “It’s really important not to put your love life on hold this year. We need joy and intimacy in our lives more than ever during uncertain times.”
Indeed, during the first lockdown in 2020, eharmony noticed activity on the platform rose by a third, with the dating industry booming.
She added: “During times of adversity, human beings innately crave more intimacy in their lives, not less. It gives them a sense of security and wellbeing.”
So her best piece of advice?
Don’t shy away from love – no matter your budget.
