Dating While Broke
If you have ever had the best date of your life... the best sex of your life or the best sparring session of your life you have also experienced the contrary... the feeling of going on a date while you are absolutely BROKE. Now, you might be a struggling student, a struggling fighter, a guy who just invested his last penny on a business, or on a ten hour private training session with a hall of famer, but regardless of the fact- dating while broke sucks.
The following are some pointers, just like a good Jiu Jitsu instructor will tell some BJJ short cuts we will tell you how to look and feel good with the ladies regardless of the money issue.
(Keep in mind the game changes after you ask her to move in and hand wash your "lucky" Jiu Jitsu gi.)
Consider this, the one thing all guys share is the desire to seduce women and have them reward you with their "company". So in order to get the "company" the girl has to want to be around you. If you really think about it it's actually as simple as a mathematical equation. So hears the math - it's not the money it's the image now add that with a great time and you equal a home run, money or not. If you don't believe me you should consider these two simple factors... limos, diamonds and five star everything is a real charmer, but NO women talks more about any of those then she does about a great "fuck", if you don't believe me, it's a women writing this.
Women are Easy
Yes!!! Women are easy, we are much easier then a four course white glove dinner. Actually, most of us don't ever sit home and pray for an expensive dinner date. Try exotic instead and hit the home run. Exotic? Exotic is another word for different and luckily for you different can be as cheap as you dream it up.
First date - Tell her you refuse to go to a place wear the waiters interrupt and the crowd noise is a constant part of your conversation. Go a carnival l and indulge her in corn dogs and laughs. Is she a health, fat-free nut? Take her to a beach or park and pack the dinner... for a fat free fanatic lettuce, a grilled chicken and some sugar free jello, fat free whip cream and fruit will do. (Yes its okay to pack a Subway sandwich for you, just loose the wrapper). The girl will love your innovation, it's going to show her that you are creative, ballsy, smart and actually care. This tactic will allow you to set your budget, avoid places where that budget can suddenly sky rocket to new expenses and get the girl ready for either a never ending night or another date - the following will probably depend on weather or not you had enough money for a bottle of wine. (A decent bottle of wine is ten bucks and you can get free condoms at a local clinic... so save up... it's worth it).
Women Like Confidence
Have confidence - have sex. It's like paying your electric bill - if you pay you will have heat and light. If you exude confidence and learn how to use it you will seldom need anything more. True confidence can get you in or out of almost anything. In life people gravitate towards leaders and strong people, they do so for one reason - every persons natural need of security. Confidence is a form of strength beyond any other, when you posses it, it rubs off and people naturally gravitate to it... hot women included.
The biggest mistake anyone can make is think that money makes or breaks confidence. Haven't you ever watched your basic action movie... does that guy have millions... no, but he does seem to have the heroine (who is usually sporting a pair of perfect breasts and a wet white t-shirt). The moral - consider your self a leader.
Confidence: When you are in doubt stay quite and listen
Your Look
Let's start with "foundation" because there are many rules to a man's dress that we take for granted but women notice. Females are extremely fashion conscience and they do not want to be seen with anyone that doesn't compliment their look and style. Generally try to look good in your own style. If you met the girl at a Skid Row reunion in the mosh pit, then of course it is very likely that the two of you will have a grungy punk style. But regardless of your style good taste takes time. Think of style as common sense so don't set trends and don't break rules, if you abide by that golden rule you should be able to dress well for any occasion.
Common Sense
Tie = Your tie length should never go more than 1 inch above or below your belt. Thicker guys should wear thick ties. Thin guys can wear any size ties. Black or white ties should never be worn unless you're at a funeral a wedding or you are a waiter.
Shoes & Belt = The shoes should always match the belt (black belt equals black shoes). Stay away from big belt buckles, or braided belts those are dated and too themed. Also keep away from any belt or buckle that advertises the maker (Izod etc.) another wards... keep it simple and neat. Shoes should always be shined or at least clean, women notice these things and take note of them.
Jewelry = The second item besides shoes that catches a women's eye is your watch. Face it, if you are wearing a Rolex, Panarie, Muller or any other expensive timepiece that makes a statement. But at the moment you are broke so... the advice hear is to stay away from cheap looking imitations. Please stay away from plastic, theme and fake designer knock offs. (Do not wear a fake Jacob to your date... or anywhere else for that matter). Usually I would advise you to get a simple watch with a leather band. If you and your style are very sporty, wear the sports watch you love, but make sure it's not a drug store counter spokes watch. As for any other jewelry, you should keep it simple, unless she met you on the set of your music video (but then you wouldn't need to read this advise).
The Blazer = Every guy should own at least one blazer or suit jacket. This jacket needs to be single breasted and at least a "3 button". Dark blue, Navy blue or brown is safest - this jacket will go with blue jeans, khakis, gray slacks, brown slacks anything. Plus it will allow you to be prepared for those "last minute" invites (it's your fourth date and she wants to stop into see her best friend at a formal restaurant - you're covered).
Where to Shop? - Save and Look Better then the Last Guy
Got little cash to spare? Still have to look good... Try TARGET. Yes, yes... but even us girls sneak in there once in a blue moon. Target has some great t-shirts that can easily satisfy the latest trends. They have also hired numerous designers such as MOOSCHINO to provide trendy casual wear at a fraction of what bigger retailers are charging. TARGET has casual wear and athletic wear in all current styles, most people would never know where you got your shirt or jacket, if it looks good and in-style, they'll just like it.
On the East Coast we have good old FILENE'S BASEMENT, Century 21, Loehmans and Marshalls. These jems are literally a massive space offering every designer brand name you can pronounce, yes - Versace, Dolce most recently Ed Hardy and so forth. They have massive designer selections at "below retail" WAY below retail prices. They have everything from blue jeans to business suits ( Ralph Lauren suits, True Religion jeans and ect.). You could virtually visit the store once and replace your entire wardrobe down to the shoes, boxers and socks. They also have great sports wear like Adidas and Nike.
For all the "SPORTY" guys, the fighters, the gym junkies and so forth, go to WAL-MART. The nations largest retailer did not get there catering to the rich. Go to the MEN'S SPORTSWEAR department for a multi-brand selection of great work out clothes.
Put it All to Work
To round off our "dating on a budget" lesson I recommend looking at dating as simply and genuinely as possible. This does not mean get sentimental and real, telling the girl that broke guys need love to. Just learn how to have fun, don't lie to the girl and tell her you're waiting on a family fortune. It's true that women like security and spoils but it's actually not our first, second or third thought. We (like you) are looking to have fun, learn something new, and feel important (be it loved, liked, appreciated) and we also want to be pleased.
REMEMBER - if you can make her come EVERY time, you can get away with Burger King for months on end.
But seriously guys--- start hustling and saving... and maybe find the right girl to help you build "the empire", it's NEVER to late to re-start your life and succeed.