It should be no surprise to my fellow college students that I’m broke. We all are. So it’s also no surprise that my boyfriend is too. But sometimes this little fact of life can get in the way of our relationship. It’s hard to have spectacular dates when your electric bill is past due, and you can’t really expect fancy anniversary presents when you’re digging into the couch cushions for gas money.

Sometimes this can get a bit stressful. No one likes the feeling of being in debt, it’s emotional, so naturally when the subject of money comes up in a relationship, it’s bound to start some fights. Matt and I have gotten into plenty and it’s mostly because he gets about 4 times the amount of financial aid that I do. How is it fair that we split things evenly if he’s got more to spend than me? And if he’s got more, why isn’t he offering to do more?

And so the fight begins.

The best thing that I’ve learned from those types of fights is that you should sit down, actually talk about your finances and try to find a balance. For me it was accepting the fact that I just don’t have as much money for Matt, and he agreed to divide up the expenses accordingly. I always hated asking Matt for money and it’s much easier now that we’ve sorted everything out and have an understanding. Read More »

As stressful and spirit-crushing as dating can sometimes be, going on dates is one of my favorite things to do.

I love the getting-ready ritual of hair removal, spending half an hour on mascara application, and going through your entire closet before you settle on The Dress.

I love having doors held open and chairs pulled out, awkward filler conversation while waiting for your dinner to arrive, and even the more awkward moment of truth, the kiss goodnight. Of course, that scenario is often just a fantasy that as college students, we can’t really afford.

And so, “dating” often consists of watching TV in your sweats, grabbing a slice of pizza, and a half-assed make out session in the backseat of his father’s minivan.

Frankly, there’s no excuse for still dating like high school freshman in our 20’s. Just because your wallet can’t handle a 5-course meal over candlelight doesn’t mean you’re doomed to dating doldrums.

Here are some fun, cheap date ideas to get you off the couch and in each other’s pants:

Get on thin ice: If you can find an indoor ice-skating rink, this is fun regardless of weather. And it’s especially fun if at least one of you is a nightmare on skates—it gives you the perfect excuse to hold hands and fall all over each other.

Foreplay on ice! Read More »