Don’t be afraid to whip out a coupon to help pay for a first date. It turns out your date most likely thinks it’s OK, and may even think your frugality is sexy.
That’s the finding of a new Harris Poll on behalf of LivingSocial, a daily deals site that provides discounts on restaurant meals and other activities. About 86 percent of men and 88 percent of women agreed that using a coupon is acceptable dating etiquette, while just 13 percent said it’s unacceptable to use a coupon on a first date.
Interestingly, Americans with household incomes above $100,000 were more likely to approve of coupon use than those who make less than $50,000 – 90 percent vs. 84 percent.
Other highlights from the dating survey include:
- Grandpa is Casanova. Men ages 65 and older are more than twice as likely as their younger counterparts (ages 35-64) to go out on five to 10 dates each month – 26 percent vs. 11 percent. Younger women, ages 18-34, date more frequently than older women. Married couples are also more likely to head out for date night (76 percent) than unmarried couples (50 percent).
- Dinner and a movie? Sure, most Americans still enjoy a dinner date and a movie. But the survey found that heading outdoors (biking, hiking, or going to a park or a beach) is the third most popular dating activity.
- Saving money = sexy. About 12 percent of women said frugality can be a sexy trait in a partner.
“There’s no shame in getting a good deal on a good time, whether you’re a married couple out on a scheduled date night, a recent college grad trying to save a few bucks, or a grandpa out on the town,” said LivingSocial’s resident shopper, Elizabeth Hebda.
Florida’s WJXT News 4 Jax asked readers what they would do if their first date used a coupon. One woman responded:
I don’t think it looks cheap and I feel that it is totally acceptable for several reasons. In my opinion, it shows that he is careful with his money. That is important in these difficult financial times. He showed thought into choosing a restaurant based on the availability of his coupons. Some men don’t plan. These two opinions show wisdom in money management, and thought and planning to make the evening an event.
I couldn’t agree more.
What do you think? Have you ever used a coupon on a first date? Share your experience below or on our Facebook page.
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