As the economy continues to hit new lows, romance is still in the air, meaning innovative dating ideas need to be thought of to battle empty wallets. Try thinking outside of the box to come up with outings that are fun and will always lead to another date.

In light of the current economy, I feel it’s only necessary to address the common misconception that a date means free dinner. If you’re like me and enjoy romanticized company and affection but don’t have the necessary resources for countless dates, then you’ll appreciate my ingenuity and creative thinking 8212; dates don’t need to be expensive!

Most men, myself included, are looking for three things in a date: fun, cheap and overwhelmingly romantic. The formula is simple: Your average guy meets an average girl, takes her out for an average dinner and goes to an average movie. It’s so cliché, not to mention expensive. Let’s get creative, step outside the socially accepted dating practices and take your date on an adventure that she will never forget, for half the cost.

The beach
Necessary resources: blanket, box of crackers, bottle of wine, camera and a candle (optional).

The beach date may seem like an overplayed card, however it’s always a winning hand. This is one of the cheapest and most romantic dates possible. The key to a successful beach date is ambiguity 8212; never let her know your next move. Let her think she is going to an average restaurant with an average guy. Just when she gets comfortable and assumes you’re average and boring, make a U-turn, cancel the reservation and take her to the beach with a light snack and bottle of wine. Women love spontaneity. Keep her on her toes and always have her guessing what’s next. If executed properly, she will think you are mysterious, different and, obviously, romantic.

Test-drive cars
Necessary resources: transportation, nice clothes and a luxury car dealership.

Women like different 8212; they like outside of the box, creative thinking. This date will not only test her propensity for adventure, but will have her thinking about you for the next week. Pick her up and explain the situation.
Explicitly state: We are going to test drive the nicest car in town and for this to work, I need you to play the role of my wife.

Initially, this may sound alarming and unorthodox; however, I guarantee she has never heard that pick-up line before. Immediately drive to the closest luxury dealership before she has time to second guess.

Remember, spontaneity is key, and if all goes planned, the two of you will be driving down Main Street in a BMW 7 Series or a Mercedes SL500 and she won’t be able to take her eyes off you.

Note: The role play is absolutely necessary, and the dealership will see right through a high school theater performance. It’s imperative that both participants act pretentiously rich, creating a facade of money and wealth. This will streamline the process and have you in a car sooner than you can say, “How much was the bill for dinner?”

Barnes and Noble
Necessary resources: transportation and creative thinking.

Take your date to the local bookstore and head directly to the children’s section. Ask the lovely lady what her favorite childhood story was. Find the book and begin reading it aloud, mimicking the character and adding your own twist. This will allow your date to see the sensitive and humorous side of you, while being creative and spontaneous. Sit down at the plastic drawing tables with the miniature chairs and read stories to each other. Compare her favorite childhood novel with yours. This date is a great conversation starter and extremely informative. The two of you will walk away knowing more about each other than any dinner and movie, not to mention it’s priceless, literally and figuratively.

A date doesn’t mean dinner, and more often than not, avoiding large crowds and expensive bills is more creative and adventurous. Next time you’re thinking about dinner and a movie, cancel the reservation and try something new. You will not only save money, but you will have a memory that is shared forever.

&-Matt Clifford is a business administration senior.

&-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.