Black Collegian News & Views

You’re really digging the cutie you just met. You guys talk on the phone for a while and decide it’s time to go on your first date. But let’s face facts for a moment. You’re in college; your pockets are like rabbit ears, yet you still want to show him or her a good time.

Well, just in time for those spring flings are some sure-fire ways to spark champagne romance on a Kool-Aid budget.

Movies: Going to the movies is a classic date. It’s relatively cheap, depending on where you live and it doesn’t require knowing the person all that well. Despite the awkward moments involved in a movie date, like the “arm-around-the-shoulder” bit, you can find out quite a lot about your date by the kinds of movies he/she enjoys. If your date laughs uncontrollably as Dr. Lector mutilates one of his victims, you can be sure he or she is psycho, i.e. get the hell out of there. You can also tell how selfish, or unselfish for that matter, your date really is. If he or she picks a movie he wants to see without any regard as to your feelings, or if she hogs all the popcorn, nine times out of ten, that person is only looking out for numero uno.

Amusement Park: If you live near one, an amusement park can provide pressure-free fun. You both will be too busy reeling from 100-foot drops to notice one another’s faults or even worry about your own. A date at the amusement park can give a little insight as to how adventurous your date can really be. Depending on the magnitude of fright, the rides you go on can send your date’s adventure meter from the bush leagues into the majors in no time. This can also indicate how daring they are when it comes to other things. Need I say more?

Dinner and a Movie: Notice it says dinner and a movie. We’re not talking Chez Pierre here, but dinner at Applebee’s won’t break you. You won’t have to worry about conversation if you go to the movie first, especially if it’s a movie you both enjoyed.

The ultimate dinner dilemma is, dare I say it, the check. Guys, if your machismo is so intense that you just have to pick up the tab, by all means, go ahead. Ladies like a chivalrous man. For those more empowered women, you already know that it’s 2001 not 1961. A sister can pick up the check every now and again, too. For people out there who just don’t care, go dutch, tip and all. There’s no sense in starting out the relationship with unnecessary drama.

If you are really lacking in funds and are looking for things to do of the cheaper variety, the next two are more your speed.

Candlelight dinner at home: Nothing says “I’m feeling you” better than a home-cooked meal. Remember ladies, Mama always said the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And fellas, talk about starting a potential relationship out on the right foot. A lot of girls think there’s nothing sweeter than a guy who can and will cook for them. Besides the added saccharin factor, it’s cheap and easy to plan. Light a couple of candles and play some slow jams (no Cash Money or Jay-Z allowed) and chill. If you’re really digging your date and dinner ends a little too soon, make it a Blockbuster night.

Picnic: Ah, the great outdoors. The sunshine. The fresh air. The fire ants. A picnic can be tres romantique if carried out properly, not to mention free. Pack a few sandwiches in a basket and head on out for fun in the sun. Don’t forget to bring gum or breath mints. After all, your date is centered around food and you won’t see a toothbrush for a while. I’ll say it again, chivalry is not dead. Guys, bring your date a bouquet of flowers or maybe even just one to put in her hair. Along with the typical picnic stuff like a blanket and a basket, don’t forget to bring bubbles, a kite or a frisbee because there’s nothing like Crayola-aged activities to make a couple bond.

Bowling: Bowling may be very 20th century, but it makes for an interesting date. Believe it or not, a trip to the bowling alley is very cheap. Since bowling is a the-more-the-merrier pastime, it’s also a good double date. It’s also one of those activities in which sportsmanship or lack thereof becomes magnified, so don’t get offended if your date wins. It’s just one of those things. If he or she is an amiable winner or loser, he is probably very fair-minded and loving. In plain English, someone you should try to hold on to.

Poetry Reading: How Love Jones! Cover charges may vary from place to place, but attending a poetry reading on a first date is very chic. Ciphers are springing up everywhere so there are probably a million and one places to hear good poetry at any given time. Going to a reading requires no intricate planning on your part and allows you to sit back vibe with your date. Poetry readings are reserved for the deeper brothers and sisters who appreciate intelligence in a person. An individual’s understanding of the spoken word is a good indicator as to whether or not he or she is really down or just faking the funk. Maybe you can even pull a Darius Lovehall and perform a couple of verses dedicated to your date.

The bottom line is with a little creativity, a shortage on cash shouldn’t stop you from showing someone a good time. The old cliché says, “the best things in life are free.” Though a great date might not always be free, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.