Guilt and Free Dates

Money and time -- items in life practically everyone wants more of; there never seems to be enough and we can never seem to have enough. Love, or at the VERY least, a good date, is on the list for many people, as well.

All of my fellow NYC peeps and others who live in big cities and/or have chaotic lives filled with time-consuming responsibilities, these are just things we add to our Life List and deal with it. City-folk and busy-folk...we know how and love to kill two birds with one stone, which is why I was SHOCKED to hear one of my friends say she would find it weird to take a date to something for which she was given complimentary tickets...AND SHE IS FROM NYC. W...T...H!?!? I am a sexy Southerner and it did not take me long to realize that dating in NYC is not cute...or fun; although, it can be oddly entertaining. I was quick (but not that quick) to discover that 98% of the people you go out with (on a date) in attempts of getting to know them are...crazy...as... hell, plus two. They will talk a good game, but have no idea how to actually play. They say the things you want to hear, but they will talk until they sound stupid.

My favorite are those who enjoy learning about and experiencing culture; yet, they hate museums, have never been to a Broadway show (or any theatrical piece), think art galleries only exist on television, and refuse to eat anything that cannot be beaten over the head or doesn't resemble something their mother cooks at least three times a month. Now, what a better way to test the "culture" level of your date than by taking them to a "comp'd" event? You get to do something you enjoy and test them...all for F-R-E-E! It's priceless. No Mastercard required.

If you want, you can do something simple (and cheap) before or after; as in coffee/tea, appetizers, or dessert. I recommend doing something simple post event -- that way, the event gives you a subject to discuss and if you find out during the event you can't stand your new suitor, you can bolt after it's over...or during; your choice. You should really try this; I'm sure your date won't mind. If you feel bad about it not costing you anything: 1) don't tell them and 2) if there are tickets involved, have the tickets in your possession at all times and do not let them see the tickets [keep in mind, this is most useful if the tickets indicate that they didn't cost you anything. There's nothing to lose! If anything, the only thing you'll lose is the time you could have spent being with someone you already know/like/love. But think about it...now you can call one of those people and rant about the date...laughing and praising together.

So, your night will still end on a high note!

If you still feel guilty about taking a date to a free/comp'd event, you don't deserve the tickets. Send them to me! You know I like public appearances and VIP invites. [smile]