Swipe left on overpriced cocktails and “we should split the bill” dinners — because dating in 2025 is officially a luxury hobby. According to a recent report, more and more singles are throwing in the towel because the cost of finding love (or even just a decent hookup) is getting ridiculous.

And honestly? We get it. $20 martinis, $100 dinners, surge-priced Ubers, and then maybe — maybe — a second date? Hard pass.

But just because your wallet is crying doesn’t mean your love life has to die. You can absolutely meet people, go on fun dates, and keep things spicy without going broke. Here’s how to do it:

1. Forget Fancy — Go for Flirty & Free

Hot take: chemistry doesn’t cost money. You don’t need a steakhouse to figure out if there’s a spark — you need vibes, not Venmo.

• Grab a coffee or a drink during happy hour.

• Go for a walk and see if they’re still cute in daylight.

• Plan a picnic or cook dinner together — bonus points if it turns into dessert ?

The more low-key the date, the easier it is to focus on connection — and the less bitter you’ll be if there’s no second date.

 2. Use OBC and Make Every Dollar Work Overtime

Here’s the real secret: stop blowing your entire dating budget on one night out and start spreading it around.

On OBC, for less than the price of two drinks, you get a whole month to browse, chat, flirt, and set up low-pressure dates and hookups. That means instead of dropping $80 on someone who ghosts you by dessert, you can meet dozens of singles — all looking for something casual, fun, and actually attainable.

Translation: More options. Less pressure. Way more chances to get lucky.

3. Set a “Thirst Budget” and Stick to It

If you’re serious about saving cash and still getting out there, treat dating like any other expense. Make a monthly “thirst budget” and stick to it.

Maybe that means $50 for meetups, $20 for coffee dates, and $25/month for your OBC membership. When you know what you’re working with, you stop wasting money on people who don’t deserve a second round — and you’ll feel a lot more confident suggesting something chill (and cheaper) from the start.

The bottom line is, dating shouldn’t drain your bank account or your energy. With a little creativity and a smart OBC subscription, you can keep your love life exciting, spontaneous, and budget-friendly. So stop swiping in despair and start planning those low-key dates — your wallet (and your weekend) will thank you.