Let’s be real—dating in 2025 shouldn’t require a personal loan. Between $20 cocktails, $50 entrees, and the emotional damage of parking in a downtown garage, love can feel like a luxury purchase. But guess what? Broke is the new sexy.

According to this article from T-Town Media, we’re officially done with flashy dinners and wallet-flexing. Budget-conscious dating is not only in—it’s thriving. Turns out, people are more into real connection than your ability to secure a rooftop reservation and order sashimi you can’t pronounce. (Looking at you, “oo-nee.”)

And honestly, thank God. We’re all out here juggling rent, subscriptions we forgot to cancel, and $6 oat milk lattes that we swear we’re gonna stop buying. So why not embrace the chill vibes? A couple ideas that won’t break the bank:

1. Late-Night Picnic with a View

• What you need: A blanket, some snacks (even just fruit or chocolate), and a Bluetooth speaker.

• Where: Rooftop, hilltop, or anywhere you can see city lights or stars.

• Vibe: Chill, romantic, a little adventurous. Lying close, sharing food, music in the background—it creates physical closeness and easy chemistry.

2. At-Home “Strip Game Night”

• What you need: A deck of cards, Jenga, or any game that can be modified with strip or dare rules.

• Where: Your place or theirs.

• Vibe: Flirty and playful with built-in sexual tension. You can scale it from cheeky to steamy depending on comfort levels.

3. DIY Spa Night

• What you need: Scented oil or lotion, a towel, and maybe a candle.

• Where: Home.

• Vibe: Intimate and sensual. Offer a back rub or foot massage, take turns. This invites touch in a caring, non-pressure way. Bonus points if you make tea or play relaxing music.

When it comes to dating, here’s the kicker: you can’t start dating if you’re not meeting people. That’s where OBC comes in. You can make a profile for free, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can upgrade for less than $2 a day. That’s cheaper than a single dumb latte or half a tank of gas in a 2006 Corolla.

So if you’re cute, broke, and ready to vibe—get on OBC. Your wallet (and future situationship) will thank you.

? Join OBC today and start dating smart, not broke.