Love Don't Cost a Thing

The other day I saw what I can call a hilarious picture on Facebook; a fuel station had put up a sign that read; “Avoid girlfriends, it will save you 90% on petrol.”

During these hard times, tips to save money are highly welcome, but this particular one was a bit weird. I shared it with my pal who agreed that girlfriends are costly.

He pointed out that since he broke up with his ex-girlfriend, his bank account has been solid and his fuel expenses have dropped. I concur with him; love is expensive. Ever since I stopped dating, I’ve cut down on a lot- I definitely no longer get a new wardrobe for a date, manicure, salon visits or taxi fares. If you are to take JLo’s ‘Love Don’t Cost a Thing’ then you are completely mistaken.
True Love is free but the steps in between are really expensive, like dates, dinner, movies, gifts, engagement rings and weddings. Is it still free?

It costs you emotionally and financially, too. You must care for the loved ones and it is at this point that you ask yourself, how? Financial obligations are an obvious cost of dating for men. Once you are in love, you may be expected to be the sole breadwinner; pay for the date, fuel the car, look good and all extra costs.If your relationship is long-distance, travel cost and phone bills may add up. One of the biggest expense in relationship is communication, all the calling, chatting and texting is not free.

 If you are ambitious, your time might cost you financially because you are unable to effectively pursue your career goals. I know guys whom dating and falling in love have not only drained their pockets, but their careers too have suffered the consequences as well. Even if you take the relationship to greater heights the financial cost only soars; engagement rings, weddings, and many more.
Love can be very stressful and you may have to sacrifice a lot emotionally; the tears, the insecurity and needs. Connecting two strange characters calls for a lot of compromise and sacrifice for love to work. Providing emotional support for your lover may make you depressed, stressed, and draining.
Most people who value their careers and studies always choose to put on hold relationship because it cost time. Pursuing a post graduate degree, going to medical school, being an investment banker, training for the Olympics, or starting a company is time demanding, if you have a man or woman demanding time then juggling the two can be an issue .

Dating and being in love can also cost you your friends and family, infact studies have proved this.
Friendships get severed in the beginning of relationships; you want to spend lots of time with your partner at the expense of your friends.As much as it may sound practical to spend more time with your boyfriend, such decisions don’t go down well with friends, who are used to having you around.
Should we then stop dating? Well if your is budget tight, dating might not be a good idea.
If you really must do it, then get someone who is ambitious or has a financially rewarding career , make sure you make enough money to fulfill your lover’s material desires and avoid long-distance relationships.