5 (Cost-Friendly) College Date Ideas

In a strange turn of events, I come to you this week with an article (mostly) free of ominous humor, #whitegirlproblems and “GIRLS” references. Could I be… maturing? Not quite, here are five cost-friendly, college-approved, and personally-tested dates.
<strong>1. Puppy Lovin at Petland</strong>

If you didn’t think I was going to work a “puppy love” pun in here, you’re giving me too much credit.

<a href=”http://www.petland.com/”>Petland</a>, or any place with furry animals, is a fuzzy feeling goldmine. The cute critters allow for each person on the date to experience a sense of nostalgia, plush fur and/or bundle of cuteness. And puppies aren’t just good for “awwww-ing” at, there are several <a href=”http://puppies.about.com/od/PuppyLoveBrags/a/Health-Benefits-Of-Puppies.htm”>health benefits! </a> Puppies have been known to reduce stress as well as blood pressure. “Your puppy may lower blood presser more effectively than medication. That’s because the act of speaking dramatically increases blood pressure, and drugs don’t block this effect.” But mostly, they’re just really stinking cute.

It’s completely free to play with the puppies, but you should be warned: you won’t want to leave.

<a href=”http://thatswhatshesaidonline.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/puppies.jpg”><img src=”http://thatswhatshesaidonline.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/puppies.jpg?w=300″ alt=”puppies” width=”300″ height=”240″ class=”alignnone size-medium wp-image-995″ /></a>

<strong>2. Dinner for Two (At Home)</strong>
This one is a two-parter.

Go to the grocery store or Farmer’s Market together, and pick up ingredients to your favorite shared meal. It’s a great way to find out your partner’s favorite brands, dishes, sides and meal preferences.

After buying the ingredients, go home and (attempt) to cook a meal together*.
<em>*Romance results may vary. Possible side effects include: bickering, arson, or burned food and silverware. </em>

This <a href=”http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/shrimp-tacos/7b73a193-36c7-42b3-937f-e0314da7d467″>recipe</a> for shrimp tacos is easy and delicious.

<strong>3. Netflix, boom.</strong>
Years ago, giving your partner a key to your apartment was a relationship milestone. Now, giving your Netlfix password speaks volumes of trust and intimacy. Beware, you may find your boyfriend has an unhealthy fixation with shark documentaries and Adam Sandler movies. Or worse, he’ll find out that you’ve watched every season to “Say Yes To The Dress.”

Choose a show to watch together from the beginning, or introduce your lover (pronounced luh-vah) to the genius that is “South Park.” Either way, it’s a chance to bond and make a couples tradition.

<strong>4. The Couple That Plays Together…</strong>
I can’t promise you’ll <em>stay</em> together, but you will burn a few calories. If you’re dating someone athletic, or want to lose a couple of pounds yourself, go to your local park, gym or recreational court, and play ball! A game of one-on-one will get the blood going. (Shout out to every and any mind that just went to the gutter.)

5. Take Advantage of the Weather
If you’re in the Midwest, you are well aware that Mother Nature is perpetually drunk and can’t decide if she’s hot or cold, wants to rain or snow. If the weather is gorgeous in your neck of the woods, grab a picnic basket, food and find a meadow. If it’s snowing, build a snowman. And if it’s raining, re-enact The Notebook. (And congratulate yourself, you have the best boyfriend.)