Recession dating procedure now dictates that she may not wear her Jimmy Choos, and you may not mention your hedge fund (if you still have one worth mentioning). The great news for many singles out there is that it is being perceived as a little crude to be spending, charging, and showing off. Romance is still alive and well, you just may not find it after a night of drinking Cristal. The theme of the moment is character, as opposed to expenditure. Talking about and spending money is considered by many as insensitive at best. So what are the single guys and gals looking for now in a prospective date? Read on for some dating tips.

Stay Positive. There is enough doom and gloom in the media without bringing it on your date. Keep the subject off the dire economy and on more entertaining and pleasant topics. Keep stories about your personal finances for a long way down the track.

No Labels. This is definitely not the time to be perceived as being a little too label conscious. Plenty of singles are suffering, or fearful for their immediate future. Parading around in a never ending display of designer couture may not be the way to any-one’s heart right now. If you were born to shop you may want to find a new hobby for the next little while.

No Ostentatious Displays. For those lucky enough to have plenty of cash to throw around. Don’t. Many people out there at the moment are finding over spending insensitive at best. Tighten your belt like everyone else and adjust your visible spending. You don’t really want to be attracting gold diggers do you? Now is a great time to be able to discriminate between those after your money and those who are more genuine. Select less expensive venues, and no you don’t have to go all scuzzy. Concentrate on getting to know your date, instead of just enjoying the opulent surroundings.

No-one wants: Whingeing. Yep, most people are not as well off as they were. Keep on happy and entertaining topics.

Go Dutch. Offering to pay for half of the bill shows a little sensitivity in these challenging times. While many guys may decline your offer, they will appreciate your gesture. However, don’t be prepared to offer if you have no way of paying for your half. That could be a tad embarrassing if they take you up on your offer.

Less Competition. Now is the time to really shine if you have never been blessed with an unending supply of cash or credit. The flashy singles who always looked so successful and appealing have been culled. You now have a chance to win other singles over with your charm, wit and personality. Show a bit of creativity with dates and venues.

Recession dates are an excellent opportunity to get to know your date for who they really are. Are they still attractive without quite so much cash? Are they well rounded? Can they even survive in these gloomy times? Is that single guy or gal available for a good reason? Recession dating, proving romance isn’t always about wining and dining in the very best restaurants with the very finest bubbly.