Relationships are important. They make our time here on earth worthwhile. But what happens when you don’t have the funds to maintain a relationship in this expensive 2019? Lucky for you, we’re giving you ten tips on dating while broke.

***Plat4om giveaway: Check the picture at the end for a surprise.***

1. Attend free events

Instead of paying for overpriced tickets to shows, you can check out free events to attend online. You and your date can attend poetry readings, visit art galleries and even explore museums for little to no money at all! Maybe you could use an open mic as a chance to express your feelings to your love.

2. Enjoy home-cooked meals

Eating out can rack up serious debt. So if you’re in the mood for a nice meal, just call your date over and cook them something nice. You could even make it into an activity by cooking together or going on a picnic.

3. Be real about your financial status

Depending on the length and intensity of your relationship, you should start talking about your financial situation and plans. This helps keep expectations realistic and start things on the basis of trust and honesty.

4. Put them on your phone plan

You don’t have to stay up at night to talk to your love for hours. A lot of mobile networks offer special plans for your frequently called contact. You could get heavily discounted or even free calls and data, so you and your honey can talk till you fall asleep.

5. Watch films at home

With mobile streaming apps, film night doesn’t mean you have to go to the films. With thousands of films and series at your disposal and popcorn and groundnuts on every street, you can have a full film date with bae at home.

6. Give thoughtful gifts

When it comes to gift-giving, it’s the thought that counts. Try to find out what you can do for someone that doesn’t cost too much money. You could write them love letters, give them a box of your memories, or have a little party for just the two of you.

7. Take long walks together

Cut down of expensive ride-share apps and take long walks with your beloved. You get to bind with someone when you walk a mile beside them and experience the streets together. Don’t think of it as trekking. Instead, call it linear exploration.

8. Look for discounts online

You can cash out on bonuses and discounts when they come up. A lot of stores, hotels and even film theatres offer holiday discounts and you can take advantage of that for gifts and experiences for you and your sweetheart.

9. Have a game night

This is the only time you’re allowed to play games in a relationship. Have some competitive fun with cheap and easy games for you. It can help you get to know the different sides of your partner as they win, lose and laugh.

10. Work out together

You can multitask getting fit and getting cuffed. It’s not necessary to go to the gym. You can just get home workout videos. Having a physical activity with your love interest can set the tone for other physical activities (*wink *wink).

Love doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can bond and get to understand and love each other more in whatever stage of dating you are in. What matters the most is how committed you are to making your partner happy. For more on relationships, check out these fun questions to know your partner better.