Where Did My Paycheck Go?

Dear Michelle Valentine,
I've been using the personals to find the right girlfriend; and I've taken several of the women I met through the personals on a dinner date. Trouble is, this is starting to cut into my paycheck. I want to make sure that if the girl is the "right one" I have started out treating her special; but frankly, I'm not sure I can afford the search anymore. So I guess my question is, can I go dutch on some of these date? Or is there a cheap date that doesn't look cheap?

Almost Broke in Altamonte

Dear Almost Broke in Altamonte,
There are several ways for you to qualify your women friends before spending a lot of money. Talking on the phone, for example, is a great free way to build some rapport. Next, don't go to dinner on the first date! Meeting for coffee or ice cream is a nice way to get to know someone without "investing" more than you are prepared to spend. There are some other fun and romantic ways to "woo" and get to know someone better without spending a fortune. I checked around the office and here are some favorites: Take a walk around Lake Eola or one of the other city lakes, and bring a picnic dinner. Go for a bike ride on Orange Blossom trail. If she is interested in art, look in the calendar section for an art gallery opening. Best ideas for low cost places to eat - Thai and Vietnamese restaurants, for example, are both healthy and inexpensive. Just remember that romance isn't always about money. A nice dinner is wonderful, but you also want a partner that will respect your current financial situation, and honor you for your qualities of character. Finding out if you can have fun on a tight budget is a great way to see if you are a match!

Amore till next week