Love might not cost a thing, but young singles looking to date as prices rise are definitely feeling the pressure. 

Tinder called it early last year in March: in The Future of Dating report, the world’s most popular dating app noted how post-pandemic, singles increasingly preferred more casual and creative first-date activities to the traditional wine-and-dine. Amidst the heat of “hot vax summer” last year, affordability was a major benefit with 6 in 10 young adult singletons# saying that going “outside was expensive”. 

And affor-dates (affordable dates) are about to stay attractive. 

Mentions of “inflation” in Tinder bios increased almost five-fold (4.6x) year on year, and is only looking to grow further as it hit an all-time high this July*. Some young daters have taken the pressures of rising costs with a good dose 💉 of humour, inspiring bios such as I used to consider myself a 6 but due to recent inflation I’m now a 10.** 

But there’s only so much laughing-through-the-pain 🥲can fix. To help the dating hopefuls, Tinder speaks to Dr. Angela Tan, intimacy coach and founder of the Academy of Relationship & Sex, on “affor-dating” (affordable dating). 

“With going out becoming more expensive, young adult singles now need to get more creative when planning for dates. The upside is that this is an excellent opportunity to check the couples’ compatibility when it comes to making practical decisions,” said Dr. Angela. 

Papri Dev, Head of APAC Communications at Tinder added, “As young singles return to connecting IRL post-pandemic, we have seen them vibing to dates far more creative than the standard fare of dinner, drinks and a movie. From at-home telenovela streaming dates and take-out mukbang to outdoorsy hikes over the weekend and afternoon picnic dates at the park, Singles in the Philippines and across APAC are putting more imagination into courtship. In fact, Tinder members can go to Explore, a newly launched section on the app to find someone to go on a coffee date with, or to connect with an animal lover for a visit to the dog park, or a fellow mobile gamer to play ML with.”

Tinder member Faye (25) shared that she reacted positively to matches who have suggested more affor-dates. “Especially for first dates, I’m more likely to say yes to meeting up if it does not require much spend. I’d much rather go for a simple bike ride in my neighbourhood park than a serious sit-down dinner! I find that it takes the pressure off of my match, too, so we can focus more on our connection.”

With inflation breaking more banks than hearts 💔, here are our two-cents on top creative affor-dating ideas:

  • Simple pleasures – Tinder members have increasingly opted for the small joys in life that cost them little to nothing. “Simple pleasures” grew in mentions by 21%* with pastimes such as cloud watching 👀☁️ and crocheting cited. 
  • Hit the thrift shop 🛍️– Saan aabot ang 100 pesos mo? If you’ve only got 100 pesos in your pocket, try going thrifting and get fabulous finds from head to toe. Did you know mentions of “thrifting” in bios have grown by 26% year on year* on Tinder? Here’s to the #thriftlife!
  • Go for the free stuff – There are a number of museums in the Philippines young Pinoy daters can visit for free! Additionally, big cities around the country have pockets of urban greenery that are best for afternoon walks and picnic dates–think outdoors and outside the box! 
  • Walk the talk – Remember the pasabay courting culture back in high school? Today seems to be the perfect time to give that old dating practise a new flair by going on a little ‘walk date’ in major spots around the city. Dr. Angela says, “Not only does this save you petrol or taxi money, the longer journey home also gives you more quality time together.”
  • We volunteer! – One of Dr. Angela’s favourite date activities, look for opportunities to contribute to causes and take “better together” to the next level. Find a fellow animal lover on Explore and head to the local animal shelter for a meaningful day out.
  • Master trending dance challenges together 💃💃– For the true young adult (or young-at-heart), this is the ultimate test of teamwork! Can you nail the beat without losing it?

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