>> Guys Talk >> How do I date on a shoestring budget?

The poor economy has made me a poor man. I'm making just enough to keep my apartment and car but have precious little cash for a social life. Still, I'm confident my financial picture will brighten, and I'm starting to date again. I want my dates to know that I'm a generous guy who enjoys a big night on the town. Though I know discretion is the better part of valor, I'm worried about my lack of discretionary income. What's a well-meaning writer on a tight budget to do? â€” Will Write for Food in Atlantic City, N.J.

Many people â€” men and women â€” are in the same situation. The economic downturn has left many of us on shaky financial ground and forced even the most generous to rein in their spending on anything but the essentials. So while I'm sorry you're broke, I'm glad you've recognized that love is essential.

While women definitely feel the pinch, it's clear that men feel it more. Even in our liberated society, many people expect men to pick up the tab on a date. Witness these results of a Match.com member survey, which found that: 45 percent of singles think the guy should pay for the first date 32 percent of singles think that whoever asks for the date should pay 21 percent of singles think the first date should be Dutch But don't despair; here are several tips to make a good impression without breaking the bank: Be innovative Any guy can suggest dinner and a movie. If your budget doesn't allow a big night on the town, improvise. Poetry readings, gallery openings and "author talks" can be fun, and many offer light refreshments. Or suggest a day of cruising the flea market or a street fair, where food and fun often come at bargain basement prices. Even an afternoon of people watching at a funky cafÃ© will enable you to show some style without flashing a lot of cash.

Mind your manners

Women like men who are mannerly. Even if you're dining al fresco at a hot dog stand, your conduct can lend an air of sophistication to the meal. You don't have to be an acolyte of Miss Manners' to impress your gal with your gallantry. Common courtesy goes a long way. Open the door for her. Ask what she wants and then order on her behalf. Call her the next day to say thank you. Even these basic actions will make her feel appreciated.

Keep it simple

Make simple, but thoughtful, gestures. Almost every woman loves flowers, but that doesn't mean you have to present her with rare hothouse lovelies. The simplest bouquet conveys thoughtfulness, as does a well-chosen single blossom. Just make sure the flower is at its peak. Pick (at your local florist or cutting garden) the freshest looking flower you can find. A shabby bloom makes you look shabby, too.

Exercise your creativity

Special occasion looming? Instead of shelling out a ton of cash on a fancy gift, make something for her. A photo collage of your escapades together. A pressed flower from one of the first bouquets you gave her, mounted in a simple thrift store frame. Your first email exchanges copied into a lovely journal. Gifts like these can be extraordinarily meaningful yet ordinarily priced.

Keep it real

Finally, it's important to be honest â€” with yourself and with the women you date â€” about your financial status. If you're working as hard as you can to improve your cash position â€” by cutting costs and looking for additional sources of income â€” you've got nothing to be ashamed of. While it can be challenging to keep your self-esteem high when your bank balance is low, you must. If you feel better about your bank balance, it's likely she will, too. That's not to say that you should lead with "Hi, I'm Will, and I barely made my rent last month." But in the course of normal conversation, the topic of your work is bound to come up.

Be careful not to over- or understate your situation. Sugarcoating the fact that you're not meeting your earning potential will only result in disappointment for both of you later. And painting a doom-and-gloom picture could scare her off. So just tell the truth â€” that you're working, if less than you'd like, and though you're not getting ahead of the game, you're at least staying solvent.

And remember, if you're attracted to a woman with expensive tastes, it's best to come clean about your financial situation sooner rather than later. If she really likes you, it won't be a problem. And if it is a problem, better that you know that upfront than after you're in too deep.

Good luck!