My young neighbor, a young collegiate, was complaining to me the other day about how he was perennially short of cash and this made him afraid to ask out the girl of his dreams because he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to show her a good time and make a good first impression. Who said a date has to be expensive to be great?

I can think of plenty of dates which hardly made a dent in my wallet but which count amongst the most enjoyable times I’ve ever had and plenty of times where a sizeable chunk of my paycheck contributed towards the most dismal or boring hours I’ve spent in female company. In my books, if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. A meal at a not-so-great restaurant or the lack of a rented tuxedo should not put off the girl of your dreams – if she’s really the girl for you.

The key is to be imaginative – and be yourself. Remember – more than half the enjoyment we derive from being anywhere is because of the company we are with. So go out there and let your spirit dazzle. Dare to be irresistible.