Recession complicates dating

ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Relationship experts say the U.S. recession isn't killing romance but is complicating the process when it comes to picking a place to go and paying the tab.

"I'm sure 40 years ago when the bill came, there wasn't too much arguing about it, but now it's an awkward moment," said Jonathan Rich, author of "The Couple's Guide to Love & Money."

While nearly everyone has been affected by layoffs, pay cuts, declining home values and shrinking investment portfolios, people are still going to date, said Michael Clark, a spokesman for Cupid.com, a speed-dating service.

Some relationship experts suggest that whoever asks for the date should shoulder the financial burden, the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press reported Saturday. Others say the issue of money can be avoided by attending free concerts or suggesting a walk, said Diane Mapes, author of "How to Date in a Post-Dating World."

"There's plenty of things you can do that don't cost a cent," she said, "and I'm not talking about sex."