Rising prices aren't just impacting grocery bills and household budgets. According to dating coach and relationship expert Veronica Davis, the economy is also reshaping the way people approach romance.
"The economy is affecting dating in a lot of different ways," Davis said.
For some singles, that means stepping away from dating entirely.
Rather than investing time and money into finding a relationship, Davis says many people are focusing on personal growth.
"A lot of people are choosing a self-love stage right now," she said.
Others are continuing to date but with a closer eye on their budgets.
According to Davis, expensive dinners and elaborate nights out are increasingly being replaced by simpler experiences.
"Coffee dates are very popular right now," she said. "So are ice cream dates and walks in the park."
Even traditional dinner-and-a-movie outings have evolved.
"Netflix and takeout have become the new dinner and a movie for many couples," Davis said.
For couples who have already been together for some time, she says date nights are often becoming less frequent and more intentional.
"People are sharing plates, looking for specials, and in some cases stretching date night from once a month to once every other month," she said.
Financial realities are also influencing bigger relationship decisions.
Davis says she has seen economic pressures encourage some couples to move in together sooner than they otherwise would.
She's even worked with married clients facing difficult financial circumstances.
"I've had people tell me they would like to be single again, but financially they can't afford to divorce," Davis said.
While she acknowledges money can create challenges, Davis says there is no shame in focusing on personal stability first.
"If you can't afford to sustain a dating life right now, work on yourself," she said. "There will be opportunities to date when things settle down."
Her advice is simple: build a strong foundation financially and personally, and let relationships develop when the timing makes sense.
