So… you’re broke. That’s the bad news. The good news is, A) you’re not alone (well, I suppose that’s also bad news, economically speaking… ) and B) it doesn’t have to negatively impact your dating life.

Here are 5 reasons why having nothing but lint in your pockets doesn’t necessarily result in having a dry spell.

1. You’re creative (or you can be, anyway)

As someone who has spent many a holiday season as a “starving artist,” I can tell you first hand that it truly is the thought that counts. Well, the fruits of your thoughts actually count more, but the point is — you don’t have to spend money to let someone know that you care about them. When it comes to gift giving, effort and thoughtfulness are generally more appreciated than money.

The same ethos applies to dating. Taking the time to plan a memorable date will win someone over before maxing out your credit card will. Find an outdoor spot with gorgeous view of the city and take your time getting there. Curate a tour of your neighborhood’s best/most hilarious graffiti. Get a bucket of sidewalk chalk and leave your mark on some forgotten street. Take pictures of each other posing with statues.

Creative dates are not only a better way to impress a potential partner, but you’ll be able to share more of who you are, too.

2. You know how to take advantage of a happy hour

After work drinks are casual and low commitment — perfect for first dates. Depending on what city you’re in, most bars will offer drink specials for the just-off-the-clock crowd.

Suggesting an early evening date says two things 1.) “I’d like to really get to know you” and 2.) “I’m not just looking to get you into bed.” Plus, if you start before 8pm, you can extend a date that’s going well and still get to sleep at a reasonable hour on a work night. And it’s cheap. Win, win, win.

Related: The New 50/50 – How To Split the Check in 2011

3. You can make it about them

What do you know about your date’s interests? Do they enjoy chamber music? Jazz? Poetry. You can pretty much always find a free performance somewhere. Painting? Museums cost money, but galleries usually don’t. In fact, most museums have a “free night,” too. Books? The library actually makes an excellent date spot, if you do it right.

Planning a free activity that is specific to your date’s interests, will make her or him think “How thoughtful,” rather than, “What a cheapskate.”

Related: The 7 Best Libraries in America (To Bring a Date)

4. You can help others

Springing for dinner at an upscale restaurant shows your date that your paycheck is burning a hole in your pocket. Taking him or her to volunteer at an animal shelter shows your date that you’re caring, you’re thoughtful and you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty. That’s boyfriend or girlfriend material.

Related: How To Be A Modern Gentleman

5. You live within your means. And that’s attractive.

Most people who are looking for a relationship are thinking, at least on some level, about the long term. Almost every relationship has financial ups and downs. Showing your date that you are a person who can show them a good time, even when times are tight, will place you firmly in the “serious prospect” camp.

Don’t try to sell someone a fantasy. The ones who are really worth your time, aren’t buying anyway.

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