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Internet dating sites and offline matchmakers have reported higher activity during these recessionary times, according to the New York Times. Match.com, for instance, recently had its strongest fourth quarter in the last seven years.
One reason: with unemployment on the rise, more people have time on their hands to devote to romance. People also seek the comfort of relationships during tough times. Online dating or other organized dating events can be a more affordable way of meeting people than expensive blind-date dinners.
Indeed, those singles who went on fancy dates during flusher times are changing their ways, with fewer lavish meals and pricey drinks. One man interviewed by the Washington Post, whose construction company has seen a 50% drop in business, now looks for free date activities, such as hiking or motorcycle rides to visit wineries. (This piece has more low-cost ideas for romance, including having a picnic, taking a stroll to watch the sunset, wine-tasting for free at wine shops and cooking dinner together.)
Another sign of the times: condom sales have been on the rise, reports USA Today. Sales of condoms in the U.S. rose 5% in the fourth quarter of 2008 and 6% in January, compared to the same periods a year earlier, according to data-tracker Nielsen Co. 2009-03-11
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