Hey, Big Spender!

The New York Times recently ran an article headed "How to be Frugal and Still Get Dates."  This is a topic that has long puzzled us, as we wonder why dates seem unenthusiastic when we suggest going Dutch, or, better yet, having them pick up the whole tab.

Apparently women generally find men whose wallets are zippered and cobwebbed less than captivating. According to the Times, a survey asking women how they would regard a blind date prospect described as "frugal" found that 15 percent would expect the male in question to be boring and 27 percent thought he would be stingy.  There is some hope, however:  three percent of those surveyed thought "frugal" meant "sexy."

To show that attitudes have not changed, the Times reprinted this advertisement which appeared in an 1860 personals column in the Herald Tribune:  "A young lady, rather good looking, of good address, desires the acquaintance of a gentleman of wealth.  None other need apply."  

Our advice:  Next time you ask for a date, have your accountant with you.