Dating in the 21st century is not only hard, but it's also a little over the top. In this day and age where it appears that most people involved in the dating scene are all about "me first," we need to understand on both sides that it can be a fun thing and not a lot of money has to be spent. This is something that we on both sides have kind of lost our sights on.

So, fellas, you don't have a lot of dough in the bank and for many of you reading this, you're on a strict budget and being frugal is probably a commonplace. Even though there are girls out there that are impressed by money, many women would rather have a guy who's genuine so putting on airs that you have blocks of gold in your ride probably isn't the best route in the long run. There are ways you can stay in and it starts to lead to something special.

We live in a technological world and you can stay in, make dinner and watch a movie without spending 30 dollars just to watch a film at the theater and have an amazing dinner. Women, from my experience, like a man who can cook and the best way to anyone's heart is through their stomach. Why not find out what she likes or make a dish you probably can both agree on and then watch a movie from a stream? If you want to watch something a little newer than what is on Netflix with its selection, Vudu is a wonderful app that sometimes releases films not long after they release and sometimes they carry films that haven't come out on Blu-ray. I strongly suggest that app.

Yes, you can Netflix without the chill. My most recent date was a stay-in date and it was phenomenal and nothing crazy happened even though we did watch Netflix, decided weren't satisfied with the selection and switched gears to a horror film on Vudu. It turned out being one of the best dates I've ever been on.

With stay-in dates, you connect on what I believe is more personal level. You don't feel pressed for time because one of you is at the other's home. Only one of you has to live to go back to your casa and that in turn helps things a little because you don't have to have the urgency of going to two places to get back to your place and get ready for whatever the next day brings.

When cooking, the grocery store is always awesome. I bought three steaks one night for like 18 dollars and three potatoes for like two bucks when shopping for some friends I grilled with. I spent more on a bottle of wine and the "fixins'" for the steak and potatoes than I did the actual food. Keep in mind you bought the food for less than you would at the restaurant and I myself was giving my friends options as I didn't really know everything they liked for their steaks and potatoes.

While going out to the movies, or dinner, or even Topgolf is a great idea, if he/she likes you, your time could very well be all that they need in order to see how it progresses to the next date especially during the early stages and the "feeling out" process. There are a certain intimacy and greatness to low budget dates that are like these because again, you're getting to know each other in a setting that makes you closer and time is less of an issue.

It doesn't have to be dinner and movie though, it can be playing video games if she likes them, listening to music on Bluetooth speaker and just talking, or playing a game. You can really break the ice having her invite friends, you doing the same, and playing a game like Cards against Humanity. That, in turn, brings comedy into the beginning early and it shows what type of humor the two of you have.

Your wallet/pocketbook is not all you are. You don't have to go the full mile early and for some, put on airs to grab the other person's attention. Being genuine is always a good route to take. Remember, even though we have a dating world where at times it can be self-centered, it isn't always the case.