Love doesn’t come cheap in Britain, where the typical date costs £200 (R2 290), according to a survey of some of the nation’s 8,6-million “singletons”.
On average, the single British man or woman goes out on a date five times a year, with the Welsh the keenest date hunters, spending more on looking for that someone special in bars and clubs.
London is the lonely-hearts capital with 33% more single people than other parts of Britain, even though the cost of a date there is almost 50% more expensive.
YouGov, an opinion polling institute, questioned 2 473 people on their dating habits for Maestro, a debit-card operator.
The survey revealed that 60% of men still feel compelled to appear chivalrous and pay for dinner.
This is offset by a woman’s pre-date preening expenses. On average, ladies will spend £90 (R1 030) on, for instance, a new outfit, a trip to the hairdresser, make-up and lingerie.
Office romances are blossoming, with 42% of Britons saying they look for love at work. But 56% said they are most likely to meet their potential partner in a bar or club.
Only 15% use modern techniques, such as internet dating and speed dating, to pinpoint a partner. — AFP