In most cultures, spending time with the people you love is heavily associated with food and drink. Perhaps this isn’t surprising, as most people love to eat, and there is something about eating and drinking with others that makes everything taste so much better.
However, the price of “going out” with your friends, family or significant other can really add up. Although one drink from a coffee shop or bar doesn’t feel very expensive in the moment, those charges really pile up as you navigate your social life. In this article, VALLEY will discuss the impact of our culture’s connection between having fun and spending money, as well as list some free ways to enjoy time with the special people in your life.
The Price Tag on Socialization
With most of America’s favorite pastimes having a cost associated with them, “going out” with your friend group or taking your special someone on a date usually comes with a price tag. While we aren’t saying that you shouldn’t be willing to spend a few bucks on a night out with your favorite people once in a while, perhaps it is a good idea to make a list of free things to do as well.
Our culture’s connection between having fun and spending money has some more disadvantages in addition to being expensive. With the way things are, members of a friend group who have less to spend than the others may begin to feel left out, or the need to stay home instead. Furthermore, these practices can create uncomfortable situations for friends who are sober or have eating disorders.
VALLEY’s Free “Going Out” and Date Ideas
Without further ado, we are excited to share some of our recommendations of free ways to enjoy time with your friends, family or significant other.
Perhaps you and your crew could stay in and have a game night. This could be anything depending on the interests of the group. Card or board games can be a hit if everyone is willing to invest some time and focus. If someone owns the hardware, party video games such as Mario Kart seem like a fail proof option. Depending on the weather, outdoor games such as volleyball never disappoint.
Maybe a classic movie night or reality show binge party can bring your group together. Alternatively, you could embark on a group workout session or do some cooking or baking!
What do you think of our recommendations? Please share your own by tweeting us @VALLEYmag.
