frimchebubche, sounds like you have something in common with Why Do I Even Bother. 🙂
Joseph, for the first time I’m in total agreement with you!!
I’m not dating yet, but when I get to that stage I certainly will not get my hair and nails done every time. I’ve only had my hair professionally done three times in my life, and all three were for very special occasions. Sorry, but a date just doesn’t qualify! When I was younger, my parents used to sometimes treat me to manicures as a special reward for being helpful, or to sweeten a difficult experience (like after a shot at the doctor’s office.) Once I got older, they lost their appeal and now I also only get manicures for close family simchas. I have lots of nail polish at home and I will occasionally do my nails myself, but when I do I find it doesn’t take anywhere near as much time as it would at the salon, what with the drive and the wait. Yes, girls should look put together when they go on dates, but there’s no need to expend huge amounts of time and money on appearance. I know a girl who has beautiful curly hair. She straightened it on every single date she went on, and her husband never saw her hair curly until they were engaged. B”H they’re happily married now, but imagine if he were the shallow type- the wedding might never have happened. To all the girls out there who say they won’t put in so much effort once they’re married, you’re setting yourself up for failure. If you attract a guy who only cares about the physical, your marriage will fall apart just as soon as you move in together and he discovers you don’t wake up in the morning looking like the beautiful doll he dated. You want a guy who will love you for the rest of your life, so you should let him see what you plan to look like once you’re married. Otherwise, you’re wasting your time.
$75 for each date? Put that money to better use; give it to tzedaka.