Living Social on Groupons

So as I attempt not to break one of my own rules regarding product endorsements (hint, hint check the title), I just wanted to weigh in on a conversation that took place last week on the Today Show between the last hour co-hosts Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb:  Should a man who uses a meal coupon or gift certificate on the first date get a second date?

Quite frankly, my opinion on this topic is irrelevant since I am not currently dating at the moment.  However, as someone who is married to a person who never leaves home without at least three discount dining deals in his wallet, I might have a perspective worth your consideration.  Yes, I agree that a man who uses a coupon on the first date should probably think twice about the impression he might be making...but the question I have in return is whether anyone should take dating advice from the likes of Hoda and Kathie Lee.

The fact is, there are a lot of single Busy Black Women out there, and if you want to change your Facebook status, then you might need to rethink your criteria for finding Mr. Right.  First impressions are important, but as the great philosopher Chris Rock once said, the person you date in the first three to six months of a relationship is just the representative.  Notorious serial killer Ted Bundy apparently made a great first impression...



A man who uses discount dining coupons is probably the same guy who buys his suits off the rack.  He does not wear monogrammed dress shirts with cuff-links.  He drives the same little car he bought and paid for with the money he earned at his first job.  He will show up on time for your date.  He is...

Frugal.  Sensible.  Reliable.  Willing to risk losing a few cool points because he would rather use a discount dining coupon or take you out during Restaurant Week than try to impress you with an expensive meal purchased on an overdrawn credit card.  Sure, it might be awkward when the check arrives, but it would be far more embarassing for his credit card to be declined.  Or for him to ask you to go dutch.  Or for him to excuse himself and never return. 

And what savvy BBW does not believe in saving a few hard-earned dollars?  Am I alone in believing that the mid-week one-day sale was created with us in mind (because who has time to shop on the weekends)?  Unless you are a Baller BBW, I know your inbox is full of discount deals for travel, cosmetics, bath and body products, spa services and dining out.  So cut the man some slack and agree to a second date--he could be the one!

Now, if your first date included sneaking into a movie theater and if dinner was fast food at a place where the coupons are available in the Sunday paper, then forget what I said--he's cheap.