January 18, 2024
Dear fellow traveler,
Should you pay on the first date?
It's an age-old question. Some believe it's a gesture of common courtesy to pay for your date, while others advocate for the independence of paying for oneself.
However, I'd like to offer an alternative perspective. My view is that you should be both willing and prepared to pay.
Whether you actually end up paying or not is secondary; it shouldn't be a source of worry.
If the thought of paying on a date causes you stress, then perhaps it's not the right time to be dating.
At the very least, reconsider why you're choosing a restaurant that makes you uneasy about its prices.
This brings me to the "Luxury Threshold Rule."
The idea is simple: indulge in luxury only when you're financially comfortable enough to enjoy it without stress.
Sounds obvious, right? Of course you shouldn’t buy a Ferrari if you’re in debt. But let’s delve deeper.
Consider vacations. Should you go on one if you're even slightly stressed about the cost?
I don't think so. The whole point of a vacation is relaxation, which is compromised if you're preoccupied with finances.
Take my example. Right now, I could spend $10,000 on a lavish solo-trip to Paris, complete with a stay in a five-star hotel and dining at exquisite restaurants.
However, this amount represents a significant portion of my savings.
Sure, I could do it and have a memorable time, but what about the future?
When I'm 40, such a trip will likely be much less financially burdensome, given that income typically increases with age. And I know that I’ll enjoy it 99% as much.
Now, I’m not saying “spend your youth as a hermit and save all your money so you can retire and then live life”.
Rather, I'm suggesting to focus on cheaper experiences that may not be as feasible as you age.
Think about it. Activities like sports with college friends or adventurous hikes around campus are experiences best enjoyed while young. These are inexpensive yet fulfilling.
But what about expensive restaurants, luxurious vacations, or extravagant shows? These can wait.
Have a great week,
Aman
"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning."
- Mitch Albom, Tuesdays With Morrie
I recently decided to revisit Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Album. I read this book back in middle school, but I completely forgot how engaging the story is.
It’s a memoir about a professor who gets ALS — and his former student, Mitch, who spends every Tuesday with him until his death. There are so many important life lessons here that I think everyone should remember.
A Productivity Expert's Advice on Finding Love Faster (with Ali Abdaal)
I know, I know, I always tend to slip another podcast with Ali Abdaal in here. But this episode was great.
It’s focused primarily on dating and how to improve the quality of your relationship. Very useful stuff.