Six Tips for Dating in a Down Economy

May 6, 2009 -- It's no secret that love hurts. But these days, with the economy crumpling like a disappointed Cyrano, the pain has a ripe target other than the heart: the wallet.

Wining, dining, diamonds and champagne are sure to make an impression on any woman's heart. The trouble is, all that bling leaves an equally impressive imprint on the bank account.

Fortunately, extravagance in romance is shaping up to be so last year, with the Cristal and caviar giving way to a hot dog and a walk in the park. In this recession, when it comes to dating, it's no longer about swagger; it's about your soul.

Such new priorities are the ones that count when looking for a match, according to Rachel Greenwald, dating coach, matchmaker and author of "Why He Didn't Call You Back."

She should know: Greenwald surveyed 1,000 men to find out what works and what doesn't in this brave new dating world.

"People are not looking for style and flash and hookups as much as they were," Greenwald said. "Now they're looking for substance and someone who can be with them in good times and, more often, bad times."

So what is her advice for those looking for love on a budget? ABC News went to the hot Manhattan date spot Casa La Femme to test out Greenwald's tips.

"This is a woman who has a negative or complaining attitude," Greenwald said. "The woman who's successful in dating is going to see the glass half-full instead of half-empty."

Sekou Writes, a writer and single man, said, with the economy headed south, "It's important to go out with men and women that have a sunny disposition, that have a silver-lining kind of attitude."

"Fancy designer labels are now seen as crass," Greenwald said.

Instead of wearing your best diamonds when you go on a date, tone it down. Instead of grilling your date about what car he drives or his summer house in the Hamptons, ask him about his summer reading list.

You don't have to go on the most extravagant dates, according to Greenwald. Laura Chasen is a single woman who couldn't agree more. "Instead of trying to take her out to the fanciest possible restaurant and impress her with the nicest bottle of champagne," she said, "go to a local bar and have one or two drinks, or go to a coffee shop and see if you actually connect."