You've met someone special. You've got a lot in common and this is a relationship that you want to pursue. So, what's your next move? What's keeping you from setting that first date?

These issues are familiar to single service members the world over, and the solutions are pretty universal too:
"I'm new to the area."
"I don't have any money."
"I wouldn't know where to go on a date."
"I'm too young to get into the 'right' clubs."

Don't dismay! Incredible resources are a lot closer than you may think. Click on each of the following topics for surefire solutions to your dating dilemma. Read through the suggestions presented and highlight ideas that catch your eye. Print out your results, then pick up that phone!

Excellent Resources
Freebies
Cheap Thrills
The Big Splurge
Under 21?

Excellent Resources
Being new to an area is no excuse for avoiding a potential date. All service members have access to the following "installation wide" resources, sure to provide you with excellent options both on base and within your community:

Fleet and Family Support Centers: Don't let the name fool you! FFSC's are designed to assist all members of the military family and that includes YOU. A great resource for newcomers: pay a visit to the Relocation Specialist to access a detailed and current copy of the local SITES book, area maps and discount coupons. All FREE to you.

MWR: Haven't heard of the Moral Welfare and Recreation center? Well, where have you been? This resource, available to all service members, their families and guests, offers an endless number of less expensive and often FREE "great date" options, including:

• Installation Swimming Pools
  
• Golf Courses
  
• Tennis Courts
  
• Bowling Alleys
  
• State of the Art Gymnasiums
  
• Theaters
  
• Clubs (often with live weekend entertainment)
  
• Camping Equipment/Boat/Bike & Ski rental shops
  
• Tours & Tickets offices (free or reduced rate base and community event tickets, including top name concerts, community theater, area theme park admissions and a wealth of additional information).

  The United Services Organization (USO) exists to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to uniformed military personnel at home and abroad. Check out the USO web site to access the center nearest you. They offer:
  

• Newcomer briefings (including information on area "hot spots")
  
• High quality, inexpensive tours
  
• Discount tickets to area theaters, sports events & community performances
  
• A home away from home for service members and their guests
  

  Armed Services YMCA: Lucky you! In an effort to thank single military men and women for their service to our nation, the Armed Services YMCA recently enacted a "singles initiative." At every center throughout the world the focus is on meeting YOUR needs. Again, this is a great resource for discount tickets to area events and just about any information you might be in search of. Why not get involved in your new community by sharing a "volunteer" date? You'll find an abundance of volunteer opportunities to choose from, it's FREE and more importantly, helping others "together" is sure to bring you closer. Want more information? Click on the Armed Services YMCA web site highlighted above.

  Additional Resources include:
  Your local Chamber of Commerce
  Military Newspapers
  Local Magazines (available FREE at most grocery stores)
  Entertainment sections of local newspapers
  
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  Freebie's
  Believe it or not, most singles agree, "It's never the amount of money spent, but the quality of the time together that counts with any date." The following ideas offer FREE yet creative and fun ways to share time together.
  
  Check your local/base paper for FREE community events, such as:
  

• Concerts in the park
  
• Amateur theater
  
• Guest speakers at local high schools/colleges
  
• Museum tours
  
• Poetry readings
  
• Charity walks/runs/bike rides
  
  If you like the outdoors and have the equipment:
  
• Play tennis
  
• Go roller blading
  
• Bike ride
  
• Ice-Skate on a local pond
  
• Hike or take a nature walk
  
• Try frisbee golf
  
• Go swimming at your base pool, lake or local beach
  
• Go fishing
  
  Other freebie's include:
  
• Dancing by candlelight
  
• Cuddling on the sofa and watching TV
  
• Star gazing together on a clear night
  
• Visiting a zoo or public gardens
  
• Volunteering together (Habitat for Humanity, serving at a local soup kitchen, community beautification, etc.)
  
• Going to church/synagogue together

  
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  Cheap Thrills
  Looking for some great date ideas that won't break the bank? You've come to the right place! The following list, designed to inspire and enlighten you, proves that you don't need to spend a lot to make a lasting impression.

  What can you possibly do together for under $20? Here's what:
  

• Pack a picnic, a blanket and head to the beach, park or roof of your building
  
• Rent a movie, pop popcorn and snuggle together in front of a fire
  
• Play miniature golf and go for ice cream and a walk afterwards
  
• Cheer on your local team at a community baseball game
  
• Go to a church/school fair or carnival
  
• Go horseback riding (check out your base stables if available)
  
• Go bowling
  
• Play pool together
  
• Order pizza and play monopoly on a blanket by candlelight
  
• Rent ski's, skates, bikes or any other sport equipment through MWR and spend a day outdoors together
  
• Plan and cook dinner together
  
• Rent a paddle boat or canoe and bring your binoculars for bird watching
  
• Go to a coffee house for cappuccino and live jazz
  
• Take in a Saturday matinee at your local theater
  
• Visit a premiere restaurant for dessert
  
• Make a romantic breakfast for two, watch the sunrise and play a special CD to set the mood

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  The Big Splurge
  So, you've got money to spend, an impression to make, but not a single idea as to what you can do to make this date memorable. Don't despair! The following list is designed just for you. From $30 to as much as a few hundred dollars, you can count on these tips to make your time together extra special.
  

  • Visit your base MWR or local USO for military discounts on tickets to top name concerts, shows, amusement parks and sports events throughout the country.
    
  • Make reservations at a top area restaurant, have your date dress to the nines and keep your destination a secret (be on time and make sure your car is immaculate).
    
  • Sign up for a ski, camping or special event trip (get passes and rent all gear through your base MWR)
    
  • Plan a night to remember at your place. Prepare or have catered a romantic candle light dinner, dance alone together to memorable music under the stars and sip champagne into the night.
    
  • Take in a movie you've both been dying to see then hit a trendy restaurant for dinner.
    
  • Take a risk and try a new ethnic cuisine. Visit a Japanese, Thai or Vietnamese restaurant in your area.
    
  • For a unique night out, make reservations at a dinner theater where your waiters entertain you as well.
    
  • Pack a gourmet picnic, rent a boat (through MWR) and cruise your local waterways.
    
  • Take a ride in a hot air balloon.
    
  • Go sky diving, hang gliding, parasailing or any other "adventure" you've both been dying to try (check with your date before making these plans).
    
  • Purchase tickets to a charity gala. (Not only will you have a wonderful evening, you'll be helping those less fortunate as well).

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  Under 21
  Under 21? What sets you apart from older singles when it comes to dating? Surprisingly, quite a bit!
  
  Statistics show that you and your peers are a lot less likely to have extra money to spend on non-essentials (i.e., dating). You're new to the military and, more often than not, far from the comforts of home. Your living accommodations are sparse to say the least, you probably don't own a car, and above all (in your mind) your age prohibits you from entering a lot of the hottest clubs in town.
  
  Bottom line: Even if you've met someone you think you'd like to date, the logistics make it almost impossible! Or do they? Although your situation may seem a little more complicated, it certainly shouldn't keep you from getting out, meeting people and dating.
  
  No transportation? Give your local Armed Services YMCA a call. Area volunteers are often available to give you a lift or provide you with information on whom to call for very reasonably priced public transportation in your community.
  
  No money to spend? Don't let this issue detract you from asking that special someone out. Most young adults your age have limited funds and if you've found the right person, the amount of money you dole out will be a lot less important than the quality of the time you spend together. Check out "Freebies" or "Cheap Thrills" to get some great ideas for FREE and inexpensive dates.
  
  Far from home? You may feel all alone, but rest assured you're not. The USO, Fleet and Family Support Center and Armed Services YMCA are all committed to ensuring your new community offers you a home away from home. Designed specifically to meet your unique needs, they sponsor social events, offer volunteer opportunities as a way of meeting people in your area and provide a host of other pertinent resources. Click on each to access a general overview and web address for more information.
  
  Too young to get into the "right clubs?" So, you've heard all about the great bars and clubs downtown and have resolved to either risk your career and sneak in or hide away in your rack like a hermit until your old enough to get in legally. Which answer is correct? Neither! Most communities - especially those with military installations nearby - offer lots of social alternatives for the under 21 crowd. Contact your local Moral, Welfare and Recreation center for information on base-wide and off base options on where to meet people your age.