Food, Home and Style

Free Dates at Friendly Stores

Good news: the economic big brains (except for Dr. Doom(s), Nouriel Roubini and Marc Faber) think the market is heading for a rebound and that typically precedes a general rebound by 12-18 months. Bad news: joblessness has hit 9.5%. While the statistics and methodology for determining joblessness borders on pseudo-science, it’s a bad sign indeed. So people will have to continue drinking powdered water (just add water) for the time being. But how do you keep the relationship (the old ball and chain) fun during these times of woe? “Be creative and keep your peepers peeled” is how.

Our pahtnahs (sound it out) over at Shine are reporting that Ikea (the Swedish furniture brand that allows you the freedom to construct your own furniture and invariably give you enough extra parts that you’re convinced you did something wildly wrong during the assembly) in New York offers childcare services to customers. In fact, the “customers” need not be even actively shopping to receive 45 minutes of free couch time.

I know what you’re thinking, “are you, the impeachable Tom Miller, really suggesting that we go to this department store for free and not get strong-armed into purchasing a futon that we don’t really need?” Yes, I also thought it would be a good idea for you to see me at Lord & Taylor during the Man Panel. It’s their job to get you in the store. It’s your job to only buy what you need to survive. (Note: I’ve been convinced that I cannot do without a pair of pinstriped pants by a motivated and hands-y saleswoman. Make sure “no” means “no” and not “convince me.”)

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-Written by Tom Miller for Yourtango.com

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Tags: dating, economy, free, freebies, relationships, YourTango