During these tough economic times, we all need to practice something I call "recession-proof dating." I get sick and tired of people using the bad economy as an excuse for why everything in their life isn't working. That's simply not true!

Life goes on, and you can have an amazing dating life no matter what the state of the world economy (or your own personal economy). There are things you can do right now to make sure you keep money in your pocket as you're out there dating.

Here are six ways to engage in recession-proof dating:

I know this is something that a lot of you do, even though you know you shouldn't. So many people go out on dates that they can't afford. A date is an opportunity for two people to share stories, share things about themselves, and get to know each other to see whether or not they want to hang out again. So why are you spending money on expensive dinners for a first date?

Coffee is what I call a recession-proof date. Take a walk outside. Even if it's cold, it's fun to walk and get to know each other. There are so many great things to do that don't cost a lot of money. To be a recession-proof dater, think about setting a $10 limit for a first date. If you find it offensive that you are not being taken on an expensive first date, then you really need to re-examine why you are dating. Dating is not about getting a free meal (and an expensive free meal at that). Dating is about connecting with somebody so that together you can figure out what to do next.

If you are involved in a new relationship, don't co-sign any loans for the other person. They may have bad credit. I've heard so many horror stories from people who have co-signed loans. Yes, you might think that you love that person, but do you love them enough to take over the lease payments on their 2008 Honda Civic?

You need to consider your own financial situation, because it is important to protect your own credit. I'm not telling you not to be generous, but think about the person for whom you are considering co-signing a loan. Most relationships blow up over finances. So give your new relationship an opportunity to decide where it's going before you commit the fate of your credit score to someone you are still getting to know.

A person you're dating may ask if you can lend them money -- but just for 24 hours or a few days or "just until they get back on their feet." How many times have I heard about men who have gone out on a few dates with a woman, and then the woman will say she's having a "tough time right now" and asks if he can help her out with a temporary loan to cover her rent.

Now, I am all for helping someone with whom you are already in a relationship or someone you already love. Do not, however, help out someone you don't know well. You are not a charity. This is just a first (or second or third) date. A lot of men get sucked in by the allure of a beautiful woman. Don't bail someone out of a financial problem until you are fully in a relationship with them.

Make sure you are always cognizant of the terms of your cell phone plan for calling and texting. Many of you don't realize that all of the cell phone companies offer unlimited-minute plans. Some of you who don't have unlimited texting will get involved in a new relationship and start texting with that person nonstop, only to get hit with a $300 bill at the end of the month. So be aware of the limitations on your plan services before you start using them with reckless abandon. If you are dating someone new and you know you'll likely be texting and/or calling that person a lot, build up your plan so you don't waste money on extra charges.

When online dating, you don't need to be on 17 dating sites (spending monthly fees on each) to find good singles to meet. That's a waste of money. Just pick one quality site like Yahoo! Personals and stay on it. Think of online dating as a giant bar in cyberspace. One day you might approach somebody and they might not be into you. Two weeks later, though, you send another email and they might respond favorably. When you pick quality over quantity, there are always tons of great people to meet.

Don't use the economy as an excuse not to have an amazing dating life -- or as an excuse not to get out there and meet people. You can be smart with your money, live within your means, and still experience fantastic connections with people as well as bettering your own dating skills. Investing a little money into getting to know yourself better is always important and a high priority. Sometimes you may have to get creative with how you do it, but investing in yourself and in your own life is always a wise use of your finances.

When it comes to recession-proof dating, realize that when you keep your money in your pocket and make smarter dating-related spending decisions, you will have more time and energy to date. You will also take a lot of unnecessary financial stress out of the dating equation.

So go out and keep meeting people, knowing you can enjoy a great dating life right now.