YOU CAN BEAT THE RECESSION

HERE ARE NINE REASONS WHY THE RECESSION COULD BE GOOD FOR YOUR LOVE LIFE:

The economy stinks right now . . . but I'm still trying to look on the bright side of things. So if you're in a relationship, here are NINE reasons why the recession might actually be GOOD for your love life.

#1.) Since everybody is trying to save money right now, you don't have to shell out cash on expensive dates.

#2.) If you're with someone who just got laid off . . . it means they have more time and energy to pamper you.

#3.) The money you'd save on rent could be just the motivation you need to FINALLY advance your relationship . . . by moving in together.

#4.) Since you don't have money to go out anymore, you're probably going to spend a lot of nights at home . . . just the two of you. Nothing wrong with that.

#5.) The fact that you both got canned means you have time to get to know each other better.

#6.) It's easy to entertain yourself when you have money to burn. But when you don't, you have to get creative. (--Wink wink. . .)

#7.) Chances are you're eating in a lot more these days. Fortunately, cooking is the perfect activity to bring you closer together.

#8.) You can use all your free time to get back in shape . . . together.

#9.) If you're hemorrhaging money to keep your long-distance relationship going, you might realize you'd rather have the money . . . than the relationship. That stinks, but at least you know how you feel now. (CNN)

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HERE ARE FOUR REASONS WHY ONLINE DATING IS RECESSION-PROOF:

In the last six months, major corporations like Lehman Brothers have been forced to close their doors, and others . . . like General Motors and Chrysler . . . probably would have gone under if not for federal bailout funds. But listen to this . . .

According to the "New York Times", the dating website Match.com just had its strongest fourth quarter (--which means a three-month span) . . . in the last SEVEN YEARS. That got me thinking . . . and I've come up with a list of FOUR reasons why online dating is recession-proof.

#1.) No matter how bad the economy gets, single people will NEVER stop looking for ways to get some. In other words, until someone comes up with a better way for singles to have access to thousands of other singles, online dating will continue to be profitable.

#2.) One of the worst parts of a bad first date is that you had to spend money on dinner . . . just to find out that your date is a total freak. But dating online lets you narrow your options for FREE over email, IM and the phone.

#3.) If you're strapped for cash, a quick look at a potential date's online dating profile will help you get an idea if they're a gold-digger. If that's the case, you just move on.

#4.) The whole point of online dating is to make a real connection . . . in order to share your life with another person. And it just so happens that sharing your life . . . and your home and bills . . . with another person is way more cost-effective than living alone. (CNN)