I eat out a few times a week. I have my usual haunts.
cost have indeed ballooned.
to offset, I do a weekly meal prep. I cook 4 lunches and pack them up for a fridge stay. just grab and go nuke it at the office.
I like to eat out with the wife. truly enjoyable. however, it is a total bummer if a restaurant meal is not good. I usually pay quietly, leave the leftovers and file that restaurant into the NO file. I'll wait to see what restaurant opens up in that location later
lets be honest, life is expensive. roll with it. and hope you planned properly.
thankfully, I can cook.. wish I knew about that "marry and Italian life hack"..but I am committed to my choices.
. my friends tell me to marry a woman from the Philippines. or an Hispanic woman, depending on where I happen to be.