Aussies are facing a "romance recession", according to popular bank ING, with the rising cost of living forcing singles to become far more selective about where their money is going. The popular bank said it indicated Aussies were experiencing a "romance recession", where savings and financial compatibility were taking priority over attraction. The bank's research found Aussies were spending an average of $91 per date on food, drinks, transport and activities, along with pre-date spending on clothes and grooming. It claimed this equated to a total spend of more than $1.3 billion on dates nationally so far this year alone. Discretionary spending is under severe pressure, and small businesses are feeling the impact," Jirsch Sutherland partner Chris Baskerville said.