When to skip the coupon

Yes, the recession is kicking our collective butts.

But manners still rule. And how polite or tacky you appear can impact the relationships in your life - business or personal.

So for all you coupon-clippers out there, know when to skip the freebies.

Top three times not to whip out a coupon:

1. On a date. The earlier in the relationship, the worse this appears. Wait until you're a boring married, like me, then coupon away. I'm having a 1/2 price dinner for my birthday next week (my idea, not his).
   
2. At a business meeting. I'm meeting a fellow consultant for coffee at Starbucks today. As I write this, a coupon for a free, Tall hot beverages languishes in my car. And guess what? It's going to sit there until tomorrow. No need to scream "I'm cheap!" to the guy who can potentially throw me business.
3. Out with friends - if you don't share. Sure, you have the "buy one, get one free" coupons from Entertainment or Membercard. Either share with your friend or split the discount with him/her. Nothing says "tacky, cheap and selfish!" like making your friend pay while you get a freebie.