I am cheap in everyday life things but not cheap on a night out or on a date.
For everyday stuff, it's almost out of habit. I will pore over credit card options to find the best rewards, pay off my CC's every month and get pissed off if I ever pay a cent in interest, I almost always fly economy unless I get a free upgrade, I'll go a little out of my way to shave a bit off the price of gas, buy most basic household items when they're on sale, got rid of cable TV in favour of netflix, chose a discounted mobile phone plan, etc., though when being cheap on everyday things I do prefer to purchase a quality item that will last longer rather than false savings on a lower priced one--but I think that's just smart cheap, rather than not cheap.
I don't do any of those things because I need the money, it's more a matter of principle, I hate being ripped off. Can't stand it.
On the other hand, out on a date or on vacation I throw money around. I stay in pricey hotels on my own dime, like to go out to eat in upscale restaurants, have no problem picking up the cheque or if it's split I always throw in more than my own share, tip every waitress or bartender generously, encourage my date to pick the nicest things on the menu, and then pick them myself too, order expensive drinks in coctail bars, etc. I like to have a good time and I don't mind spending money on it. In that respect, I am never cheap with other people, and never cheap when the object is entertainment or fun. I also don't mind spending money on image items like clothing.
So I doubt anyone who knows me thinks I'm cheap, they'll all think I'm very generous. But in a lot of "private" ways, on commodity stuff, where it's just me -- then I'm cheap.
