How To Be At Your Best On A First Date

February 19th, 2010

When it comes to first dates, the impression you make is of the utmost importance. Before you can expect your potential love interest to invest their time and heart in order to know the “real” you, you need to show him or her that you are worth the risk by dressing presentably and engaging in thoughtful conversation. Clothes, conversation and behavior are the major elements that need fine tuning before you step out with confidence on a first date.

Clothes

The clothing you select for your first date will depend a great deal on where it is you are planning to go. Fancy dinner warrants slacks and a button-down shirt or sweater for men and a cute dress or blouse/slacks option for women. Leave your jeans at home if you are looking to impress. Casual outings allow for jeans but be sure to dress it up a bit with a well-chosen tailored shirt for men or a cute sundress or jeans/sweater combo for women. If you have no idea where your date is going to take you, go casual with a chic edge. Nice jeans, a sassy blouse and sexy but comfortable shoes for women work nicely on “surprise” dates and nice jeans with a button designer shirt and nice shoes do well for men.

Conversation

Many men and women complain that the biggest problem with first dates is their partner talks too much about themselves instead asking thoughtful questions. One big reason for this may be that both men and women can get nervous on first dates and try too hard to impress their prospective love interest. You may be wise to come up with a few questions before you pick up your date. Make these questions general but genuine. Asking about your date’s favorite bands, books or public figures is safe but nonetheless effective. Be sure that you are really listening to your date’s responses instead of thinking ahead to your next question so that your date feels heard and appreciated. Share about your own likes and dislikes, as well, so that your date can get a good feel for who you are and what you spend your time doing.

Behavior

Traditional etiquette should be followed where possible, such as the male pulling out the chairs and opening the doors. It is no longer necessary for the male to order for the female in restaurants or coffee shops, unless she gives you an indication that she would prefer it. Beyond this, one great rule of thumb is to treat your date as if they are more important than you are. Preferring your date’s needs to your own will help him or her to feel safe. When people feel safe, they are more likely to open up and share who they really are with you. The more real your date can get, the more you will be able to gauge your true compatibility.

Dating in a New City

February 16th, 2010

Moving to a new city can be a scary experience; to some people, getting into the dating scene may be even scarier by comparison. And combining them, of course, just makes it worse. But finding love does not have to be a particularly stressful experience; there are certain things you can do to ensure that you will find your special someone while adjusting to a different life. Above all, remember that you are not alone in your endeavor.

If you do not necessarily want to meet anyone in a crowded room or otherwise public place, online dating could be just the thing. There are countless sites out there created for this specific purpose, and new people sign up at these places every day, so you’re bound to find someone that suits you. You can choose to talk to people from all over the world, or even a few miles away. While many of these services are free, some will only let you create a profile for free and expect you to pay for everything else. It is up to you whether you think the investment is worth it. Consider a trial run before taking it further.

Sit down and write a list of your interests and hobbies. By taking into account what you enjoy, you can then decide on fun places to visit while you scout for dates. For example, if you like to listen to music, a music store or theater could work very well. In a city there is bound to be a few of them, so check online or a phonebook for more information.

A party is an excellent way to develop friendships and create new bonds. If you have made any friends during your transition in a new city, call them and ask if they could bring along any single people they know to the event. If nothing else you may receive a few helpful leads.

Most importantly, if you are wondering how to meet new people successfully, you must remember to be yourself. Smile and act courteously to others, taking care that you don’t unintentionally insult or frighten them. Don’t push or act desperate, and sooner or later you’re going to achieve your dream of arranging a date.

Avoid These Types of Women When Dating

January 19th, 2010

The art of dating can be a hard skill to master. With so many different types of women available in the dating pool, you need a quick way to eliminate prospective mates who are not well suited to a relationship. One way to quickly eliminate unsuitable girlfriends is to recognize the personality traits which may lead to future problems in your relationship.

One general trait to watch out for is how the woman relates to men. Any woman who argues that all ills of society come from men should obviously be avoided. A woman who constantly argues for the sake of arguing or who drags you down because of things you say or do will not make a good partner. Any woman who shows overt signs of their superiority or anger towards aspects of your personality should be avoided. That is not to say a woman must think exactly like you, but she should be pleasant and healthy to be around.

Another type of woman to avoid is women who tend to be pessimistic in their views of men. They may be interested in you, but show signs of pain from past relationships. You are not in a relationship to fix her, that is her responsibility. You should have empathy for these types of women, but do not hesitate to move on if the relationship can not progress because of her distrust of men.

You will want to consider how the woman views relationships as well. Women who are high maintenance, especially when it comes to wanting excessive presents or material things, should be avoided. The want to give gifts and provide for the person should be from your own will, not something the woman assumes you should do. In the same vein, women who tend to be overtly romantic may not have realistic expectations for a relationship. Romance is great, but women who expect extreme romance often show signs of overdependence and need coddling. Another aspect to look out for are signs of insecurity within the relationship. Women who are constantly questioning the relationship, especially early on, may become a hassle. If this is the case, you may want to plan your escape route.

Meeting the right woman is hard, but if you avoid the types of relationships described above, you will find that meeting a woman who fits your needs is a much more fulfilling experience.

Find the right woman at Foxy Singles now

Romantic Travel on Any Budget

January 7th, 2010

Happy couple on the beach

Romance travel is becoming more and more popular and is not just for honeymooners. Many couples plan time to spend alone with each other to relax and renew their romance. Luckily, there are plenty of romantic travel destinations to choose from that are not far from the United States.

If you are on a limited budget then you should look for a romantic destination that you can drive to. Something where you do not have to purchase air or rail tickets, as this could quickly eat up your travel budget. If you live in the Northeastern part of the United States then be sure to check into a Romance travel package in the Poconos. The Poconos are located in Pennsylvania and is easily accessible by car or bus service.

The Poconos are known for their adults only resorts and offer a less expensive alternative to those on a budget. Cove Haven Resort, Mount Airy Resort, and the Fernwood Resort all offer romance packages. Each one can be customized to your specifications and budget.

If you have a moderate travel budget then you might be able to find a romance package in the Bahamas. The Bahamas is located in the Caribbean. For this you would have to find a package that included airfare. There are many nice beachfront resorts to choose from. The Atlantis Resort is very popular. This mega resort is not for adults only and this means that there will be lots of children, young adults, and singles staying there too.
You will find multiple pools, waterslides, a rock climbing wall, and even an underground aquarium here. You would need to weigh the pros and cons when considering staying a hotel that is not designated for couples only.

If you are looking for a luxurious romance package for your vacation then research the Sandals Resorts. These are located throughout the Caribbean and are for couples only. Some of their resorts have private pools for each villa. They cater to your every whim. Of course, this type of luxury travel is more for those with a higher travel budget as their prices reflect what is included in their package.

No matter which romance package you end up taking be sure to focus on your time together. This is when you can renew your love and friendship with your significant other.

How to Write an Attractive Dating Profile Headline

December 30th, 2009

She loves your headline

With the recent rise in popularity in online dating websites, many new members are stumped when it comes time to write a catchy and interesting headline for their profile. Learning how to write an online dating profile headline may seem simple, but take a look at any dating website, and you’ll see that even the best educated members of those sites can have trouble coming up with the right line.

While many people settle for a generic catchy line like “Looking for true love” or “Are you the one?”, these lines don’t show anything about their personality or personal interests. Visitors surfing the profiles have little reason to check out those profiles, as they may assume the person behind it is as generic and boring as the headline. Instead, try adding a headline that includes a hint of you, or at least what you’re looking for. If you’re a karaoke fan looking for a fun date, add a headline such as “Think you can beat me at karaoke?” or “Let’s do a duet at karaoke night.”

Avoid sounding desperate at all costs. While dating headlines like “I’ll take anyone!” or “Pick me please, I’m so lonely” may seem like a quick way to get visitors, you’re unlikely to attract anyone worthwhile. It’s also a big turnoff to the confident, attractive, intelligent people you’re probably trying to attract. Also, don’t get negative in your headline. It may seem helpful to add “No losers” or something similar, but you can save that for your profile. Many people can be scared off by such an initmidating put off in your headline.

Draw visitors in with a mysterious or alluring headline. When you use a line like “You’ll never guess what I do on the weekends…” visitors will visit your dating profile just to find out. Even if they would have never considered you before, once they read about you they may find you’re exactly what they’re looking for. Or let them know what they’ll get from being your new date or friend. If you’re a particularly good cook, make it clear in your headline.
Once you’ve learned how to write an online dating profile headline that will catch visitors attention, you’ve gone a long way towards meeting new people. A good headline leads to a click on your profile, which hopefully leads to a message. Just getting them to click in the first place is a third of the battle.

Why date young women?

December 30th, 2009

Young woman with older man

More and more these days, older men are looking to younger women to fulfill their needs. There are many benefits of this for both sides and there are a few cons, as well. For men out there who are thinking about pursuing younger women, it is worth it to understand exactly what women are looking for in this type of relationship. It is also important to understand the implications that go along with this sort of thing.

For men, the benefits should be pretty evident. As you get older, you start really feeling your age. Having someone around who is younger and more energetic can help you get more out of life. It can help keep you young and avoid falling into some of the habits that tend to plague quality of life for people who enter old age. Younger women are sharp and they tend to bring out the best in you. For men who like to stay sociable as they get older, younger women are able to open doors to a vibrant social scene and they are typically more willing to go out and have spontaneous fun.

Women generally seek out older men because they are attracted to the wisdom, the achievement, and the stability that older men bring. Women see older men as being wise and these men bring some unique challenges for women. Though there are some women who enter these relationships with ulterior motives, most of them are simply looking for someone who is a little bit more mature. This can happen for women after they have tough experiences with younger, more immature men.

When talking about the cons of one of these relationships, you have to think that an age gap can create some cultural strife. Older men and younger women tend to see the world differently and in many instances, they disagree on important moral points. This is something that couples would have to work through, but if they can get past the differences, there are lots of great possibilities that are available. For men, it’s a way to add more life to your life and that is always a good thing.

Benefits of Online Dating

December 29th, 2009

Benefits of online dating

For many people, online dating is an appealing alternative to other, more traditional means of meeting a mate. Why? Because online dating takes much of the guesswork out of meeting people with whom you have things in common and have the potential to truly connect with. It is also a good solution for people who are very shy or just plain socially awkward.

Why Online Dating is Better than Other Methods of Meeting People

Some methods of meeting potential partners, such as clubs or bars, are difficult because it is hard to know what the other person is seeking in terms of companionship. It is common for relationships started in such a way to be short-term, as it is a difficult environment in which to become truly acquainted with someone. Let’s face it, when it comes to dating, going to the bar is much like picking out a cut of beef.

Dating people introduced by friends and family is another common way couples meet. However in the event that the romance is ill-fated, the situation has the potential to put stress on friendships or cause rifts between family members. Imagine that your cousin introduces you to her best friend, whom you begin dating. Months later you have a messy breakup and in the heat of battle say a bunch of horrible things that you can’t take back. When it gets back to your cousin, she might be upset about it, if not downright infuriated. And some people hold grudges for a very, very long time.

Compatibility Matching in Online Dating

Many online dating websites have a survey including questions about favorite passtimes, views on various issues, and other questions of this type in order to match up couples. Because of this, seeking a partner online means you are more likely to be matched with someone who has similar interests, wants and needs in a relationship.

Whether you seek a casual relationship or you are looking for someone to spend the rest of your life with, online dating is a way to avoid spending months or even years in relationships doomed to fail because of different life goals, religious beliefs, and other factors that can affect the compatibility of a couple.

Online Dating for the Shy or Socially Awkward

Everybody knows at least one person who is really, really nice, but seems doomed to find love because of their complete inability to function in social situations. For the shy and socially awkward, one of the best benefits of online dating is the ability to take things slowly and casually in an online environment, where there is much less pressure than meeting people face-to-face. After opening up and getting to know a potential partner online, meeting them in person will likely be easier because you will have an idea of what to expect!

While there are those who still prefer the “old-fashioned” ways of meeting people, online dating is becoming increasingly popular largely because of these benefits.

First Date Etiquette

December 29th, 2009

How NOT to act on a first date

Have you often been stunned into silence by the manners of your date? A first date is the most important date because the old adage is quite true; there is just no way around it, first impressions will be the lasting impression. We know you learned everything you need to know from your mama, but let’s go ahead and cover a few basics just in case you have forgotten some of them. By following these highly advanced rules of dating, you will be sure to be an expert in first date etiquette.

First of all, if you are a man, you know what to do. That’s right, eyes off the cleavage and on the face. We all know it’s difficult when those things are just calling to you to admire them, but let the lady know you actually are interested in what she has to say and not focused only on the way her buttons are straining on her blouse. Stop wishing they would pop off and give you a more revealing view and look her in the eye, nod and smile. Another important thing-remember her name. At the end of the date when you ask for her phone number and you ask her “Do you spell Christy with a C or a K?” she is going to stalk out. Much later on in the night when you are alone and without a phone number, you will recall her name was Tabitha.

For you eager women out there don’t bring up marriage and the future four children you can’t wait to have. Your biological clock may be ticking so loud that you will have trouble hearing the waiter ask you what you would like to drink, but your date will be out of his chair and hailing a taxi as soon as you bring it up. It’s also never okay to tell him how you open up when you get really drunk. He is not impressed by your ability to be candid only when intoxicated. Though it may seem exciting to you, your date does not look forward to holding your hair after you have once again proven you cannot hold your alcohol. And if you can hold your alcohol, he doesn’t want a girl who will drink away his paycheck.

Follow these very simple suggestions. It’s not rocket science and it’s not a war. Be pleasant and stay sober…for the first date, at least.

Love At First Sight?

December 29th, 2009

Love at first sight

I would imagine that everyone is familiar with the overwhelming rush of love at first sight, but in this day of online dating websites and digital classified ads, the question of “love at first sight” pops into my mind as a more desirable scenario. Is it possible to feel that same rush of anticipation when you first connect with someone on the Internet compared to what is felt in the tangible world? It is all a matter of who you ask, but I believe love at first sight is a real phenomenon.

Because I am inherently shy, I have decided to dabble in online dating in an effort to act outside-the-box of convention. The process involves checking out pictures and reading profiles, and I know I have felt some degree of infatuation through encountering the digital images of a person. When you see someone of the opposite sex walking down the street, you are engaged purely by the aesthetics of that person. That is why love at first sight is a bit of a misnomer – it should be referred to attraction at first sight.

A digital image of someone garners that same element of attraction at first sight, but this visual stimulus, coupled with gaining insight into someone’s soul through words, gives love at first sight additional layers and increased significance. I feel like I actually know someone through their profile on a dating website, and there is no doubt that I feel those tell-tail, tingling sensations of instant attraction when I come across a profile that strikes a heartfelt interest.

What makes love at first sight so captivating is that unlike in the physical world where inhibitions limit most people from acting on their feelings of love at first sight, in the virtual world, it is much less of an emotional risk to take at chance and seek a connection. Rejection in the form of a textual message does not burn the psyche nearly as much as a face-to-face “thanks, but no thanks”.

The one aspect of life that haunts most people until the day they die involves questions regarding what could have been? On the Internet, we are able to instantly put that mystery to rest by acting on our desires to reach out and text someone. That is what love at first sight is all about.