“Dating, Poofing and the Summer 'Vacation Effect'” receives this week’s Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award! Recommended by the IM Editorial Team, this article from eHarmony by Sarah Elizabeth Richards provides excellent tips for handling summer dating. We hope you’ll enjoy this informative read as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway.
Dating, Poofing and the Summer 'Vacation Effect' by Sarah Elizabeth Richards
Many singles have yet to start or are struggling with their journey on the Romance Highway. In this post, Innovative Match (IM) provides tools to help you be your own matchmaker. Whether you are using a traditional matchmaking firm or not, the following expert practices can help you optimize your skills as your own relationship coach & recruiter and increase the chances of finding the right relationship for you.
1. Address the Biggest Excuses That Are Stopping You
First, address the excuses that have been preventing you from starting now. Learn how newly single adults get back out into the dating arena.
2. Remove Relationship Roadblocks
Learning from your past can be a critical first step to being the best version of yourself while searching for romance. A new IM client, Sue (name changed for privacy), had been in and out of former relationships for years and was seeking her ideal match. Near Valentine’s Day, Sue became despondent, as many singles do at this time. She came to the IM office seeking solutions for her dating burnout. The key to Sue’s acceleration on the Romance Highway was to identify the patterns that were slowing her down.
The IM team recommended a simple exercise:
Clients often come to IM exhausted from staying in the wrong relationships for months or years and discouraged by meeting and remaining with people who were not ideal fits for them. By recognizing habits and patterns, you can start the process of finding your match.
3. Qualify Like a Pro: Know When to Move On
A key to finding the right relationship is deciding early on whether or not to continue dating someone. This requires looking past initial fireworks and delving deeper to determine long term compatibility. Humans are creatures of habit, but with determination and motivation, you can stop dating people who may not be optimal matches and make room for healthy relationships.
4. Be Your Own Coach and Recruiter
If you have the resources, consider working with professionals such as a relationship coach or mental health professional. Hiring a matchmaker to find new prospects is also an alternative, but don’t feel obliged to limit yourself to that one option. Remember that a matchmaker may require large emotional and financial investments, but their candidate pools can be small. Actions such as joining online dating sites can expose you to thousands of new people.
Embrace the adventure of becoming your own relationship “head hunter.” Buddy up with other single friends who can serve as sounding boards and cheerleaders. You can always turn to books and loved ones to work on these issues as well. Join online dating sites and craft a stellar online dating profile to maximize your results. If you enjoy reading books but can’t find a book club, start one. Join a gym, class or sports club. Go to a restaurant alone, dine at the bar and expose yourself to new faces. Finally, ensure that friends and loved ones know that you’re actively looking. Often, they will be on alert for potential candidates, as well as for places and activities where you might meet like-minded singles.
5. Maintain a Resilience Regimen
Be resilient and date smart. Pause and reflect on the experiences you have had thus far. Learning from your past can be a critical first step to being the best version of yourself while searching for romance. Don’t hesitate to get started after you’ve reflected. Once you have put yourself in a position to meet new people, have fun. The final step is to believe that you can find the right partner. We can give you the tools and advice, but resilience will carry you to success on the Romance Highway.
"Did you just get out of a relationship and find yourself single again? Has the dating scene changed since you were last out there? Are you out of practice in meeting new people to date?" “Dating Tips For The Newly Single” receives this week’s Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award! Recommended by the IM Editorial Team, this article from SheKnows by Tonja Evetts Weimer provides stellar strategies for getting back on to the dating scene. We hope you’ll enjoy this informative read as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway.
Let the facts and figures from this article give you some great lucky-in-love ideas—including where to go to meet people and how to wow them. “Dating Stats You Should Know: Numbers About Love That Make a Difference” receives this week’s Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award. Recommended by the IM Editorial Team, this article from by Meredith Broussard covers important stats and facts to push you forward in your search for love. We hope you’ll enjoy this informative read as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway.
Dating Stats You Should Know: Numbers About Love That Make a Difference by Meredith Broussard
“Chemistry versus compatibility; what’s more important?” receives this week’s Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award! Recommended by the IM Editorial Team, this article from The Independent by Amy Loudon covers one of the most talked about romance topics of 2014. We hope you’ll enjoy this informative read as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway. "Chemistry versus compatibility; what's more important?" by Amy Loudon
“Find Love Over The Holidays" receives this week’s Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award! Recommended by the IM Editorial Team, this Match.com article by Margot Carmichael Lester reminds why this festive season can be extra special. We hope you’ll enjoy this informative read as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway.
The holidays can be a joyous time but also a stressful one. With the right attitude and advice, you can enter 2015 more confident and ready for romance than ever. The Innovative Match (IM) matchmakers have compiled a list of first-class recommendations to get you through the season with your head high and a positive mindset. 1. The Holidays Are About LoveHowever, love does not require being in a relationship. Take moments to remember and appreciate the amazing parts of your life. If you are single, make the holidays about self-love, not about wishing you were with someone.
2. Relish Freedom Being unattached allows you to set your own holiday schedule and take charge of your plans. Make appointments for pampering dates with yourself. Check out eHarmony’s article “5 Great Reasons To Be Single During the Holidays.” Focus on being the best version of you and a holiday glow will radiate in your everyday life.
3. Steer Clear of Holiday Blues A positive attitude is key to acceleration on the Romance Highway. If you take charge and keep your eyes on your goals, stress and negativity will be left in the dust. This may mean abstaining from checking your online dating accounts too frequently. Reflect on what is best for you this season and stay focused.
4. Opportunities Are Knocking – Answer the Door It’s a festive, ideal time to reconnect with old friends and meet new people. Have a few minutes of down time? Call or email someone you’ve lost touch with and wish them happy holidays. Browse your online dating matches and send messages. A seasonal greeting may lead to a great connection!
5. Become a Holiday Party Pro Hit the holiday party circuit beaming! If you’re single, these events land you in a social setting where potential partners can find you. Follow these IM tips on how to look fabulous and make an unforgettable impression. Ask the host to introduce you to whoever catches your eye. Check out these great tips for solo party goers from Part 4 of bestselling author Leila Lowndes’ book How to Instantly Connect with Anyone!. Leverage party pointers from Midsummer’s Eve (the UK and Ireland's award-winning dating site) and you may leave with a new first date on your schedule!
6. In a New Relationship? Holiday Nourish It! This winter season presents phenomenal opportunities to pursue fun with a new companion; suggest dinner and the theater or holiday shopping with a date. AskMen provides novel seasonal ideas for making romance magic.
7. Look Fabulous for the Holidays An easy trap to fall into is over eating and a lack of exercise. Check out this must read article from the great Huffington Post editorial team: “Holiday Survival Guide: 8 Strategies to Avoid Overeating”.
8. Start Your New Year’s Dating Resolutions Now Consider New Year’s resolutions that can help you to achieve your romantic goals. If you haven’t dated online, start now. If you’re on a site, join one or two more. It’s a “numbers” game; to be selective you need a large pool of potential candidates. Maybe your online profile needs a tweak – or a makeover. IM clients have seen results double and their quality of matches dramatically improve by changing screen names, updating photos and profiles. Also, take stock and reassess the many other options for maximizing dating opportunities.
This season revolves largely around gratitude, connecting with others, reflection and new beginnings - an ideal climate in which to celebrate yourself, those you love, and your romance journey. Happy Holidays from the entire IM team!
“Debunking the Biggest Myths of Dating Over 40” receives this week’s Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award! Recommended by the IM Editorial Team, this eHarmony article by Bobbi Palmer wins our nod of approval for the valuable message it promotes. We hope you’ll enjoy this informative read as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway.
Debunking the Biggest Myths of Dating Over 40 by Bobbi Palmer
For singles, the fall and holiday months can rank high on the “stress-o-meter.” Not only is it dating high season, but also travel, social activities and family events abound! Although it’s an ideal time to meet “the one,” romance fatigue can occur. One way to rejuvenate, particularly for the 45+ set, is to employ body language mastery along with techniques to avoid dating burnout.
For insights on two-minute confidence strategies, enjoy the latest article about Harvard professor Amy Cuddy - an Innovative Match (IM) favorite! Tap into Cuddy’s no pill, no therapy bill, instant self-assurance poses that have rocketed her to the top of the TED talk charts. Featured in last month’s New York Times, she commands the attention of celebrities, Fortune 100 officers, and politicians. Best yet, you can apply these methods not only to dating but also to other endeavors and potentially change the trajectories within your life.
Other IM community body language recommendations include the Forbes classic “10 Ways Body Language Can Help You Be More Powerful” and, especially for our male readers, “Top 10: Ways to Show Confidence With Body Language” posted by AskMen.com’s editorial team.
1. The Best Months for Dating Online dating experts agree; winter is a peak dating period. Singles are spending more time indoors, which inevitably leads to more conversation, sharing and intimacy. Enjoy this quick read about romance in the winter months.
Match.com, one of the largest online dating communities, reported a 25-30% boost in traffic between December 25th and February 14th, its “peak season,” with January 5th being its busiest day of the year!
Innovative Match (IM) reports record activity in the weeks leading up to December as singles move into the peak season. Dating activity swells and singles are highly motivated to sign up for online sites, take new photos, redo profiles, approach potential matches, engage matchmakers, or prepare for other romance avenues for the first time.
This is the prime time to assess or re-assess your dating perspectives and strategies.
2. Don’t Let Peak Period Pass You By: Overcome Procrastination
Many people procrastinate when approaching new and seemingly daunting tasks. Breeze through this five minute read on procrastination. You’re likely to come out on the other side ready to press the pedal to the medal in dating and other areas of your life. For further encouragement, see our IM Recognition award about rethinking your resistance to online dating.
3. “Just Do It”: 10 Best Dating Tips for Men
Hats off to the editors at eHarmony. Get great insights from a fresh and funny photo journey through their top 10 favorite tips for men!
4. Ultimate Dating Guide for 45+ Women
Expertly crafted, “The Ultimate Dating Guide for Women 45+” provides top tips from Cass and the IM team as well as a compilation of the web’s most hard hitting dating gems mined by IM’s social team.
So fall into romance by putting the pedal to the medal now!
"7 Rules For Online Dating Profile Pix That Get You Noticed" receives this week’s Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award! Recommended by the IM Editorial Team, this Huffington Post article by Lisa Copeland reinforces the idea that strong profile pictures are a great way to leave a perfect first impression at the electronic cocktail party. We hope you’ll enjoy this informative read as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway.
7 Rules For Online Dating Profile Pix That Get You Noticed by Lisa Copeland
"Online Dating: Don't Give Up" receives this week's Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award! Dating burnout is common among singles. Discouraged and disheartened, nearly 50% of adults who contact IM report that they’ve tried online dating sites and are met with little to no success. However, persistence, open mindedness and a strategic approach can quickly reverse the tide and produce strong results. Enjoy and leverage the results-oriented tips in this hands on Match.com read as you continue on your Romance Highway journey.
The "Ask Cass" Editorial Team thanks our readers for their tweets and endorsements over the past few weeks in response to our nomination for The Forbes List of 100 Best Websites for Women 2014. We're honored to be considered for this prestigious list and grateful to Forbes for the exceptional content and community building they provide for women. Finally, we extend our deep appreciation to the growing Innovative-Match.com and "Ask Cass" community for its vibrant and thoughtful contributions and engagement.
“Relationship Communication: How to Talk So That Your Partner Will Listen” receives this week’s Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award! Recommended by the IM Editorial Team, this Huffington Post article by Robert Leahy, Ph.D. wins our nod of approval for the valuable message it promotes. We hope you’ll enjoy this informative read as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway.
Relationship Communication: How to Talk So That Your Partner Will Listen by Robert Leahy, Ph.D.
“Dating After Divorce” receives this week’s Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award! Recommended by Cassie & the IM Editorial Team, this article covers David A. Anderson, Ph.D.’s personal research, along with others’ work, on how individuals recovering from a long-term relationship can get back into “dating mode” and expand their social circle.
Anderson describes the ritual of dating as “daunting” for those who have lost a loved one, gone through a divorce, or who simply need to get back out there and find the right person. Divorce, among other bad experiences, can leave your self-esteem, self-value and “social price” damaged. This makes it all too easy for people to fall back into old dating patterns and partners. What many find most disconcerting is that the singles’ arena looks like a droplet compared to the ocean available during their younger years.
Cassie agrees psychology plays a big role. However, the biggest hurdle is knowing how to date and what to do to get back out in the arena. Here the IM Matchmakers discuss the best advice to help you stop thinking and go start dating again.
1. Personal Tree of Life
Have you ever noticed how certain people seem to radiate happiness and attract others? This is because positive people attract other positive people.
In the Personal Tree of Life, you are the tree and your life is comprised of branches. Where do your branches lead you? You need to feed your tree with sunlight and water to help your branches grow because branches reach out into the unknown. By building a strong foundation of roots, you’ll be able to take on changes which help you grow and nurture yourself. Feel rooted in the decisions you make. Trust that where you are in life is where you a supposed to be.
In other words, do you feel good enough about yourself to date? This is a vital first step that requires you to be honest with yourself. Think of positive aspects in your life that you can improve; get in shape, be satisfied and happy with your career, family and friends.
In Anderson’s article he describes assessing your self worth: “People with low self-esteem tend to create relationships with others who evaluate them negatively. If you're suffering from a negative self-image, it's vital you take steps to create a positive, healthy self-concept.”
2.“I don’t know how to date.”
The first step to dating is feeling good. To help recognize your good traits, write a list of positive affirmations about yourself and keep them posted somewhere you can see them. This will help you manage self-doubt by accepting who you are today. It’s important to honor yourself in the present so you can kick start goals to get you moving - mentally and physically - in the right direction.
Motivational speaker, self-help author and life coach Tony Robbins discusses the challenge of taking negative thinking and making it useful to you:
“Decide to develop the habit of focusing on what is right in your world instead of what is wrong. Make it a habit to focus on what you do have, instead of what you don’t have in life. As basic as this is and as well as you already know it, you’ve got to start creating a habit because this habit forms the chain of your ultimate character - of who you become and how you end up living your life.”
The next time you find yourself thinking, “I don’t know how to date,” remind yourself not to let your own self-doubt and fear hold you back. Set the stage and put your life in motion.
3.“What do I do?”
This is a methodical process. Think about your comfort level and assess your fears. Don’t jump or force yourself into anything. If you are a widow or divorcee it’s important to remind yourself that you’ve already been through the hard parts of life and that you can do this.
Take active steps. You won’t find a new partner or friend by sitting around the house. Anderson advises you make a list of 20 activities you would enjoy doing with the perfect partner. This will help motivate you to be active and not feel like your whole life is on pause.
Look around at online dating websites. If you feel uncomfortable or are worried about an ex seeing you online, make the choice to start off small. You don’t have to post a profile picture. You can still interact with others and look around to get yourself familiar with online dating practices.
‘Start off small’ can also mean visiting smaller dating sites. Large communities like Match.com and eHarmony can be unnerving. Try choosing a small dating website so it’s not as intimidating and full of people. Some of these sites are better at finding you a new partner who shares your common interests or values. The Huffington Post article, “5 Reasons to Go Niche When Looking for Love Online” by Laurie Davis, is full of practical reasons why you may want to start out in a smaller dating space. Davis suggests websites like ALikeWise.com, ChristianMingle.com, Cupidtino.com, and JDate.com as good sites to consider.
4. Open Your Network
Making new friends and opening your self up to new relationships can seem challenging. It is important to open up your world because you never know whom you’ll meet at any given time.
Consider hobbies you enjoy or activities your former self used to love. Maybe you played a lot of tennis in college. Get back into it! Join a tennis group or clinic. Who knows, your next doubles partner could be the love of your life. Pursuing interests will put you back in the people arena. Making new friends and expanding your social network will give you a new support system and help grow your self-confidence.
Yolanda, from Anderson’s article, discusses the benefits of opening herself up after divorce. “My divorce split our extended families and friends," she says of her and her ex-husband. "But my new friends had a fresh perspective that helped my self-esteem. Those who were single had confidence that was contagious; that really helped me when I started going out again as a single person. And sometimes they offered good advice."
5. Nervous about First Dates?
Ushering in a whole new set of hang-ups, a first date can be tough. The following reading list for men and women is packed with advice on how to dress, appropriate first date topics, things to avoid saying and much more:
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, by John Gray
Dating and the Single Parent: * Are You Ready to Date? * Talking With the Kids * Avoiding a Big Mistake* Finding Lasting Love, by Ron L. Deal
Date...or Soul Mate? By Dr. Neil Clark Warren
“5 Common First Date Fears that You Don’t Need to Worry About” by Scott Alden, The Date Report
“First Date Tips: What to Talk About and What Topics Are Taboo” by Jackie Pilossoph, The Huffington Post
6. The First Date
You’ve jumped over the hurdle of fear & uncertainty and gotten yourself a first date! Now you need to figure out what to do and what to say. The most important thing to remember is not to overschedule yourself on the day of your date. Avoid scheduling dates right after work when you’re flustered, feel and look disheveled from the day and need to unwind. Cassie & the IM editorial team offer this set of first date guidelines before you start planning: “Your Ultimate Guide to Successful First Dates”
Forbes receives this week's Innovative Match (IM) Recognition Award for its articles on the top cities for single men and women to live in! Recommended by the IM Editorial Team, these Rent.com articles win our nod of approval. We hope you'll enjoy these informative reads as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway.
“Getting Married: The Strategic Approach” receives this week’s IM Recognition Award! Recommended by the Innovative Match Editorial Team, this Oprah article with advice from Rachel Greenwald wins our nod of approval for the valuable message it promotes. We hope you’ll enjoy this informative read as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway.
This week Innovative Match is proud to share a guest post from author Galen Fultz. Galen illuminates new techniques for inviting "the One" into your life now. The world of 50+ dating is extremely different when compared to the dating experiences of 20 or 30-somethings.
Words like 'baggage, divorce, emotionally available' commonly surface in dating profiles.
Depending on your relationship history, you are likely looking for a special someone to spend a long time or even a lifetime with. Someone with whom you can connect in every way: physically, emotionally, intellectually, mentally, spiritually and someone who has a great sense of humor to go along with these chosen words.
To manifest change in your life you need to make space for it to happen.
In the pursuit of a relationship, you need to make the space in your daily life to meet someone. Taking time to get online, write a profile, search profiles, email, talk on the phone, and arrange the first meeting is logistically challenging and takes a lot of planning and energy. From the time you take these active steps to the time you finally meet someone who ‘it’ actually clicks with - it all takes up space. It is up to you to make this space to start spending time with people you are interested in.
When I think of 'making space’, I picture clearing something out so something new can come in. It’s as simple as a glass full of water. None can be added until some water has been drunk or poured out. You are the glass. Within us we hold our thoughts, feelings, desires and impressions of the world outside of us.
Here is an exercise to get you considering the space that is needed to begin a new romantic relationship. Go into your home closet and make room for someone else to keep some of their clothes in it - making just enough space for someone who will only stay for a few days. Do the same in your drawers. It all sounds simple, but for some making this space may prove quite challenging.
While doing this exercise you might say to yourself, "I don't have time to do that right now," "Where am I going to put the displaced stuff?” or “I don't want to get rid of anything."
Time. It's tough to make and hard to find.
We all lead busy lives. Rushing from work to the gym or off to see friends and other daily chores fill our hectic days. A good way to create time in your life is to set an evening aside during the week just for you to unwind. You could have dinner and watch a movie, for example. In this very simple way you are opening up and setting aside time for a special person, or for someone to be in your life. Regardless of whether you are using this as a relationship builder, it is also great practice in self-care which is something everyone needs to make more time for.
Ask yourself, “Am I ready and willing to create space and let a loving relationship flow into my life?”
Making space gets a lot trickier when you are trying to make room for emotional space. Some good questions to think about and ask yourself are:
“Am I over my past relationship?”
“Am I closing my heart off because it has been broken and I am afraid to love again?”
“Do I fantasize or feel emotionally tied to an old lover?”
“Am I angry with a former spouse, lover, or partner from a divorce or break-up?”
These are all things that take up emotional space. You need to be able to release and make space to allow a new love into your heart and life. It’s like a computer. It is not just enough to put an old file in the trash can. You have to empty the trash to free up more space on the hard drive. Taking time to heal old wounds and emotions will make you happier, more attractive and put you in a better position to create the relationship you want.
Time certainly helps heal wounds, but sometimes you need professional help to get through more difficult things. One shouldn’t feel that there is any stigma attached to seeing a professional counselor or self-help group to work out mental aches and pains.
I myself have benefited enormously from the extensive time I spent with a psychotherapist. I attribute my success in relationships to having been helped by personal therapy.
Mental space is something that requires careful, thoughtful self-examination. Someone who thinks they know it all and have it all figured out lacks open mental space and is not perceived as attractive by most people. Maintaining a closed mind to new ideas, things and people limits your experience of life. When you place boundaries on your life, you limit your ability to be transformed by it.
I believe we are constantly evolving, here to be awed by the mystery of all that is around us and really become the love that we long for. When you go around thinking you know about something or someone before you really do, you can really risk missing out. This applies to meeting a new person, which requires openness to find out who they are and what they may have to share with you.
Creating space in your life gives room for new things to come into it. Self-care is essential to this process for a variety of reasons. If your life is too busy and you are suffering, you need to make the time to enjoy life by finding a balance between work and pleasure. Try something easy like yoga or just walking for 20 minutes everyday.
Creating this small amount of space will help you collect your thoughts, stay fit and feel more positive. New, open space will allow you to build a relationship filled with pleasure.
I think you will agree that the kind of person you want to attract into your life is emotionally clear, happy and mature. Most people by now have had enough drama in earlier marriages and relationships to last a lifetime. I firmly believe that the best way to attract the relationship you want is to embody the clear, happy person whom you wish to draw into your life.
Galen Fultz is a landscape designer living and working in Marin County, California. Like everyone else there, he is working on a screenplay and a novel. He met his last 3 significant relationships on Match.com and has considerable experience in online dating. He is presently in a relationship.
A portfolio of his landscape design projects can be seen at www.houzz.com/pro/plantspirit/avant-garden
“Single at 60? How to Navigate 'Gray' Dating” receives this week’s IM Recognition Award! Recommended by the Innovative Match Editorial Team, this CNN article wins our nod of approval for the valuable message it promotes. We hope you’ll enjoy this informative read as you continue your journey on the Romance Highway. Single at 60? How to Navigate "Gray" Dating by Denise Mann
Ever wonder why you can’t get past the first date? Cass and the Innovative Match (IM) team have spoken to thousands of men after first dates over the course of 3 decades. Last week’s “first date” IM Recognition Award prompted great attention, so this week the team is expanding the discussion to reveal the IM Matchmakers’ best advice to master first dates every time. 1. KNOW WHY MEN DON’T CALL YOU BACK Review relationship expert Rachel Greenwald’s excellent studies covering the top First Date Breakers and Makers for men. Self-assess and make behavioral changes.
2. PRACTICE PLUS PLANNING MAKES PERFECT Preparation can help ease fear about unfamiliar situations, e.g. first dates. Do your homework and brainstorm conversation topics that will be mutually engaging. Contemplate follow up questions for your date. Make an easy practice of conversing with strangers when running errands, at the gym, etc.! Keep up with current events and stay plugged into the world; you’ll feel great and be comfortable conversing with anyone.
3. GET MOVING, GET CONFIDENT Physical activity naturally triggers positive hormones and suppresses negative thoughts. Plus, it contributes to overall self-care and love. Play your favorite music as you work out to beat tension and as you get ready to foster happy energy. In your final pre-date minutes, try deep breathing exercises and recite positive affirmations such as “I am strong and confident” or “Tonight will be fun!” Match.com also has terrific advice on countering the "fight or flight" response and focusing on the positive.
4. SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS Wear attire that makes you feel like a star. Check out Rent the Runway if you need an ultra quick wardrobe boost with minimal investment. Shoo away negative thoughts with these 5 surefire tips for beating first date jitters. Rock power poses to raise confidence by 20%! This favorite IM technique can also be used during dates to reduce nerves - simply go to the ladies’ room and work that pose!
5. BULLETPROOF LOGISTICS Opt for a meet-and-greet drink or coffee instead of a long meal to avoid unnecessary pressure on a first meeting.
6. BE PRESENT You never know where this meeting may lead, romantically or otherwise! Make pleasant conversation and get to know your date. Learn! Your date’s life will be rich with his or her experiences and points of view. Interact with the wait staff and other patrons or even people watch together.
7. KNOW YOUR EXIT STRATEGY Prolonging unhappy early dates can have a negative impact on your energy and dating mindset. Have a plan to leave gracefully - a corporate or family commitment if needed. Once you've completed your beverage, express your thanks and depart. If asked about a second date, offer to check your schedule and reconnect. On a first date, everyone is nervous so try to give people an opportunity. However, take care of yourself first and be mindful of your own well-being.
8. RELEASE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN Remember, this is just a date! Forget worst-case scenarios and enjoy the excitement of being on the Romance Highway. Being vulnerable and allowing everything to unfold exhibits your confidence (and helps make you irresistible to men)!
Above all, pat yourself on the back! Your goal has already been achieved just by “putting yourself out there”; embrace the excitement of new experiences, networking and learning. Cherish and celebrate the journey with the right attitude and your ending will be even sweeter. Happy dating!
