Dating Tips
Tips for the Gentlemen
1: Keep the date light, fun and romantic. A general advice would be to keep it light. Do not start the evening talking about the war in Irak. Avoid sad topics and personal questions. But of course do not talk about the weather for half an hour. The key is to find a balance between casual talk and interesting conversation. If you don’t know your date very well yet wait for the clues. Now if it turns out that your date is socially aware, go on. If not, try to find out about her hobbies, cultural interests, her friends etc. This will make you look like a caring yet discreet man. Do not investigate her previous relationships or dates. Talk about the present…and the future.
2: Pay attention to your clothing. This is not a job interview so show her the relaxed and laid back lad in you. Laid back we said, not the hobo. Again, a first date is all about balance. Be smart, be cool, be confident. But never try to be someone else because any girl will notice it immediately and this is definitely a deal breaker.
3: Manners. Ladies deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. Be gallant. Don't be afraid to open doors, pay for the first round of drinks, bring some flowers and genuinely compliment her. You should be the first to arrive at the date as you don’t keep a lady waiting. Present the suggested plan for the date but stay open and if you feel like she is not comfortable with your choices, improvise. Do not check out other girls while she is talking to you. You think she’s not watching? But she saw it.
4: Listen..and talk. Ladies will expect all your attention, just like you will expect them to listen to you. This is basic politeness. Don't interrupt and listen with interest. Don’t just sit there like a poster of yourself, ask questions about the topics she loves but also get her to know you better. It is a myth to think that women just chat to chat. They also chat because too often, men are too silent! A girl always appreciate a man with interesting conversation, a sharp sense of humor and who is confident enough to speak up. Once again, it is a balance between talking and listening.
Tips for the Ladies
1: Don’t reveal too much too soon. If you know that you have a tendency to being chatty use this as a dating weapon…but not against yourself! Some girls tend to talk too much about things they shouldn’t and men just don’t know how to handle it. So the first tip is the same for you ladies as it is for the gentlemen. Find a balance between interesting topics and casual conversation. Talk about current affairs or general culture but do not get too touchy. If Mr. Date does not believe that Sex and the City is a masterpiece, do not argue. Smile.
2: Be feminine and sweet. It might sound a bit old-fashioned but yes, most men expect a woman to be…sweet. Erk? Well take it as an opportunity to relax. It’s your chance to let all aggressively, attitude and unpleasant tone aside. This man is not the rude newspaper man, he is not the tourist tripping on you in the bus: he is your date. Treat him nice. Being sweet does not mean being silly or weak. Just be approachable and show him what a nice company you really are. This might be your key to date number 2.
3: Be pro-active. We all like to be treated like a princess. We want him to arrive at the date on his white horse - or black car - with a plan for every minute passing by. We want the date to be different, romantic and unique. Yes. The problem is, most men have no idea of what we want! After years of investigation they have come to the conclusion that dinner and a movie is a good date. We must help them out. Before the date, suggest a cuisine you like but be safe. Many men are suspicious when it comes to exotic cooking. Be open to their suggestions but be ready to name a place if you want to avoid the very embarrassing “-I don’t know really…it’s up to you. – Really, No. You choose...” (you all know what I mean, right?). Women take decision much faster than men: fact. Offer to split the bill! But if he insists, let him pay.