Dating Advice

How should I dress up for my date? How safe is it to go on a blind date? Am I supposed pay the bill? Is it okay to have sex on the first date? Read on for some useful dating advice...

I don't understand the whole dating thing. I know right off the bat if I'm interested in someone, and I don't want them to waste their money on me and take me out to eat if I know I'm not interested in that person. ~ Britney Spears

Well, not everyone might be as good as Britney Spears when it comes to choosing the right guy…Dating is one of the best options for people to go out, spend time with each other and explore the possibility of a blossoming romance. However not every date can be a cakewalk and hence here is some dating advice that you could use while you continue your hunt for Mr. Right or Ms. Right…

Choose the Right Venue

While asking out someone for a date think of a venue that you are sure you will be comfortable with. In case you are expecting a little awkwardness and jitters on the first date think of fun venues that might help you break the ice. For example you can go bowling, fishing, or just catch a movie together. In case you already know the person and feel confident enough, go for a candlelight dinner, a walk on the beach, star gazing and so on. Always think of places that will be interesting and fun for both of you.

Do Not have Pre-conceived Ideas About Your Date

Do not have any predetermined ideas about the person you are about to date. If you have a common acquaintance who doesn’t think highly about your date, do not let this affect your point of view. Try and meet the person and see for yourself how the person is. Always go out on a date with a open mind, without expecting any specifics and there is a chance you’ll return with a smile on your face.

Be Comfortable, Be Yourself

It is often said that when you are on a date you should put your best foot forward to create the perfect first impression. Although that might actually help you while dating, the thing that will actually take a long way is being yourself! Do not pretend to be someone that you are not and allow the person to know you and like you for who you are. Dating is about exploring the possibility of compatibility and romance, so comfort is the first thing that you should look for. Do not over-dress and try getting into uncomfortable clothes to impress your date.

Don't Rush - Take Things Slow

Never rush into a relationship while on a date. Let things progress step by step. For example sleeping on the first date might not be a really great idea even if you are in the moment and feel you are getting carried away. Go out for three to four times or as many dates as you require to make sure you like the person. Once you are sure you like the person you can take the relationship to the next level.

Keep the Conversation Going

A good conversation always helps you know a person better. Think of random subjects to talk about but make sure the subject interests your date. Cracking a few jokes might be good idea to break the ice, but make sure your joke and the timing is appropriate. You don’t want to face the embarrassment of cracking a bad joke and getting the ‘That’s not even close to funny’ look from your date. There will be awkward silences and abrupt pauses, but make sure to keep the conversation going. Do not get embarrassed and confused if both of you suddenly seem to be out of topics to chat about. Try and ask your date open-ended questions to take the conversation ahead.

Do Not Lie - Be Honest About Yourself

Dating is about looking out for a perfect companion, and obviously you don’t want to start a relationship with lies. Never lie on a date – be it your work, your salary, your house location, your family background, or any other thing that might come up in a conversation. Be honest to your date. In case you are uncomfortable answering a particular question, say so but do not lie about it.

Do Not Believe in Clichés

This one is especially for the ladies. In an age where we fight about equality of men and women expecting him to get the bill is just plain stupid. The best way is to ‘go dutch’ (each one of you pays for what you have had) or else just split the bill equally. Especially when it is your first date, carry enough money or your credit card to be able to pay for yourself.

Practice Safe Dating

Do not use unreliable sources for dating. Blind dates set up via an unreliable dating bureau or a date planned with your online-friend might turn out to be a great one but be very sure about the reliability of a person in case of blind dates or internet-dates. People you met on the social networking website or in a chat room might not always turn out to be good, there are lots of dangerous people who are on the lookout for victims on the internet. Do not have any suspicious drinks or too much alcohol during the date so that you can remain alert and be in your senses throughout the date.

By Uttara Manohar
Published: 2/29/2008


please comment whether this information is useful or not?

Dating Relationship: You Like Your Date But Hate Their Friends

You and your date usually have a great time when you go out together. Not so much when their friends tag along. So what can you do about it?

You and your dating partner have really gotten serious about each other. You have moved to the next level in so many areas. Now it is not like you are talking about marriage or engagement but it has come down to the fact that you want to date each other exclusively.

But there is one strong reservation holding you back. It has nothing to do with your dating partner. You realize they are not faultless and have no qualms about accepting them exactly as they are. No it is not their family either. You have met them on a few occasions and have hit it off quite nicely with mom, dad and siblings.

It's that other crew you have issues with; namely his crummy rotten friends. Try as you might you just cannot seem to warm up to them. Who are we kidding? You can't stand them.

You accept the fact that people are individuals but from your perspective every time you get together with his crew, there is a certain group mentality that takes over which is not to your liking.

To be fair they are not cliquish. As a matter of fact they go out of their way to try to include you in their activities. But you want no part of anything to do with these chowderheads.

So what are your options?

1. End the Relationship

That's right. You know how your date feels about his peeps. They are going to remain an integral part of his life and since you cannot stand them why go forward with the relationship?

2. Tell Your Date How You Feel

Let them know how strongly you feel about them and your feelings and issues with his friends. You have always been truthful with each other and that's as it should be.

They may take it to heart and since they like you so much decide that they will not subject you to going out with his posse. Your date will maintain his friendships but kindly leave you out of their get togethers. If you feel strongly about this person that may be a compromise you can accept.

Or they may take it to heart and decide that they want to end the relationship. No matter how they feel about you nobody is going to pick and choose their friends. These people have seen them through good times and bad. Besides your date has known them a lot longer than they have you. If it comes down to loyalty your date may decide that you lose.

3. Digging

Make a real effort to find out what it is your dating partner likes about his friends and try to see if you can get on that level. Or see if you can connect with some of them on a one to one basis. Sometimes when a bunch of people get together they can get caught up in group think but you might find each individual is nothing like you thought they were.

You and your date like what you have got going on. If you want to build on that then you are going to accept their friends or not. Your date has made it clear they are an important part of his or her life. For them how you get along with his friends may determine whether the two of you have a future together.

Relationship Dating: This Cannot Be Their Family

You checked your birth certificate and you are from planet earth. So is your date. Their family? You are not so sure.

Count your blessings that this date is finally over. No it has nothing to do with your date. As a matter of fact the two of you have been hitting it off pretty good. No it has not gotten to the marriage talk stage but you both feel you have a future together.

After tonight you are not so sure. This was the first time you met their family and in many way you wish it was the last time. Sure things started out okay. Mom, dad, brother and sister greeted you warmly and exchanged all the correct pleasantries. Unfortunately from that moment on it all went downhill.

As the evening wore on you came to several conclusions:

a. Dad is an obnoxious jerk

b. Junior is studying for his entrance exam into Moron University

c. Mother is the nosiest human being you have ever met in your life

d. The sister is suffering from a severe case of SRS commonly known as snide remark syndrome.

You periodically turn to your date during the course of the evening and swear to yourself that they could not possible be from this family. You can convince yourself that your date is a scientist here to do a case study. Of course it's not true but it did help you get though the evening.

Now you've got a situation on your hands. You feel strongly about your dating partner but the very thought of visiting that family again let alone having them as in laws makes you physically ill.

So what can you do about it?

1. Get Over It

You love your dating partner so you accept the fact that their family is an important part of their life. You grin and bear it while telling yourself that if the two you decide to get married it's not like they are going to move in with you. You hope and pray.

2. Get To Know Them

First impressions are lasting impressions but they are not the only impressions. If and when you are invited back, try to go in with an open mind. See if there is so common ground that can make the visit easier. Or see if they have interest that you have always been curious about. Sometimes once you get past the initial shock, you discover things are not as bad as they appear.

3. Get Going

Just forget it. You tell yourself that your date is a wonderful person but there is no way you can deal with their family. If you go this route be up front with your dating partner. Understand they may give you an earful for having that type of attitude but at least you didn't try to con then them.

Now your dating partner may be sympathetic to your cause. They may love their family but accept the fact they are not to everyone's taste. Therefore listen if they offer some options which will keep the relationship going. If you feel as you say you do than do not make them beg and do everything with reason to see if the two of you can work out a compromise.