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NON VEG
Get your act together
Begin a regime of looking your best. Join a gym, read health magazines, get fit and start a diet. Get your hair cut or styled and begin a new regime of good grooming or beauty treatment. Though it will not find you a date in itself, you will feel a million times more confident about yourself, and others can sense that.
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Go shopping and treat yourself to new clothes and even a whole new look
Get your image right, one that you can manage and live with, but one that flatters you. Don't try to be someone you’re not, but amplify and accentuate your positives. Throw out those tired jeans, old sweaters or cardigans and spruce yourself up. Your date will appreciate that you demonstrated some effort.
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Think about what you want to gain from dating and what timeframes you expect.
Do you see yourself married within 2 years? If you do, then approach dating accordingly. If you are more laid back and don't take dating too seriously then ask yourself some honest questions about why you are dating and what you hope to achieve. If it is purely sex then ask yourself if you are about to be honest with those you hope to date.
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Surround yourself with people who will support your dating aims
By following the first four tips you will feel better and be more focused. Don’t sabotage this by sitting around with friends who are negative about love and relationships (often the married ones). Start attending social functions frequented by singles. Sitting alongside couples at dinner parties in suburbia is not necessarily where you need to be right now.
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Be realistic
Choose those you have a good chance of dating. Be realistic. In other words, your dating is based on the whole package you present as well as just your personality. If you are looking for a glamour girl or boy and want to date someone trendy and gorgeous, great! Just know that others will expect you to be the same.
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Join clubs, societies, sports events, drama groups
Anything that might help you meet like-minded potential partners. You will not meet people by staying indoors and playing video games – many have tried and failed at this approach.
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Take time off
Take time off from dating occasionally if it’s not going well or causing dating fatigue. Recharging your batteries and keeping confidence and optimism levels high is an absolute must. We all hit rough patches, but don’t let your search for love become a death march. Date in phases if necessary.
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Enjoy dating for what it is, dating.
It is meeting people and socializing and spending time in the company of stimulating individuals who may or may not play a bigger part in your life down the road. The fact is, most people have something interesting to offer. While you may not be out on the dating scene looking for new friends, you may well find one or two fabulous people along the way.
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Never make yourself too available.
People like mystery and enigma and the thrill of the chase when dating. As part of keeping up the mystery, do not sleep with your dates early on. The longer a person is made to chase and fall for you within reason, the more likely that love may blossom. (And yes, this goes for both men AND women!) If the chemistry peaks too early, your emotions may never have time to catch up and the relationship will eventually wither away.
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Follow up
Ignore those three-day rules. If you had a great time, let her know the next day.
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Say goodnight
Don’t let the evening end with a fizzle. Be intentional about saying goodbye, and initiate one of the following: a handshake, hug, or kiss. Don’t leave her standing there awkwardly at the end of the night.
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Prove that chivalry is not dead.
Sure, she’s an independent woman. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t open the door for her.
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Use compliments appropriately
She likely put some effort into her look for you, so offer her a compliment or two. Avoid a never-ending list of praise — it can get overwhelming — or comments that sound too sexual. “Beautiful” is better than “smokin’.”
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Be attentive
Ask great questions. Listen. Smile.
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Be on time
And be gracious if she’s fashionably late. (She probably just doesn’t want to show up before you get there.)
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Dress to impress
You don’t need to wear a suit and tie to the local pub, but it wouldn’t hurt to brush your teeth and put on a shirt that doesn’t look slept in.
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Be confident
She already said yes. She wants to be there.
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Pay
Even if she offers, insist on paying for the date — especially if you initiated the date in the first place. As a couple, you’ll figure out how to split and cover bills later. But for now, pick up the check.
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Plan it.
Have an answer for when and where the date will be. Try to pick a location that’s comfortable and conducive to conversation. While movie dates are popular, they’re not great for first dates as you’ll both be staring at a screen all night. If the idea of staring at her from across a table all night intimidates you, choose an interactive date. Even if you have nothing in common, you can at least laugh about your poor mini-golf skills together.
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Smile!
You have every reason to be happy: You've chosen the premier relationship site on the internet; your photo is going to be viewed by other serious minded adults looking for long-lasting love; you have the best relationship expert in the nation in your corner guiding you; and we're going to find you a perfect match. Why wouldn't you be smiling?
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Second opinion
Sometimes we're not the best judge of how we look to others. Consult with those people whose opinion you value to obtain an honest appraisal of which photo best captures you. Once you have a consensus, you're one step closer to your perfect match.
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Keep it simple
The goal is to give the viewer a clear representation of what you are about. Avoid loud clothing or busy backgrounds that conspire to take attention from your smiling face. And, if you wear glasses, be sure to adjust the flash so it doesn't reflect in the lenses. The same goes for any glass or shiny object in the background.
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Experiment
If you don't have a digital camera, ask your friends. A digital camera works best because you instantly see the photo and can make a decision on the spot. Once you have the camera, even if you rent one, take a variety of shots: Different clothes, several poses and varying locations. Eventually you'll find one that really captures who you are and how you would like to present yourself.
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Go solo
This is about putting your best foot forward. Your primary photo should feature only you. Leave the kids, pets, favorite car and cabin to reveal other facets of yourself. Never post a photo in which you have cut out someone else. If this is the only photo you have, or something from your first wedding, it's time to update who you are.
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Show off
Your primary photo should portray the real you in the best photo possible. However, don't overdo it. After all, you want that special someone to recognize you when that first exciting meeting occurs. You can always include a glamour shot as one of your other photos.
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Sensitivity
If your date happens on a weeknight, don't select a movie ending at 11.00 p.m. The more solutions you've prepared for in advance, the less anxious your date will be. This clearly shows your thoughtfulness.
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Show Appreciation
Acknowledge someone's kindness, thoughtfulness or generosity. Don't assume anything and don't come off as being spoiled. Verbally let them know their hard work, planning or good humor didn't go unnoticed. And, make yourself an irresistible choice for future dates.
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Laugh
Laughter is bonding, infectious and attractive. If you're going to the movies, ensure the film's funny; if going to a comedy club, know the comedians are funny; or go roller skating and laugh at yourselves. Laughter is a great release for any nervousness.
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Anticipate
As always, you should look your best. A light kiss at the end of the night that promises more…someday...is sexier than a lip scrunching passionate kiss that surprises your date and possibly puts him or her off.
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Connect
Make a real effort to find commonalities. Listen and learn a little about each other's childhood and past. See if your values and life's outlook are similar. This is an excellent exploration period.
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Stay Light
Do something positive you both can share in, without it being embarrassing. Select something appealing to your date; i.e., go to a water park if she or he likes water, or an outdoor rock concert if they like the performers. Perhaps, see a romantic comedy or take a hike. Whatever you're doing, don't sit and talk about your exes, troubled kids, etc. These are conversation topics which will come later if the relationship progresses.
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Listen
Listening is very important at any stage of dating or a relationship. Show her or him you know them better at the end of the date, than you did at the beginning.
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Respect
Sure, she or he really looks great and you're more impressed as the evening goes along. However, don't push physical attraction too soon. You could be making a serious mistake if you attempt to manhandle her or him.
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Appropriateness
Make sure what you've picked out and/or suggested has some relevance to what this person might actually enjoy. Doing something you both enjoy will go a long way towards relationship building.
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Appropriateness
Make sure what you've picked out and/or suggested has some relevance to what this person might actually enjoy. Doing something you both enjoy will go a long way towards relationship building.
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Plan
Waiting until the last minute may make things spontaneous - or disastrous. Plan your date in advance, set expectations and ensure your date is in agreement. Know how to get there, where to park, when things are open, etc. Look like you know how to make things happen seamlessly.
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