Dating tips
Most people think that dating is something that should come naturally; that it's instinctual and you don't need to work at it. To a degree they're right; you don't NEED to work at it but much like a job interview, putting in a little effort beforehand can greatly improve your chances of success.
So here we share with you our top tips to help you get the most from your dating experience.
Be prepared
If you really want to succeed, you need to commit to dating. Going into this in a half-hearted way won't get you anywhere. Be prepared to go on a lot of dates and be prepared to meet a few frogs before the right one comes along and perhaps the hardest of all, be prepared for rejection.
It's a simple fact of life that you won't be everyone's dream date so try not to take it personally when you hear 'no' to a second date. Just carry on. Your perfect match is out there somewhere and if you give up after a few rejections, you'll never find them. As well as trusting to luck, think about dating or introduction agencies, online dating or social events where you'll meet the opposite sex.
Get your act together
Join a gym, get your hair cut/styled, make sure your wardrobe is up to date and generally just put your best foot forward. Plus, if you look good, you feel good and that will come across to your date.
Are you looking to be married within two years or are you just looking to improve your social life? Once you know what you want, you'll be better prepared to go out and find it, not to mention you won't waste time on someone who doesn't share your goal. A word of warning though; be realistic. If you do want a permanent relationship, don't set yourself a goal of six months!
Don't hang out with those friends who are down on love and relationships, stick with the friends who support you and boost you if/when you are getting a little low. Those friends will probably also help you by attending functions frequented by single people. Sitting at a dinner party surrounded by couples isn't going to get you anywhere.
There aren't too many Brads or Angelinas around. Look at the whole package because a nice face doesn't mean anything if they don't also have a nice personality.
Flirt Flirting is an art form and many people aren't as good at it as they could be. A huge part of being a successful flirt is knowing how to read the other person's body language, so why not find out more about it? Put your flirting into practice, not just on dates or with the opposite sex but also in your every day life. Everyone likes being flirted with; it makes us feel special.
Don't go to every event and on every date expecting to meet 'the one'. Think of it as a chance to meet a new friend or even just a chance to practice those flirting skills.
Don't drop everything at ten minutes' notice; don't drop your existing friends or cancel plans with them. If someone is really interested in you, they'll wait until you have time to see them. If you're a doormat, always at their beck and call, they may lose respect for you.
The moment dating ceases to be fun, you stop being a good date. Maybe cut back or take a break for a few weeks to recharge your batteries.
