Is a Karaoke Bar a Good Place for a Date?

Christian Singles

You’ve been going out with your sweetie for a while now and it’s getting harder to find new things to do. You’ve covered everything from going to the movies to taking a hot air balloon ride. Now you’re looking to mix things up by introducing karaoke into the mix. But of course the main question is whether or not a karaoke bar is a good place for a date. You should throw away any preconceived notions you have about karaoke because it’s probably not going to be what you expect. If all you have ever known about singing in public comes from television and movies, it’s time to experience it for yourself. The fact is a karaoke bar can be a great place for a date and chances are it won’t be the last time you go there as a couple.

Every karaoke bar is different so it’s important to understand there are unpredictable factors that come into play. But in general, I karaoke bar is a great place to hang out and have a few drinks. There is usually a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for rookies and veterans alike. And if you don’t feel like singing, it’s basically like going to see a live music show except fellow audience members serve as the actual entertainment. It can be a blast to sit back and enjoy the show while enjoying the company of someone special.

Of course you always have the option of taking things up a notch if you bring a data long to karaoke. If you happen to be a fan of singing then this will provide a wonderful opportunity for you to show off your stuff. Just make sure that you don’t make a fool of yourself, and you might want to prepare beforehand so that you make a good impression. You can also get your date in on the fun by bringing them up on stage alongside you. Quite often the best way to introduce someone to karaoke is by singing a duet, and this is a great way to alleviate a lot of the stress associated with singing for the first time. And who knows, the two of you might blend so well together that a beautiful musical partnership is born.

Going to a regular karaoke bar is one thing, but many larger urban cities also have establishments that are a bit more sophisticated. These are designated “karaoke rooms” and they usually have a more upscale clientele. This isn’t the type of place where drunk college kids get together to party after exams. Quite often you will find elegant settings with dinner and dancing options, and these types of rooms are perfect for a romantic date. People who take karaoke a bit more seriously frequent these types of establishments, and that means you can find a better quality of singer. These rooms usually have a singing host with a great voice who will guide the night along. It takes karaoke to a whole new level and this is definitely an option if you want a more romantic setting.

All in all, the great thing about karaoke is a can help to build up chemistry while serving as a fun date activity. Is it has a great way of connecting people, and there’s nothing better than seeing your date let down his or her guard. Whether you choose to sing or not, you’ll have a blast watching other people tackle popular songs of the day. And if you do choose to sing, that’s a great chance to show your date a side of you that they’ve never seen before. And who knows, it could be the start of a wonderful tradition that leads to the next step in your relationship.

This information comes to us from our friends at karaokemachineguide.com where you can find more information on this fascinating hobby or reviews for buying the perfect karaoke machine.

The Secret Ingredient that Builds Relationship Health, Happiness and Longevity

Christian Singles

Kindness is “the life” of all healthy relationships, as blood is to the health of the body. Yes, a person can develop strong muscles, cultivate beautiful hair and have the best teeth around–but without healthy blood, it is to no avail; sickness and death are within striking range! The same is true of relationship health. Kindness is needed in abundance for love and respect to flow between the two people and to prevent relationship breakup.

You want your partner to want to be with you, be close to you in all ways, eagerly await your presence–you want a healthy relationship! Then be kind to him or her; instruct your partner to be the same with you. And in so doing, you will avoid many common relationship problems.

Milton Erickson, one the greatest and most creative psychotherapists of modern times, tells the story of a sad and lonely woman that came to him for treatment. She complained she had no friends–none at all. During the interview, she told him she loved to garden. In these words, Ericson found a treatment opportunity.

He told her, “Go back home, grow some African Violets and give them out to your neighbors.” She did. As well, she answered their many questions on how to care for them.

Within a short time, she made many friends. She had merged into her community and become an active member. Erickson understood what she needed–and it wasn’t years of soul searching and time consuming therapy. What she needed, simply, was to behave kindly with others. And so she did, and so she cured her loneliness!

Kindness is as basic as crayons, dolls and Legos. I can prove it!

Let’s go back to school? I don’t mean university, not even high school–how about kindergarten? Think, what happened to children when they were mean–when they bit, hit or stole? Answer: If the offending child didn’t stop, he or she was taken out of the classroom.

That’s just how basic kindness is–it was an absolutely necessity! If you made it through grade school, you knew how to be kind; you know how to get along with others. You may have been imperfect, but you knew enough about kindness to succeed as a citizen of your school! Why should your home be any different?

You want a loving and long lasting relationship with your spouse or partner. You need to be kind to him or her. Here is what to do:

  1. Acknowledge your partner when you see him or her. Use your words or body to express your love and care.
  2. Talk to your partner, inquiring about his or her well being.
  3. Show you care by doing favors; by giving compliments; by being appreciative whenever something is done for you–even (especially) when it is done often!
  4. Be sensitive to your partner’s difficulties and when possible try to help.
  5. Stay in-touch throughout the day. Send a text message; call on the phone; let him or her know you are thinking about them. What you say is not as important as your efforts to connect.
  6. Speak gently, with a comforting voice. If this does not come naturally, then practice until it does.

  7. Hold back criticism / anger and foster acceptance.

  8. When your spouse is upset, be a warm fuzzy and not a cold prickly–even if he or she is upset about you; you are accused of being the source of many relationship problems! Don’t get angry or run off. Rather, ask the question: What can I say or do to help my partner feel better and calm down? Then do it.

The only way your partner will feel your kindness is if your behavior consistently proves it. That’s just the way it is! It is not enough for “you” to think you are kind, or to ‘tell’ your partner you are kind. As it is said, “Actions speak louder than words.”

The opportunities to behave kindly are limitless. The greater your effort, the healthier and happier your relationship will be. Kindness is the magic ingredient that will bring out the best in both of you. This is great relationships advice that will prevent many relationship problems or even total breakdown.

If you have had a kindness deficiency, then I want you to know it will take time to repair the damage and save your relationship from further injury. You can’t remodel a house in a single day. So too, you can’t immediately change around your relationship. When you make a commitment to be kind, give it time.

Be patient like a gardener watching seedlings mature. Be consistent, be determined and your kindness will prevail–your home will become one of love, care and respect.

Kindness is the one thing you can’t get rid of. Why? The more you “give-away,” the more you “get-back.” Being kind is a great investment. The dividends are certain and the gains are great–what could be better than that? So my friend–be kind.

Abe Kass, M.A., R.S.W., R.M.F.T., C.C.H., is a relationship specialist. He is a certified family therapist with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and unlike many self-help gurus, he is the real deal. Visit his website: www.GoSmartLife.com

7 Things To Do Before You Date Someone

Christian Singles

Thanks to online dating, more people are dating than ever. This makes Tim Berners-Lee (the inventor of the internet as we know it) the biggest match maker that ever existed. Thanks Tim!

The problem with online dating though is the transition between ‘meeting’ online and meeting in real life. There is, and always will be, a slightly awkward situation where you can get to know someone online, but when you finally go to meet them face to face, you suddenly realise that you don’t have quite as advanced relationship as you thought you did because it had been done behind a virtual curtain that often inadvertently hides aspects of your personalities. Especially when all you have to go by is their carefully worded profile and some text based chat.

So what can you do to make sure they are definitely someone you want to date? Here are some tips:

See if your Friends Know Them

Don’t be shy; online dating is now a perfectly acceptable way to meet people. It no longer comes with the brief silence that used to meet people who explained that they met online. Ask your friends and family if they know him/her. Finding out that they used to date your ex on your first date is never a good feeling.

Google Them

It’s free! Just punching their name into that big white search box and maybe including some details you know about them like where they live. This might bring up pages they wrote from when they did charity work in Africa, or it might bring up a page in a forum where they had a heated debate in which they defended slavery. Eye opening either way.

Check Their Facebook

If their profile is not private you can easily pop their name into the search box and find their page. From there you can see more of what they look like from pictures, see what their friends are like and see what sort of things they talk about on there. Maybe they have terrible grammar?

Police Check

If you have the opportunity and you are particularly nervous about meeting them in person, you could go as far as getting a police check. This will let you know if they have a criminal record, although not having a criminal record does not necessarily mean they aren’t a criminal.

Find Out What They Do

It is quite important to find out what they do for a living. Having compatible careers may allow you to work out if you are likely to be able to start a life together. Maybe they work on oil rigs and you are an air hostess? This would be a difficult relationship to make work but perhaps you only want to meet them once…if you know what I mean.

Ask a Friends Opinion

You could just ask your mates what they think of them based on their profile. They may see something that you didn’t notice before that will put you off. Maybe they smoke?

Stalk Them a Bit

If you really are a bit crazy, you may consider stalking them. Acceptable stalking includes bumping into them accidentally on purpose at the shops. Tapping their phone is not acceptable.

Have a great date!

 

Hanson Black is a UK dating expert. He explores dating websites UK looking for people he is most likely to have a connection with.

 

How to Date on a Budget Without Looking Cheap

Ferris Wheel LoversWhen you fancy someone, money might be the last thing on your mind, but losing both your mind and your money over your crush is a terrifying scenario. Well, if you have already lost your mind, this article won’t help, but if you still have your money, keep reading!

Dating on a budget isn’t a “mission impossible”. All you have to do is plan in advance and stick to your plan. The choice of activities for a date on a budget depends on whether it is your first date or not, your location (if you live in the mountains then a walk on the beach is hardly a cheap date idea, because the nearest beach might be hundreds or thousands of miles away), and the likes and dislikes of you and your date.

There are really a lot of ways to date on a budget and impress your date, but there are also tricky areas where you can end up looking cheap rather than savvy. For instance, to ask for a refund because you didn’t like the meal (though you actually ate it) is certainly a no-no. Using a coupon could also be regarded as cheap by some people. To most it is perfectly acceptable, but if you are not sure how your date will react, you might want to avoid coupons on a first date.

Now let’s look at some of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to date on a budget.

Christian Singles

1. Go the Exotic, but Cheaper, Way

Trendy restaurants are very expensive and the food they serve isn’t always top-notch. However, if both of you like Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mexican, or other ethnic food, an ethnic restaurant is the way to go. Local ethnic restaurants are typically less expensive but more exotic, so the experience will be really memorable.

2. Dine at Home

Dining at home definitely beats any restaurant. However, you need to spend time preparing the food. Of course, you can order food online, but this might be as expensive as dining out.

Additionally, if you are in the beginning of your relationship and you are still not 100% comfortable with each other, inviting your date home for dinner could be considered as a prelude to a “sleepover”, and many people of either gender will back off at such an idea this early in a relationship.

3. Go on a Picnic

If both of you love open-air activities and the weather permits, you can consider going on a picnic. You can take light food and some drinks, and that (plus your date) is all it takes to make a great picnic!

4. Parks and Beaches Are Excellent Date Locations

If a picnic sounds too time-consuming, you can always go for a walk in the park or on the beach. This is definitely a very romantic idea and chances are you will be able to remain just the two of you for a while.

5. Look for Free Events

Free events, such as art shows, wine tasting, sporting events, book promotions, etc. are a few more opportunities to explore. Usually metropolitan areas are rich in such events but even small towns do offer such attractions. The trick here is to find an event both of you like – otherwise one or both of you will be bored, and this might spoil the date.

6. Do Community Work Together

Community work helps to build not only communities, but couples as well. It’s also good for your happiness and confidence levels – giving to others really does make you feel good.

7. Honour the Happy Hour

While most of the ideas on this list are completely free, a happy hour isn’t. But it is traditionally one of the easiest choices. One of the disadvantages of happy hours is that it might be crowded and if you want a quiet evening with your date, this will hardly happen.

Dating on a budget can be fun. They say that money can’t buy you happiness, and it’s true – you might spend tons of money on a date just to see it go in a disastrous direction. If you and your date are soulmates, then these cheap date ideas will be very suitable for you. If your date laughs at your suggestions because he or she dreams of something fancier, then this could be a signal that you aren’t soulmates after all…

 

Citations:
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This article is by Ada, a personal finance blogger who remembers only too well how frugal living doesn’t always go down great with a date! Right nor she’s obsessed with home insurance comparison and trying to make sure everyone knows how to find a policy that works for them.

How to Exceed Expectations on a First Date

Christian Singles

It’s finally the day of the first date that you’ve been looking forward to for so long. Your hands are sweating, hearts pounding and you’re desperately thinking of what you are going to say, we have all been there at some point. If you are reading this then the chances are that you are feeling a little nervous or unsure about what he or she is going to think of you and so here are some top tips to help ensure that the date goes well and most importantly that you get that all important second date.

1. Calm Those Nerves

The most important thing is for you to be confident and relaxed when you are on the date and so in order for you to relax tell yourself that it is fine to be nervous, it’s natural. Don’t get too focused on the nerves and try instead to turn those butterflies into excitement. The chances are that your date is just as nervous as you are and the anticipation is always the worst part. Try not to memorise what you want to say or questions to ask as this will probably make you feel more nervous, just trust that the adrenaline will take over and that you will naturally create conversation when you meet. After 5 minutes or so the initial nerves should be gone and you will be free to enjoy the date.

2. Find Something Fun to Do

If you meet up with your date without a plan in mind of what you want to do then things can get awkward as you both feel unsure about an activity to suggest. You will most likely be texting or emailing your date for a while before you arranged the date and so you should arrange where you are going to go before hand. Choose something that is fun and allows you to get to know your date a bit better. Going to the cinema on the first date is often a mistake as you don’t get the chance to have a proper conversation with them. Go for a meal or a drink instead which will let you talk while you enjoy your meal or drinks which will be a welcome distraction and will take the pressure off you having to talk constantly. Mini golf, bowling or a trip to an amusement park are all good ways to break the ice and to have fun.

3. Dress to Impress

Even before you speak your date will have made a snap judgement about you based on how you are dressed, it’s human nature and so you want to be looking your best. If you turn up to a date looking scruffy then you come across as being lazy or uninterested. You don’t have to wear your best suit or ball gown but making a bit of an effort shows your date that you care, you have a good fashion sense and that you are willing to make the effort for them. Simple things like a nice clean pair of shoes without any holes in them and a clean shirt can go a long way.

4. Remember to Do Some Listening As Well As Talking

One of the most off putting things that you can do on a first date is talk too much about yourself and not showing an interest in your date. You should keep the conversation light and snappy, asking plenty questions about the other person to show that you are taking an interest but not so many that they feel that they are being quizzed. Finding a happy medium of talking about them and you is the best way to ensuring that you both enjoy each other’s company.

5. The Goodnight Kiss

Many people spend the whole date worrying about when they should lean in for the goodnight kiss or if they should do it at all. The best advice for this is to simply not think about and just see what happens. You will be able to tell how the date is going and whether they want you to kiss them so it is best to just do what is natural. If you are feeling uncomfortable about it then it is better not to kiss at all than to create an awkward moment at the end of the night. If it is really playing on your mind you could always go in for the kiss straight away and then you will be relaxed enough to enjoy the rest of the date.

If you are currently single then there are many places you can visit online to meet someone such as free online dating UK and free dating UK. Online dating is becoming more and more popular with many people seeing it as a great way to get to know the person well before they meet up.

 

Jim Anderson has been using online dating websites such as UK Dating and dating websites UK for the past few years and he met his current girlfriend online.