Valentines First Date Tips for Guys

Christian Singles

That time of year is fast approaching that us singletons dread – Valentines Day. Every year on the 14th of February love birds across the nation suddenly switch to some kind of altered state of sappiness and any respect you once had for them flies out the window as they turn their attentions to writing slushy, clichéd, poetry in cards the size of a small bungalow in the shape of a fluffy teddy bear. OK, maybe I’m a tad bitter, at least I used to be until I found a sure fire way of landing that hot date on Valentines Day that means you’re not stuck indoors on your own like the proverbial lemon.

Snaring the Date

The first stage is getting a date, even if you hate dates and have had bad experiences in the past, it’s better to at least make an attempt than be stuck indoors watching Emmerdale farm while your buddies gaze lovingly across a candlelit table into the eyes of their partners. So how do win a date with a hot chick?

First, rest assured that the majority of single women are feeling the same sort of anxieties as you as valentines day approaches, they don’t want to be on their own while their friends are off having fun. But how you find these single women? The best avenue for finding a potential date I’ve found is through friends, one of your friends or even friend of friends is bound to know a girl in the same situation as you.

Arrange to all go out as a group and get your friends to introduce you to each other on what is essentially neutral ground, take it from here. By all means utilize a touch of Dutch courage if you need to but don’t go overboard and make a total fool of yourself.

If meeting someone in real life simply isn’t an option, use the tried and tested medium of the internet. Looking for love online is no longer a taboo, whether it be through Facebook or a specialist dating site. In fact most of my friends who have girlfriends met them through Facebook.

The Date Itself

OK so you’ve managed to convince an unwitting female to go on a date with you, so how do you get through those desperately awkward first few hours unscathed? It’s true that dates can be initially uncomfortable, but your role, as the guy is to try and break that ice and make you both feel relaxed.

Even if you already know your date, seeing each other in a romantic capacity can make it feel like it’s the first time you’ve met, If this is the case talk about the past and memorable experiences that you’ve shared, or mutual friends that you have, this will help create a bond early on.

If indeed you are seeing your date for the first time ever then things may be a little more tricky. Remember to ask her questions about herself, this will show that you are interested in her as a person and want to get to know her. If you are nervous, don’t show it, a lack of confidence is a big turn off for women, simply act confident and you will come across with vigor and bravado.

In terms of location, pick a venue that is fairly quiet and unlikely to intrude on your conversation, i.e. not the cinema! A restaurant may be an obvious choice but there is a reason, it provides the ideal setting for you to get know each other and relax without too many distractions.

Saying Goodbye… Or not

Ending the date can be a stumbling block for so many guys. The trick is not to go into all guns blazing, make sure she gets home safely and walk her to the door. There is no real script to follow here, you should know if she is into or not by the visual signals she is giving off. Here’s a hint, if she turns her back on you and heads straight into the door, don’t go in for the kiss, the date hasn’t gone well!

Joe is an online dating guru currently working for a personal car leasing firm.

Getting Started In Online Dating: Finding a Site and Starting a Profile

Christian Singles

It’s normal to feel a little nervous when you first decide to turn on your computer and enter the world of online dating. However, speaking from positive experience, I can assure you there’s really no reason to worry. Online dating can be an extremely enjoyable experience and there are thousands of loving relationships out there whose happy first meetings occurred online.

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/buenosaurus/402295188/

My girlfriend and I have been dating for five months and found each other online. The chemistry was there before we met in the flesh, so please be positive when you build your profile and start online dating, you need to really put your character across to entice the other person to open up and share their personality and feelings.

If you’re reading this then you may already have started an online dating profile, signed up to a site or have a strong interest in doing so. That’s good as the first step is the hardest. Be honest when filling out your profile, you want them to like the real you, and make sure you join the right site or section. If you’re looking for long term commitment then obviously a ‘quick fling’ site or section simply isn’t for you. Conduct some research, get a feel for the sites you like, write down your personal details and what it is you are looking for and start that profile.

Preparation is key when creating your profile. This will effectively be your online presence until you start chatting with other site users. Unlike a bar or nightclub, there’s no distracting noise or annoying hustle bustle, your profile can receive the full consideration of others and you can return the compliment. Choose a great picture, include the special details which make you who you are and you’ll be well on your way to online dating success.

Try to be different and stand out too. Get creative, you could write it in the form of a story (be careful with this one) or a poem (obe EXTRA careful with this one). Above all try to keep it light and interesting. Chances are, no-one wants to hear about your political or religious views just yet unless you’re on a niche dating site. Be funny and playful, remembering that someone on the other end of this has to read it. Try to make it as fun for them as possible.

Making a huge effort with your profile is vital as this is how you put yourself out there to catch the eye (and maybe the heart) of another online dater. Good luck with this first step toward finding the special person of your dreams!

This article was written by Megan Hughes from WeLoveDates online dating – for more of her writing check out the WeLoveDates blog.

How to Spend Your Valentine’s Day

Christian Singles

January is coming to an end and that means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. You might think it is too early to start buying gifts or reserving seats at a local restaurant but really, it’s not.

Whether you are the type of couple who enjoys relaxing in hot tubs, hiking up mountains or curling up and watching movies, how you spend Valentine’s Day is the most important part of the holiday (not the gift).

Don’t have anything planned for this year, yet? Here are a few suggestions from women in five different types of relationships:

The Professional Couple
Chelsea & Greg: Portland, Maine

Chelsea has been dating Greg for a year. She enjoys spending time with him, but admits that their busy schedules keep them apart more than she like. As a result, all she wants to do on Valentine’s Day is find the time to be with him.

“Greg has to work until 11:30 at night on Valentine’s Day, so I’m hoping to go to breakfast the day of,” she says. “I’m all about the fact that the thought counts, so if he made me dinner that would be perfect too!”

A College Romance
Ally & Sean: Manchester, New Hampshire

Ally met Sean in college and finds their relationship to be relaxed and “mushiness-free,” even on the most romantic day of the year.

“Since Valentine’s Day is on a Monday and we both have class, I don’t mind if we do something the weekend before or after,” Ally says. “I like to keep it simple on Valentine’s Day. A card and Reese’s Pieces would be ideal. I am hoping it’s going to be a dinner.”

The Old-Timers
George & Shelly: Denver, Colorado

George and Shelly have been married for thirty-six years. At this point in their relationship, it’s hard to come up with new gifts to buy and new places to go out for dinner.

“I don’t think there is anything George can surprise me with,” Shelly says. “I really just feel so lucky to have him around me that if we were just to light some candles and jump in our small hot tub I would be happy with that,” she laughs.

The Long-Distance Relationship
Melanie & Joey: New York City, New York

Sometimes the phone just isn’t good enough. No matter how cheap or well-equipped your telephone system is, saying “I love you” should be done in person. That is how Melanie feels, who has been dating her boyfriend Joey for five years. This year, the couple is forced to spend Valentine’s Day apart.

“I’m studying abroad in London this semester, and he is still at school in New York,” Melanie explains. “I’m hoping that he is going to surprise me and just show up on Valentine’s Day, but I understand that is a lot to ask.”

Are you in a similar situation? Well, cancel the Skype date and don’t ship your gift via Fed Ex. Instead, book the next flight, train or bus to visit your sweetheart.

Adventurous Couple
Lindsay & Matthew: Washington DC

World traveler and dedicated hiker, Lindsay spends every Valentine’s Day with her fiancé – exploring a different part of the world. This year, however, Lindsay did not schedule a trip and is curious as to what Matthew has planned.

“Valentine’s Day this year was too close to my best friend’s wedding, so we didn’t want to travel back-to-back weekends,” Lindsay explains. “I’m really hoping we follow through with our tradition and maybe hike in Shenandoah National Park nearby. Exploring new things together is really the best way to keep the ‘spark’ going,” Lindsay adds.

According to these women, spending the day together is the most important part to get right, not the gift. So there is no need to panic over what to buy your loved one; save that for their birthday.

Sylvia Rosen is an online writer with a background in newspaper journalism. She enjoys writing about dating, relationships and healthy lifestyles.