9 Ways To Avoid Ruining A First Date

Christian Singles

There’s a lot of pressure on a first date. First impressions aren’t always make or break, but they certainly count for a lot. Listed below are some of the dangers that must be avoided if you want to reach date number two. Follow this list of don’ts, and everything should be fine.

Don’t get drunk

If the date isn’t going well don’t think that turning to drink will get it back on track. Sure a little bit of alcohol will help you relax and be yourself, but misjudge this and things will only end horribly.

Don’t take a friend along for “moral support”

You might be feeling more nervous than you ever have before, but it’s probably best to go on your own. Even if your date is the most understanding person in the world, it’s unlikely that they’ll be happy for you to pull up an extra chair.

Don’t order the most expensive thing and then ask them to pay

This applies to both men and women. Obviously it’s traditional for the man to pay on the first date and if he offers that’s great. But if you like him don’t scare him off by demanding his money, especially if you’ve ordered lobster with caviar. If he’s a nice guy he’ll probably offer anyway.

Don’t talk about politics

It’s best to save this for a later date, when the foundations are strong enough for the relationship to survive. At best you’ll establish that you have similar views, and have a pleasant chat about healthcare. At worst it will cause a shouting match that only ends when your date storms out leaving you to foot the bill for their lobster and caviar. Why take the risk?

Don’t talk only about yourself

I don’t care how brilliant you are, nobody wants to listen to three hours of self-promotion.

Don’t be too touchy feely

There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of flirting. Lightly stroking your date’s arm is acceptable. Grabbing them by the face is not!

Don’t go on about your crazy ex

This is a big mistake that a lot of people fail to avoid. Talking about your axe wielding ex-boyfriend who owns a Rottweiler, or an ex-girlfriend who’s been stalking you the last 15 years, and is sat at the next table, might just scare them off.

Don’t take their picture

You might be doing it with the best intentions, but it’s not cool. It’s just going to make you look weird and creepy.

Don’t forget to go

I know you’ve got a lot of things to remember, but make sure you don’t forget to go! Although if you’re planning to do too many of the above then maybe it is better for everyone if you just stay at home.

Despite her occasionally tongue-in-cheek tone, Alison Carmichael is really a romantic soul who gives expression to her feelings through blogging about Valentine’s Day and – just in case they are subsequently required – about all things wedding gift related!

The Antidote To Valentine’s Day

Christian Singles

If you’re still paying for Christmas then you’ll be overjoyed to be reminded that Valentine’s Day is almost here. And that marketing event ain’t cheap neither, the average American spends $160 on gifts for their partners and family, not a whole lot less than Christmas.

You could try to do things on the cheap, yeah, right, if you fancy being single on the fifteenth! However, you could do things that will keep the costs down by stealth, making a card yourself rather than sending an overprices tacky missive from a high street stationer says that you’re thinking of her; baking a cake instead of buying one off the supermarket shelf says you like to do things for him.

You can dip your own strawberries in melted chocolate, that often leads to other things and it’s cheaper than a huge box of chocolates that you present her with only to be accused of “trying to make her fat.”

How about taking care of business yourself with a home vajazzling kit? That’s an awesome surprise and much cheaper than getting it done professionally.

If you’re single at the moment then you’re probably sick of it all before it’s even begun, going out this weekend is going to be a chore with all those smug couples staring longingly into one another’s eyes, smooch induced nausea! So, if you don’t feel you’d be responsible for your own actions out on the streets then how about holding your own anti-Valentines day party? Make it themed and it could be a scream.

How about a Gangsters and Molls themed cocktail party? Or invite a few of your single crew over and have a night of slasher movies and beer? You could invite everyone over and indulge in a bit of speed hating. Speed dating’s been done to death, speed hating involves getting together and having a really good moan about your job, the government, taxes, you get it, just rag on everything that’s getting you ripping for a few hours.

If you’re a single girl and you’re not looking to get tied down then how about treating yourself to a day of mani pedis and massage? Get a facial and a new ‘do. Do it for yourself sister!

If you’re a single guy you might like a mani pedi and massage but how about sending a card to your dear old mum, tell her how much you appreciate her and that you love her dearly. She might think you’ve flipped but it’s good to tell her every now and again, no matter how old you’re getting.

Another thing a guy might do is send flowers to one of his single lady friends. I don’t mean all creepy weird stalkery but just a few flowers (Not a single red rose!) to some-one who might appreciate the thought right about now. And you never know, she might have a sister…

Dan Cash will be sobbing bitter tears as he microwaves his romantic ready meal for one on Valentine’s Day.

25 Best and 25 Worst Chat Up Lines

Single Parent Dating

With 14th February lurking around the corner, it’s time to brush up on those chat – up lines whether you’re a singleton, trying to impress your loved one again with your romantic side, or just to make someone laugh. It could be the start of something beautiful!

We’ve included some of the best, the worst and the inappropriate – though this is not to say that you should use them all, if you want to avoid a slap around the face. Do chat up lines work? It’s up to you to find out!

Warning: these do not have a 100% guaranteed success rate.

The Best Chat Up Lines

  1. Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?
  2. I’ve lost my phone number, can I borrow yours?
  3. If I could rearrange the alphabet, I’d put U and I together
  4. Have you got a plaster? Because I hurt my knee falling for you.
  5. I must be in heaven because I can see an angel
  6. You must be tired because you’ve been running through my mind all day
  7. You must be a brush, because you swept me off my feet
  8. Want a raisin? How about a date?
  9. Are you a parking ticket? Because you’ve got fine written all over you
  10. If I said you had a beautiful body would you hold it against me?
  11. Hi, I’m doing a survey …What’s your name? What’s your phone number? Are you free next Saturday?
  12. Is your name Gillette? Because you’re the best a man can get
  13. Was your father a thief? ‘Cause someone stole the stars from the sky and put them in your eyes
  14. You’re like a compass, without you I’m lost
  15. Do you have a map? Because I keep getting lost in your eyes
  16. There must be something wrong with my eyes, because I can’t take them off you
  17. How does it feel to be the most beautiful girl in this room?
  18. If kisses were snowflakes, I’d send you a blizzard.
  19. I guess you can kiss Heaven goodbye, because it has got to be a sin to look that good.
  20. I hope you know CPR? Because you take my breath away
  21. Do you believe in love at first sight.. or do I have to walk by again?
  22. Apart from being beautiful, what do you do for a living?
  23. Did the sun come out or did you just smile at me?
  24. Are you a thief because you stole my heart.
  25. Is there an airport close by; or is that just my heart taking off?

The Worst Chat Up Lines

  1. If you were a burger at McDonald’s, you’d be called McGorgeous!
  2. Well, here I am. What were your other two wishes?
  3. I was just curious? Are you as good as all the guys say you are?
  4. Nice dress! Can I talk you out of it?
  5. Is your second name Jacobs, because you’re a cracker
  6. Are you free tonight, or will it cost me?
  7. Your place or mine?
  8. Hi, my name is Pogo, want to jump on my stick?
  9. The word of the day is legs, let’s go to your house and spread the word.
  10. I ain’t this tall. I’m just sitting on my wallet.
  11. The human body has 206 bones. Would you like another one?
  12. You might not be the best looking girl here, but beauty is only a light switch away.
  13. You must be Jamaican, because Jamaican me crazy.
  14. I may not be Fred Flintstone but I could make your Bedrock
  15. Get your coat. You’ve pulled.
  16. Stop, drop, and roll, baby. You are on fire.
  17. Are you a spot because I wanna squeeze you?
  18. The names Bond – Uni Bond, and I’m here to fill your cracks
  19. My love for you is like diarrhea, I just can’t hold it in
  20. Did you just fart? Because you blew me away
  21. I’ve had quite a bit to drink, and you’re beginning to look pretty good.
  22. Is your name L’oreal, cause you’re worth it
  23. Are those space pants? Cos your ass is out of this world!
  24. You know what would look good on you? Me!
  25. Is it hot in here or is it you?

If you are looking for something more than just a good chat up line for Valentine’s day, be sure to check out Prezzybox.com. With a huge range of romantic Valentine’s gifts you can’t go wrong!

Is Your Partner Cheating? How to Catch Them Red Handed

Single Parent Dating

In my experience being cheated on is one of the worst psychological pains that a person can suffer. Of course the loss of someone close is more serious, but in some cases an unfaithful partner can cause just as much if not more heartache. Not only are you and your partner likely to go your separate ways, but you get that sense of worthlessness and inadequacy that can only come with someone who previously loved you and cherished every moment you were together making the conscious decision to end the relationship.

For this reason, infidelity is, in my opinion, an unforgivable sin, and one that should not so much be punished as exposed. They say revenge is a dish best served cold but when it comes to a partner being unfaithful I’d make an exception and say that this delicious dish should be served piping hot with a side of embarrassment and regret. If you suspect your partner is cheating, what better way to out them than just before Valentine’s day? This way you won’t have to go through the soppy, meaningless rigmarole of buying flowers and cards.

So how exactly can you catch your partner out without being accused of breaking and entering, trespassing or, any crime that may backfire and make you look insecure and perverse? You may be surprised to learn that there are a wide range of gadgets and gizmos out there to assist you in gathering evidence to convict your partner for breaking one of the ten sacred commandments.

If your mind is constantly consumed by worry and you feel anxious about where your partner says they are going when they leave the house, simply attach a GPS tracking device to their clothes. These are small in size, lightweight, discreet and can be slipped inconspicuously into a pocket or clipped on the inside of a garment. Data of their location can be sent directly to your phone on demand with a simple text or phone call.

Think a GPS trackers is going a bit too far? Maybe your partner is being a little more covert about their extra curricular activities. If you think this the case then perhaps you’d be interested to see all the data they’ve deleted on their iPhone. Recovery sticks are available which can be plugged into a computer along with the phone, these can retrieve any data they thought had gone forever…

Maybe you suspect your partner is doing the dirty in your own home when you’re at work. No problem, simply invest in a mains wall charger will a built in video camera and microphone. This innocent looking black cube simply plugs into the wall, they’ll never even notice it’s there…

You shouldn’t need to go to such lengths to find out if your partner is really as faithful as they claim, but if you do suspect they are doing the deed behind your back and you are consumed by worry, then using one of these innovative products to find out for sure will certainly be the investment, just to put your mind at ease, and if you desire, exact your sweet revenge…

Joe is a relationship expert who has used Spy Gadgets to his advantage many times in the past… You can follow him on Twitter @joe__johnson__

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.