8 First Date Ideas

It's going well and you think you might have found your perfect match. You’ve been chatting, seem to get on well, have lots in common and have even swapped phone numbers. Now, it’s time to take the next step!

So stop hiding behind your dating profile and arrange that date so you can meet for the very first time. We know it can be difficult to decide on where to meet or what to do on that all important first date. That’s why we’ve put together eight first date ideas to help make that first date decision a little easier.

1. Put a twist on the classic dinner date

Of course, the classic first date is dinner in a restaurant. If you must do the obvious, why not try something a little more adventurous like a new ethnic cuisine? Maybe even go on a fun DIY date where you can create your own sushi. Even if it’s horrible, at least you’ll have something to laugh about. Sharing something new together is a great way to build a connection.

2. Go on a picnic

If the weather is on your side, sharing a picnic in a local park can be fun and romantic. It’s also a great low cost alternative to a restaurant date if you don’t want to break the bank. Going for a walk before you choose your picnic spot is a good idea if either of you are a little shy. When you don’t have the added pressure of making eye contact, conversation tends to flow more easily.

3. Visit an art gallery or museum

Another low cost date idea is to visit an art gallery or museum together; most have days when admission is free The art is guaranteed to spark interesting conversation and it’s not a bad idea to do some research on the exhibition beforehand, so you can impress your date with how knowledgeable you are!

4. Go to the aquarium or zoo

Going to an aquarium or zoo isn’t just for school trips. This sort of date is perfect if you’re feeling nervous or shy, as admiring the animals is the perfect distraction during what could be awkward first moments together. You’ll definitely see enough cute, funny, slimy, colourful and weird creatures to keep things interesting.

5. The driving range

If either of you are into golf, share your passion with your date by taking them to the driving range at your local golf club. If you feel comfortable enough, teaching your date how to swing is a great way to get up close and personal. This can make for a fun daytime first date and isn’t particularly strenuous, meaning you don’t need to be the athletic type to enjoy yourself!

6. The coffee date

If you want to keep things casual to begin with, a cup of coffee in a cafe or coffee bar is the perfect first date. The time it takes to drink a cup of coffee together is just long enough to determine whether you can see yourself going on a second, third or even fourth date. Why not spice up the basic coffee date by going to a coffee bar that offers live music?

7. A few drinks

Slightly more formal than the coffee date, but just as easy, is heading out for a couple of drinks in a local bar or pub. This is perfect if you’re a little nervous, you’re often more relaxed after a glass of wine or two so you’ll be chatting away before you know it. Just be careful not to drink too much – the consequences could be embarrassing!

8. Attend an open mic night or local music show

Attending an open mic night is a fun spin on the usual drinks date. Remember that conversation is key on a first date so you don’t want to find yourself at a stadium show or rock gig. A mellow act in an intimate venue can provide the perfect balance between conversation and pleasant distraction.

Wherever you’re heading out on your first date, make sure that you tell a friend when and where you’re going, and when you’ll be back. Most importantly, remember to relax, enjoy yourself and seize the opportunity to get to know someone new. Happy dating!

http://globalpersonals.co.uk/blog/8-first-date-ideas/

6 Secrets to a Great Long Distance Relationship

Traditionally long distance relationships have been unlikely to last beyond 6 months, but in the age of the internet, Skype and mobile phones they have more chance than ever of being successful. The challenges facing people engaged in a long-distance relationship are unique. It can take more careful planning, time and attention than a traditional relationship but if you are both committed to making it work there is no reason why it can’t be just as fulfilling and satisfying as any other relationship. To give your long distance relationship the very best chance of success here are our top 6 secrets.

1.      Creating clear parameters

Early on you both need to decide where you would both like this relationship to go. This will happen in a traditional relationship but there isn’t the same urgency. If you are going to invest time and effort in keeping in contact; money travelling to visit each other and emotional energy in establishing a bond over a distance you want to know early on that you are both heading in the same direction. Are you going to give it 6 months of you both giving it your very best shot and then get together to review how it is going? Are you working towards living together one day?  Do you know what level of commitment the other person wants from you and whether you can give it?

You don’t need to make all these decisions straight away but you do need to both have the ability to say what you want and need and articulate how you are feeling as the relationship goes on.

2.      Keeping regular contact

In order to make a long distance relationship work you need daily contact so that you become part of each other’s daily lives. This is easier than it used to be with the internet and Skype – no more huge phone bills!

Talk on the phone or online; write emails; send love letters; Skype or instant message – it is all great for your developing relationship but even the most talkative of people might run out of things to say. Try doing things together – watch a film at the same time and then talk about it; play Scrabble, chess or some other online game; learn a language together and then practice your skills while planning a trip to that country – there are no end of things you can engage together in online which will give you plenty to talk about every day and deepen your bond and connection with each other.

3.      Have face to face contact – as much as possible

Although you can develop a great virtual relationship it is really important that you set regular dates to meet up and see each other face to face. The physical contact of your partner is the glue that binds all the other things together – the smell of their skin; the touch of their hand; the kisses that say more than words ever could – it is vital to the success of the relationship that these meetings happen. When one visit has ended plan the next so you both have something to look forward to.

4.      Develop trust

Trust is the cornerstone of all healthy and lasting relationships but it is particularly important when it comes to long distance relationships – there is so much distance between you it is easy to become insecure or unsure about your partner’s commitment. This is why having clear parameters and daily contact is so important. It’s unrealistic to think that you won’t both get insecure at different times but if you are in daily contact you will be able to talk about how you are feeling rather than having days or weeks feeling unsure and insecure.

5.      Nurture security

Feeling secure in a relationship comes from being really clear with each other about what is happening and where you are going. Firm plans, definite times arranged when you will meet online; a willingness to talk about the future and, most importantly, an agreement that if it isn’t working you will tell each other – all of these things will create the security you need in order for your relationship to survive and thrive.

6.      Have an attitude of gratitude

Many long distance relationships don’t survive because the distance between them becomes a painful experience and when the couple talk it is about how awful it is that they can’t be together, how much they miss each other and how difficult it all is. Watching your partner suffer emotional pain is horrible and will lead some people to conclude it is better to finish it rather than prolong the agony.

When you talk try to focus on what is great about your relationship and although it will be painful at times don’t wallow in it or you might risk losing them altogether.

http://www.eharmony.co.uk/relationship-advice/relationships/2012/10/6-secrets-to-a-great-long-distance-relationship#.UgoCHpK1Hnc

What Women Want From Men

                                                                                                                      

Today’s women have achieved more than their great grandmothers could have ever imagined. Women are in politics, women are in space; women are excelling in every career imaginable. Women today are strong, independent and sexually liberated; Gloria Steinem would be proud.

Despite the female's social evolution, however, you may be surprised to learn that women actually still enjoy being treated like women, and they still appreciate a little chivalry now and then. Cliche as some of these tips sound, they will score you big points with any lady who enjoys being treated well.

What Women Want…

Return her messages

Many women gauge a man’s interest level by how long it takes him to respond when she contacts him. If his response time is poor, she might assume he’s just not that into her. Now, it’s no secret that women and men have differing opinions on what constitutes good communication, and we’re not saying you need to drop everything the minute she calls. She knows you’re a busy man; she’s busy too. What women want from men is a call back as soon as they’re able, as opposed to sometime the following day. This doesn’t mean you have to send an e-mail or a text of epic proportions if you don’t have time; a sentence or two will suffice to make her feel like you care -- which is all she really wants to know.

Kiss her for no reason

As much as they love sex, women also enjoy a nice, deep kiss that doesn’t have any strings attached. This serves two purposes: It lets her indulge in kissing for the sheer pleasure of it, and it also tells her you want her, and not just sex. Yes, you’re charming and sexy and she loves being naughty for you, but sometimes she needs a different type of connection. To really do what women want from men, try a surprise kiss for no reason at all; she’ll love you for it. Combine this with a little hand-holding and she’ll be smiling for days.

Dance with her

Simply put, dancing with a woman makes her feel special. Unfortunately, most men are reluctant to put their dancing shoes on, especially in a public setting. Guess what? While she’d probably welcome the idea, you don’t need to visit a nightclub to dance with your woman. She’ll be just as thrilled if you slipped a little Marvin Gaye on and danced with her in the living room. This would actually be to your advantage, as you have total control over the music. You’re also conveniently located if the dancing starts to get dirty…

Dress up for her

Dressing up to take your woman out is an excellent way to impress her. It’s not about the clothes; it’s about the fact that you find her worth dressing up for. It lets her know that you think she’s worth that kind of effort. Besides, a nice shirt and dress pants can increase your sex appeal by leaps and bounds; you may feel overdressed, but your hotness factor will have magnified exponentially. It’s true what they say: Women really do love a sharp-dressed man

Remember random milestones

As a rule, birthdays and anniversaries should always be remembered; forgetting something of this magnitude will send the message that you don’t find her terribly important. After all, she probably memorised yours early on in the relationship, so if hers goes unnoticed, she’ll be utterly heartbroken. Here's how to do what women want from men: To truly impress her, aim to remember the insignificant dates, as well as the big ones. The first time you told her you loved her, the first time you kissed, the first place you vacationed together, what she was wearing the first time you met -- any one of these will turn her to jelly and score you more bonus points than you can shake a stick at.

Take on an activity with her

What women want from men is to spend time with their man outside of the bedroom. They want to experience life with their man, and this is one of the best ways to develop a three-dimensional relationship. Don’t worry; we’re not recommending you join her yoga class; rock-climbing, hiking, tennis or cycling are activities both of you can enjoy. If neither of you are the sporty type, try something else that you already excel at. Teach her how to swing a 9-iron or school her in the art of dart throwing -- she’ll love the personalised attention.

Propose a visit to her family

Women love it when a man gets along with her friends, but she simply adores it when he gets along with her family. Even if you’re not particularly fond of her busybody mother and father, suggesting a visit (even just a yearly one) can really make your woman’s day. It lets her know you recognise the importance of family. This is truly the kind of suggestion that leads to a warm and fuzzy feeling, so don’t be afraid to suggest it.

It's the little things…

When it comes to what women want from men, the little things really do matter. The items on this list aren’t particularly difficult or time-consuming, but they are, unfortunately, very often overlooked by men. This often leads a woman to feel neglected, which in turn leads to nagging and other problems. Make her feel special, and she’ll go to the ends of the earth for you; try one of these suggestions, and she’ll feel like you've already gone there and back for her.

http://uk.askmen.com/dating/heidi_200/202b_dating_girl.html

6 Subliminal “Tricks” to be More Attractive to Men

We know what most men find attractive in a woman on a very basic level: pretty face, curvaceous body. Then there are the other, more controllable things we know that make us more attractive: being clean, having nice hair, being well-groomed in general, keeping relatively fit, having a good sense of humor, intelligence, confidence. Most of these things are common sense.

But then there are the things that aren’t as common sense – little things that can subtly influence the way men perceive a woman’s attractiveness on a subliminal level. Here’s a list of those things. Isn’t soft science fun?

1. Wear the color red.
A number of studies have shown that men unconsciously judge a woman wearing the color red to be more attractive and sexually desirable than if she were to wear any other color.

 One such study, conducted by the University of Rochester and published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that men would tend to sit closer to the woman wearing red, they would ask more intimate questions, and they would be more desiring for her attention. Men were also more likely to ask the woman wearing red out for a date, and more willing spend more money on that date. The study argues that men’s sexual arousal at the color red is a preference deeply rooted in their biologies; they point out that even non-human primates are more sexually aroused by the females who display more red.

2. Wear scents that smell of cinnamon, lavender, or vanilla.
Many women mistakenly assume men are attracted to the same kinds of “sexy” perfumes that appeal to women. In reality, a man’s sense of smell is very different from a woman’s, in both preference and sensitivity.  A woman’s sense of smell is often much more sensitive, and according to a study done by the Social Issues Research Center, it can sometimes be up to 1000 times more sensitive than a man’s for certain smells. So – as a study put out by the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago found out – it’s actually scents like lavender, vanilla, and cinnamon that are the most attractive to men. Alan Hirsch, a neurologist for the foundation found that the smell of vanilla and lavender were especially very arousing to men. Lavender (mixed with the smell of pumpkin) is sometimes even used as a natural remedy for men with impotence.

3. Tilt your head slightly down.
A study that was conducted by the University of Newcastle and published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology found that men perceive women to be more attractive and feminine when her face is tilted slightly downwards. Tilting her face upward made the woman appear more masculine, and therefore less attractive to the men in the study.

4. Look approachable through your posture.
According to Patti Wood, and expert on body-language communication and the author of several books on the subject, the key to using your body language to attract men is by appearing “very approachable”. To do so, she suggests standing with your feet no farther than 6-inches apart and to point your toes slightly inward. At the same time, don’t slouch. Stand straight and confident.

5. Send out clear signals of interest by smiling and laughing often .
Okay, so this one isn’t really so subliminal, but I thought it was kind of interesting anyway: studies have shown that a woman who smiles an average of 35 times is much more likely to be approached by men than if she were simply good-looking. This makes sense, since a study done by the University of Innsbruck found that reciprocity is a very crucial component in a someone’s perceived attractiveness – it even had the power of making someone who was previously judged “unattractive” appear “moderately attractive once there was acknowledge reciprocity.

6. Play up your eyes and lips.
A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that makeup around the eyes had the strongest influence over a man’s judgment of a woman’s beauty. However, another study conducted by Manchester University found that it was a woman’s lips that was most attractive part of her face to a man. I’m leaning on eyes being more important, but either way, I think it’s safe to say that the eyes and lips play important factors in perceived attractiveness.

http://www.lovelyish.com/2010/12/04/6-subliminal-tricks-to-be-more-attractive-to-men/

12 Relationship Truths I Wish I Knew 12 Years Ago

Twelve years ago I was eighteen and just entering college.  Since then, friends and acquaintances have come and gone, girlfriends have come and gone, and I met the love of my life, Angel.  I’ve found through my years – through my experience with my own personal relationships – that there are certain undeniable truths that affect the quality and longevity of our relationships, and the resulting impact they have on us.  I share them with you today in hopes that they save you from a little heartache and confusion.

1. You have to love yourself first. – In order to truly have a loving, supportive, and long-lasting relationship with someone else, you need to learn how to be your own best friend first.  It’s all about falling in love with yourself and sharing that love with someone who appreciates you, rather than looking for love to compensate for a self love deficit.  
2. You get what you put in. – In twelve years, people won’t remember what clothes you wore, which car you drove, and maybe not even your full name.  But in twelve years, they will remember how you made them feel and the positive memories you gave them.  The true impact you make on people will depend on the time and attention you give to teaching those who know less, caring for those who have less, supporting those who are striving, and tolerating those who are different than you.
3. What most people think of you doesn’t matter. – You wouldn’t worry so much about what people thought of you if you knew just how seldom they do.  No one is ever going to care about your life and the way you choose to live it more than you will.  That is a beautiful thing – never forget how beautiful.  Follow your heart, and take your brain with you every step of the way.  Get to know your true self.  When you are truly comfortable in your own skin, not everyone will like you, but you won’t care about it one bit.
4. Friends and family won’t always support your goals, but you must pursue them anyway. – Follow your intuition.  Following your intuition means doing what feels right, even if it doesn’t look or sound right to others.  Only time will tell, but our human instincts are rarely ever wrong.  So don’t worry about what everyone else thinks; keep living and speaking your truth.  The only people that will get mad at you for doing so are those who want you to live a lie.  
5. Life doesn’t always change as fast as people do. – Learn to accept that not everyone is who you once knew.  And realize that sometimes it’s not the person you miss, it’s the feeling you had when you were with them.
6. Some people are meant to stay in your heart, but not in your life. – If you’re having a tough time letting go of someone who left you, realize that if they wanted to stay they would still be there.  Sometimes you have to forget what’s gone, appreciate what still remains, and look forward to what’s coming next.  It sucks when you know that you need to let go, but you can’t because you’re still hoping for the impossible to happen.  Yes, it will hurt for awhile, but you have to forget about the person who forgot about you, and move on.
7. Everyone has baggage, just like you. – The minute someone decides to walk out of your life, that is the same moment in which the opportunity and space opens up for someone who actually deserves your love to finally walk in.  Remember, everyone has baggage, so don’t be ashamed of yours.  Be patient and find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack.
8. Love doesn’t hurt.  Love is not the problem. – Don’t blame love if a failed relationship interfered with your other important relationships, or robbed you of your self-esteem and personal freedoms.  No, don’t blame love.  For it wasn’t love that stole from you.  It was possession.  It was obsession.  It was manipulation.  It was confusion.  Love had nothing to do with your situation.  For love doesn’t close the door against all that is good.  It opens it wide to let more goodness in.  Love creates freedom and abundance. 
9. Forgiveness is always the right choice. – Anyone can hold a grudge, but it takes a person with strong character to forgive.  When you forgive, you release yourself from a painful burden.  And no, forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened was OK; and it doesn’t mean that person should still be welcome in your life.  It simply means you have made peace with the pain, and are ready to let it go and move on with your life.
10. Love requires three things: acceptance, honesty, and commitment. – Love comes when you care more about who the other person really is, rather than about who you think they should become.  It’s about daring to reveal yourself honestly, and daring to be open and vulnerable over the long-term.  It’s about sticking by each other’s side through thick and thin, and truly being there in the flesh and spirit when you’re needed most.  Remember, the most romantic love story is not Romeo and Juliet who died young together; it’s the story of grandma and grandpa who helped each other through life, and grew old together.
11. A big part of who you become is who you choose to surround yourself with. – Fate controls who walks into your life, but you decide who you let walk out, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.  Surround yourself with people who make you a better person, and let go of those who don’t.
12. A soul mate is a person who brings out the best in you. – They are far from perfect, but they are a perfect fit for you.  Remember, every relationship has its problems, but what makes it perfect is when you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, even when times are tough.

http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/10/08/12-relationship-truths-i-wish-i-knew/

Change Your Mindset to Find True Love

Your mindset is everything when it comes to helping you find love. I’m not just talking about romantic love. I’m talking about love, overall. Love is a state of mind that either is or isn’t something you cultivate.

Wikipedia defines mindset as:

A set of assumptions, methods or notations held by one or more people, that creates a powerful incentive within these people or groups to continue to adopt or accept prior behaviors, choices, or tools.

Your mindset is how you approach the world. If you let it run wild, it will compel you to make the same choices over and over again. No one is exempt from having a mindset. We all have one. It’s like a filter through which you perceive your reality.

Your mindset, like a bad habit, has a shadow side. The shadow is devious and makes it tough for us to see that we have any particular mindset at all. It tricks us into believing that ”it’s just the way we think.” No big deal.

If you’re having trouble in your romantic life, it’s time to see if your mindset needs an adjustment. If you think your mindset might be causing problems, you have the power to change it. Like breaking any habit, it demands a great amount of effort and determination.

1. Have you created the right environment to attract love?

Answer the following three questions to see if your mindset is on the right track to finding love:

How you set up your life and personal space will tell you a lot. If you don’t pay attention to how you’re living and what you come home to at night, you aren’t “setting the stage” for the love you want.

Surround yourself with things that make you feel good. Make it a priority to always be around things that you consider beautiful. Your bedroom should be restful and inviting. Your home space should be free of clutter. Changing your home environment will change your energy and create a new mindset towards love.

2. Are you surrounding yourself with people who support you?

If you’re not seeking out positive, supportive people in your life, you will feel overwhelmed. None of us can do it alone. Regardless of how strong you think you are, we all need outside input and camaraderie to remind us that we are valuable and special people.

If you spend time with friends who love to gossip and complain, this negativity will rub off on you. These kinds of interactions support a mindset of being a victim to outside circumstances. You must find people who have a positive outlook on life and love. Surround yourself with people who see you as the wonderful person you are.

3. Do you take courageous action on your own behalf?

As women, we were not really taught the value of courage. Courage was something reserved for boys. But, being fully committed to loving someone and being vulnerable (which true love requires) demands that you have courage.

It’s not easy to trust another human being with your deepest self. It can feel risky. A romantic relationship will require you to have the courage to face the ups and downs of life. Other courageous actions you will need to take include speaking up for yourself, honoring your boundaries and telling the truth.

Your mindset to find love will change as you take action. It will be your greatest ally to help you find your perfect partner.

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/05/22/change-your-mindset-to-find-true-love/

10 Ways to Get Him to Open Up to You

• Do you ever feel like a CIA agent trying to break a suspect? Ease up a little, skip the "What are you thinking?" line, and give these tricks a shot instead.

  
  

  "I'm going to get a beer. You want one?"

  You're not plying him with alcohol; you're leveling the playing field and doing something relaxing together. (Of course, the booze doesn't hurt.)
  
  

  • "If you feel like talking, I'm here."

    Seem obvious? Then how come you never say it? Forcing him to talk about an issue right here, right now, will make him feel condescended to and powerless, things guys don't enjoy (unless we're naked and there's a safeword involved). Let him know he can come to you.
    
    

  • "What was your high school like?"

    Which is actually code for "What was high school like for you?" Which itself is code for "Tell me about your lingering insecurities and tender spots." Bam.
    
    

    • "I think the reason we're having this fight is..."

      Naming the argument can slow its momentum, help you both relax, and lower the stakes. All of a sudden it becomes a discussion of deeper issues.
      
      

      • "God, that was ah-ma-zing. [Pause.] Can I ask you something?"

        You just came. He's full of confidence. Great time for a heart-to-heart. Seriously—try it.
        
        

        • "Tell me about the summer you and your dad built that deck."

          Or any question that gets at his feelings about his parents. Because relationships are like chess, and you're now a couple of moves from knowing if/when he wants kids. Well played, madam.
          
          

          • "I think we've been spending too much time at bars lately. Once a week I'd love for us just to stay in."

            My friends in relationships often complain that their girlfriends or wives are "just generally mad." But raising an actual issue, and a solution, can start the discussion on a positive note and prevent him from curling into a defensive crouch.
            
            

            • "Your package looks great in those pants."

              A girlfriend once said this to me, and she was able to get whatever she wanted for the rest of the day—information, money, sexual favors. I'm not saying you should lie, but there's nothing wrong with starting with a genuine compliment that goes right to where his aspirations lie.
              
              

              • "Hey, how'd that Q4 meeting go?"

                So much better than "How was your day?" You're remembering something he's mentioned before and showing genuine concern. Nicely done.
                
                

                • Or just say, "I'm going to meet the girls. We can talk about it later. It's all good."

                  And mean it.
                  
                  
                  
                  
                  http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/2013/02/10-ways-to-get-him-to-open-up-to-you#slide=10