Posts Tagged ‘dating advice’

“Mi Media Naranja” which means: ‘One’s sweetheart, one’s beautifully perfect other half’ when used to describe a loved one in Spanish, is the title for Amy Spencer’s new book, Meeting your Half Orange: An Utterly Upbeat Guide to Using Dating Optimism to Find Your Perfect Match.

According to the author, one can take the dating concept and transform it into a unique and positive experience by simply helping the average single ‘sow their orange seed’ into “fruit-ion” -or their ideal relationship.  From Spencer’s own experiences in life, this book is intended to provide optimism and hope within the souls of the unattached, thus offering an opportunity to gain not only a partner, but a soul mate.

The advice in Spencer’s book so closely parallels my own dating path that I had to write a post about it!  For years, I had been focusing on the negative aspects of dating (and men), always finding a reason why I didn’t like a guy or found something wrong with him.  What I didn’t realize is that this negative attitude was transparent to others.  Once I decided to change my way of thinking, and adopt a more positive attitude–Voila–dating became so much fun.   Having an optimistic outlook is the key message that Spencer delivers in her book.  The only thing I’d like to add is “watch out”  because within months, a man who is now my husband swarmed in and swept me away.  This book is a great guide for singles.

If you’d like to read more about how: Meeting your Half-Orange can help you change your current social situation from alone to attached, click here: Amy Spencer

Are you ready for a new concept in dating?  It’s a twist on an old tradition, called “Rate a Guy” and it’s on WomanSavers.com, which has been the leader in helping women screen dates since 2002.  The site founder and CEO, Stephany Alexander, knew years ago that there was potential for an online site that women could comfortably access to find out more information about a potential suitor.

The concept is brilliant.  All you do is type in the name of a man and if other women have dated him and rated him you can obtain information about him.  Womansavers.com claims to be the largest rating dating site available with nearly 25,000 men on it so far.  Now there’s no reason that other women need to go through the experience of finding out the man their dating is married, cheating or lying.  Log on, put in a man’s information and help others out by giving them the 411.  I have to say, I wish I knew about this when I was single.

Kim Kardashian commented on the WomanSavers.com concept by saying, “I’ve got a guy I can put in there.” referring to weeding out the ‘bad apples.’

The great news is that the site supports women’s organizations throughout the world and a percentage of its proceeds are donated to abused women and children’s charities.

Today is my “2nd” Mother’s Day and for millions of moms out there, it’s a day of planned activities and appreciation by husbands and children everywhere.  However, in this modern era of  divorced, widowed, estranged, and simply single moms increasing exponentially since the 1950′s (From 1 in 20 to nearly 1 in 3, according to recent records), many mothers spend this day alone.

But, what if the unattached mom finds a new beau and is ready to include them on their special day?  Is this ‘allowed?’  Hmmm.  The answer is not as easy as the question.  There are many factors that go into this.  If you’re a mom and you want to start dating or include your new man this holiday, check out my article: A New Man for Mother’s Day? Give Yourself the Gift of Love Minus the Guilt.

I would like to thank Single Edition for featuring it this weekend.

Happy Mother’s Day!

If you are wondering where all the good guys are, apparently you can find them on Twitter, where they hold a 56% majority amongst users. And believe it or not, they seem to be becoming better communicators than women, at least in the social media world where, according to a recent survey conducted by Liberty Mutual, they are more likely to tweet on a regular basis than women.

Though 37 year old Alyssa has yet to find Mr. Right, she has created her own intimate dating pool by casting a broad net of followers, people who care about her commentary and brain blurps. “There really are single men out there” says Alyssa as she demystifies the myths for 35+ single women. “These smart and savvy guys are approaching me from every corner of the world.”

As we continue to witness with Facebook and iPhone, the success of one media platform breeds adjunct applications, and Twitter discovered it is no exception.  Already Philip Kaplan, founder of FuckedCompany and Adbrite, lauched Flirt 140, a free service which allows users to find potential matches on Twitter based on gender, geographic area and keyword. Though all boast the same benefits and functionality, there are plenty of microdating communities out there including Plenty of Tweeps, TwitDates and Radaroo. Given that the technology is fairly easy to implement, we predict that larger dating sites like Match.com will be next to launch dating tweet decks of their own.

And though art often imitates life, in the case of social media the real world often mimics the medium. Justin Parfitt, founder and CEO of Fastlife.com, a Canadian-based dating service provider, launched “Flitter” singles events in Australia and is now introducing them to social media singles throughout North America.

Guests at the 140 conference who attended the tweet and greet session simply wore a white sticker with a number given to them upon entry and were able to send direct messages to any number of strangers who caught their eye and fancy from across the room, all via their mobile devices.

And like Alyssa you don’t have to be a tech geek to join in the fun. Just beware who you talk to and what you tweet about, because these days it seems everybody it watching!

Alright, you may or may not be willing to admit this, but you loved the first Sex and the City movie, and are now eagerly anticipating the sequel which is set to be released on May 27, 2010.  To view an enticingly teasing trailer: http://www.sexandthecitymovie.com/.  It follows your four favorite NYC Singles – Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte make a getaway to Abu Dhabi where camels, cocktails and an old crushes collide.

Does your single life emulate any of the characters in the series/movie?  Each of the characters has their own style and flair, but they share one thing in common.  They’re single and lonely.  It’s tempting to try to fit yourself in their shoes, if you can afford them.  Remember that Hollywood is paid to make it look good.  If you are part of a growing population that would rather take dating advice from movies, consider, that in doing so, you are preventing yourself from meeting your soul-mate because you chose to glam up and head to the opening of a hot new nightclub instead of your best friend’s barbecue. If you’re not sure how to get started on your real life romance, here are some suggestions:

• Travel to your Hometown: Instead of flying to jet set locations in hopes of meeting a shallow fling, head home to where the heart is.  Low key vacations gives you a chance to meet new people in your native city and are more likely to spark long term, meaningful romance
• Nerds are a girl’s best friend: Not all men are created equal. Braniacs offer more stability in a relationship versus multiple one night stands w hot guys, so set your bar higher and search for the intellectuals in your crowd.
• Take a Class:  Believe it or not, simply taking a class on your latest passion offers you a wider dating selection than even online dating.  Here, you put yourself into a scene where you are surrounded by people that share your interest.  Striking up a conversation could lead to coffee, lunch, or a full blown relationship. For more information on connecting in class, read my article, How to Connect in Continuing Education.

Life can often be troubling and full of unimaginable challenges, but you can work through them, one step at a time.  Consider your options within your own life before taking tips from the movies alone for they are usually filled with embellishing traits to make it a better movie.

If you’re in need of tips on dating, relationships, or love in general, please check out the articles on my website: loribizz.com

For advanced ticket sales: Fandango

Photo courtesy of People Magazine

Earlier this year, Sandra Bullock made headlines for her first Oscar win for the box office hit, ‘The Blind Side’ but unfortunately this announcement was short-lived when her soon-to-be ex-husband, Jesse James (Monster Garage) overpowered her success with the secret that he had been having an affair with a tattoo covered model, Michelle McGee.

Sandra graces the covers again this week with the world exclusive news that she has adopted a son, Louis who was born in New Orleans 3 1/2 months ago.  This report comes in just hours after the announcement that she filed for divorce from James.  What an incredible public relations strategy and great way to bring Sandra back into the spotlight.  She’ll now join the 13.7 million single parents in the United States.

If you’re a single mother or father, like Bullock, dating may be the furthest thing from your mind.  However, there will come a time when you’ll want to get back out there and meet someone new.  Following are some tips to help you succeed:

In the Beginning: Being a single parent can be tough.  You need to get settled both mentally and physically before you can think about dating again.  Remember, you’ll be tackling more responsibilities between work, school, daycare, and extra-curricular activities.  Right now, it’s your children who need you the most.

When Things Have Settled: Once you feel confident and in a routine with your life and children, then and only then should you consider meeting someone new.  There are many options for single parents looking to meet their soulmates including introductions through friends, family, at your child’s school or online.  Feel free to dabble for a while before you settle on one person.

Time for Romance: Months, even a year has passed and you’ve made the decision to settle down again.  Give up that “list” you may be carrying around in your head detailing all of the things you’re looking for in a perfect partner.   Instead,  enjoy the process.   Go out and date several people you’d normally overlook.  It’s time for you to try something new.

Dating as a single parent can be hard to juggle but when the timing is right it will happen naturally.  If you’d like more tips check out my article, Step Up to the Plate and Get Your Game on Again.

For more information on Bullock, the adoption and divorce, pick up the new issue of People magazine on newsstands Friday.

Photo Source: ISM/Stefan/Flynet

Reese Witherspoon, known for movies such as: Walk the Line and Legally Blonde (1 and 2) enjoys a weekend getaway in Ojai, CA, with her new boyfriend Jim Toth by her side. He’s a young, hot, Hollywood agent working for ‘Creative Artists Agency’ (which also happens to be the same agency that represents Witherspoon). They were spotted on breakfast and lunch dates holding hands and looking very happy together.  It seems that after months of going ga-ga for Jake Gyllenhaal, Witherspoon is trying her luck with a younger man who’s ’not’ in the spotlight.  She was previously married to fellow actor, Ryan Philippe, until November 2006, and they have two children together.

If you find yourself craving variety after ending a long-term relationship of any kind and want to try something new, like Witherspoon, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Gossip – No matter how you end things with your previous partner, there’s bound to be some gossip from friends, family, and/or colleagues about your former relationship.  In order to move forward, you’ll need to keep the wagging tongues silent – including yours.  Bad mouthing your ex opens you up to falling victim to insecurity and may prevent new connections from forming, or even ruin the one you’ve just begun.
• Timing – One thing you may hear over and over, is that people are getting back into the dating game only days after breaking up with their old partner. When you end a relationship, no matter what the reason, it’s always best to take extra time to reacquaint yourself with the single ‘you.’ Give yourself at least two months to start thinking of adding a new love interest into your mix.
• Privacy – Though you may have been accustomed to revealing personal details in your last relationship, don’t over share on the first few dates. There is always a need or desire to simply ‘be’ with each other, but remember to maintain other aspects of your life when starting a new romance. You can reveal yourself slowly as you grow more comfortable with each other.

Forming a new love alliance can be tough, but if you shake off your old dating habits and routines, the next relationship could be the one.

For more information on love and dating after any serious relationship, my article First Encounters, Second Time Around Fears, maybe just what you’re looking for to find your next love interest.

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Jennifer may have split with co star, Jamie Kennedy, but this ‘unlucky in love’ star of Ghost Whisperer, who proclaims herself a ‘Hopeless Romantic,’ is sharing her real life love story in her new book, ‘The Day I Shot Cupid: Hello, My name is Jennifer Love Hewitt and I’m a Love-aholic,’ which can be purchased at Amazon.  Hewitt shares what she’s learned about being honest with yourself and she uses a witty approach to discuss 20 things you should do after a break up.  Here are just a few:

• Know that you won’t die (you have to stick around so he can see what a mistake he made.
• Take it one day at a time (we all have to take it one day at a time, that’s how it works.)
• Don’t go to the old “we” spots.
• Do something extreme (that you normally wouldn’t do).

If you aren’t content living your life as a party of one, then consider reading Hewitt’s book, to help you change your status back to ‘in a relationship.’  For any real chance at success, take your time and work on yourself  before proclaiming to the world that ‘You’re Ready for Love.’  Remember that it takes time to heal.  For more about Jennifer Love Hewitt, login to her website at: www.jenniferlovehewittonline.com .

photo credit: Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup

Christina Applegate of, “Samantha Who?” and “Married with Children” has accepted the offer of marriage from Martyn Lenoble, whom she has been friends with for more than 13 years and seriously dating for the past two.  No surprise here, according to Applegate, her “Angel”  has been her rock even before her breast cancer diagnosis in July 2008.

Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer can be devastating, but having someone by your side during this time is truly a gift. If you’re in a relationship and the person you’re dating is going through this experience, following are a few ways that you can help support them:

• Being Present - Loving someone with cancer, or a condition of any kind, means doing whatever you can to help him or her through it. This includes driving them to their doctors appointments and staying by their side if they need chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Offering to be with your partner when the doctor gives them their recent test results or explains the next stage of their treatment can give them comfort and help them to not feel so alone.
• Staying Positive - It’s easy to think negatively during a time like this. But, it’s important to stay focused on the good things and remain strong. Remember your partner is counting on you to be positive now more than ever; they’re probably enduring enough negative thoughts of their own. Staying confident about a new treatment that seems to be helping or a diagnosis that could have been worse can be turned into a positive outcome.
• Finding Patience – The love of your life is going through what could possibly be one of the worst experiences they’ve ever had to face. Be patient, and understanding. Keep reminding them that you are there for them if they want to rant about the latest news, chemotherapy treatment or even if they want to ignore their condition for a while and pretend that it isn’t true.

Adding cancer to any relationship is tough, but with a little knowledge, understanding, and perseverance, you both have a chance to move on from this experience with a deeper sense of self and of each other.  Unfortunately, the outcome is not always a good one. You need to be prepared for this, even if your lover isn’t ready to deal with it just yet. The biggest favor you can do for your partner is just being there for them, like Martyn was for Christine. Let them know that they aren’t alone.

Photo courtesy of www.Andreasyrtash.com site

“What would happen if you dated someone you’d never considered dating?” This is one of the first questions Andrea Syrtash poses in her new book, ‘He’s Just Not Your Type (and that’s a good thing) How to Find Love Where You Least Expect It’, on sale April 27, 2010.  You will find that Syrtash goes against common intuition and delves into the patterns and downfalls of the serial dater to help him/her re-learn the art of dating. This author keeps the content witty, fun, and informative while teaching you how to throw away your rules.  She suggests that daters should forget what they’ve previously learned about dating and start fresh.  Syrtash also includes exercises to help you discover what you’re really looking for in that special someone.

The young, sensually provocative and vibrant Syrtash is a dating and relationship expert who specializes in ‘fixing’ the unlucky in love and encourages them to seek out this new ‘non type’ potential suitor, versus what they went for in the past.  She has contributed to dozens of relationship advice books as well as being a frequent contributor to Yahoo, The Huffington Post, and Oprah.com.  She is also the host of ‘On Dating’ which is produced by NBC Digital Studios and is available online.  In one of her recent segments, she gives 3 words to remember, “Confidence, Curiosity, and Charisma” and of course her advice to you regarding your ex’s, “Rule #4: Don’t just close that door, slam it shut!”

To learn more about Andrea Syrtash, visit her site at: AndreaSyrtash.com