Romantic Picnic Ideas For Your Next Date

With the warmer weather approaching now is the perfect time to think about a romantic picnic with that special person in your life. Grab a picnic basket a blanket and head to a scenic spot to enjoy each others undivided company.

Picnics of the romantic variety work best in secluded or remote locations. However with that remoteness comes a certain level of pressure.

There is no room service or corner store to call on for the last minute forgotten items. With some planning and our helpful tips you can create a perfect picnic that will long be remembered.

The must take items are,
blankets and cushions,
Plates, glasses, napkins and at least 1 sharp knife
food and drink, (don't forget a bottle opener)
sunscreen and insect repellent
a first aid kit

and to really impress
a CD player with mood music (make sure the batteries are charged)
big stable candles, (don't forget the matches)
and flowers

A picnic menu is best if kept simple. Try cold chicken or meats, a selection of cheeses, fresh fruit like grapes and strawberries, dips and of course a fresh baked baguette. Foods you can share or even better feed to each other are winners.

Champagne or a crisp Chardonnay work well for most picnics, but don't forget to take plenty of water it is easy to get dehydrated on a hot summers day.

To keep ants away sprinkle talcum powder around your picnic site, ants can't stand the smell or feel of it and won't cross the barrier you have set up.

Online Dating And Mistakes People Make

You can meet thousands of available singles that are literally just a click away, seeking love, romance, dating, marriage, friendship, and yes, of course sex. Men and women alike join dating services hoping to make new friends and start new relationships.

But there are some common mistakes 'all' people make when using Internet personals, including you!
Here are ten common mistakes all people make when dating online. Check out if you are guilty of some of them.

Mistake #1 - 'Giving it a try' Most people start using online personals with the attitude 'Let me give it a try and see where it goes'. They don't really think they 'will' meet someone, they only 'hope' to meet someone. What is the difference? When you 'hope' to succeed, you don't try hard enough, if it works, great, if it does not work, fine, at least I've tried.
When you think you 'will' meet someone, and it does not work, you change something in your approach to online dating to get the results you want.
Bottom Line: Don't 'give it a try' - do your best.

Mistake #2 - Hoping 'the right person will find you.'Most people don't pay when they post their profiles on online dating sites, which usually means they can receive letters but cannot answer ads of other members. They hope people will be writing to them.
If you are an 18-year-old model-type girl, this may work for you. But if you are not, then you shouldn't hope your dream partner would email you out of the blue. You will get much better results if you pay for premium membership to the dating site and write to people yourself.
Bottom Line: Contact other people, don't wait for them to contact you.

Mistake #3 - Sending one-liners. It's amazing how many people using online personals send letters of the type 'Hi, liked your profile, please see my profile'.
If your photo does not impress the other person in an instant, most likely they will just delete your email. Some 'might' actually read your profile, and if there is nothing in your profile that impresses them in an instant, then they will also just delete your email.
Bottom Line: Write letters that have some substance in them.

Mistake #4 - Sending form letters. I always know when I receive a form letter - always! I am sure you know it too. If there are no personal references in the letter, I know this letter was not written specially for me. No one wants to be one of the crowd. Every person wants to be special!
Bottom Line: Write individual letters for each person you contact.

Mistake #5 - Writing boring letters. Many people are guilty of this one. They write about things they want to say and not what the other person wants to hear.The result: letters that are plain boring. Remember: it's not about you, it's about them! Tell them what you liked about their profile so much that you decided to write to them.
Some things may be uncertain in their profiles - ask questions and guess the answers. For example, she ticked 'Tell you later' in her profile about kids - if she did not have any kids, she would say so. Ask if she has kids and tell her you think she does and that you just love kiddies. A person who actually thinks and what more, thinks 'about her', it's indeed something special, and your letter is sure to get noticed.
Don't talk much about yourself in your letter (she can always read your profile) - tell her why you think you will be the right guy for 'her'.
If you do not fit her requirements 100%, tell her why it won't be a problem. You pride yourself as having a great sense of humor? Back up your claim - make her laugh! From the first line, your letter should grab her attention and she should not be able to stop reading till the end. 'Then' she will be certainly compelled to check your profile on the Internet personals website.
Bottom Line: Write interesting letters - the type of letters you would like to receive.

How to Date a College Girl

1. Break the stereotypes. Most colleges (at least in the south) have a vast majority of preppy or otherwise conforming student bodies. The key is not to try to fit in with their style to keep up, but rather maintain a style that is genuine, and that sets you apart from the thousands of conforming students she will be surrounded by.
2. Go all out. Most college students will approach a girl in a drunken stupor. This works on most, and can probably be humorous to girls. But you have to set yourself apart. Flowers, cards, serenading, every cliche romantic tool at your disposal must be used. This will also give her something sweet to compare to drunken frat kids hitting on her. This will give you the upper hand most likely. However, there is a fine line between "romantic" and overdone. You need to come off as mature as - if not more than - the guys she's seeing everyday.
3. Never surrender. College schedules can be hectic, and studying intense, so do not expect to be able to hang out as much as you could in high school. Work out dates far in advance. If she has to reschedule at the last second, be understanding, she is probably just as upset as you are.
4. Do not waste your time together. Do your best to make every moment she spends with you the best part of her day. Your goal is to make sure she has nothing to think about, to make sure she relaxes and to help relieve the stress of college. Even small gestures matter. Pick her up, walk her to her dorm, open doors (of course) and depending on the situation don't make her choose dinner, just pick something you think she would enjoy.
5. Let her know of your future plans, goals, and ambitions. Since she's busy working towards her future, it's good to let her know that you've got your eye on yours, too.
6. Not being jealous is key. She needs to know that you trust her and care about her, even if you can't see her as often as you might like. No one likes a too-clingy boyfriend.

Online Dating -- A Cure for Post Breakup Blues

Everyone knows that getting over a relationship breakup isn't easy. But, long gone are the days where finding yourself single again is anything to mope over. If you are currently suffering from post breakup blues, it's time to hold your head up high and see the silver lining!Get Your Mind Off The BreakupMany people suffering from post break up blues report that they miss being a part of a couple even if they don't actually miss their ex. Online dating is a quick and easy way to replace the emptiness that we feel after a breakup. At Couple-Me.com, one of the best international online dating services, they've found that just the act of creating a profile for yourself can help you shift from obsessing about your breakup to looking forward to the future of dating.The Trouble with Traditional Post Breakup DatingOften times after a breakup, we aren't quite ready to jump into a new relationship but we want to meet people again. With traditional dating methods, you risk meeting singles that are looking for a serious commitment only to leave them disappointed when you divulge that you're not ready yet. These situations can also lead to all sorts of dreaded awkward discussions about your last relationship. Obviously, traditional dating may not be the best option when you're trying to forget about a recent breakup.A Date Not A MateNow you can let other singles know that you're looking for a date and not a mate before you even meet. Including this information in your online dating profile will spare you from meeting people that may be at a different dating stage than you are. The added bonus is that potential dates will find your upfront attitude honest and refreshing. Information at Your Finger TipsBefore the amazing wonder that is online dating, you had to at least speak with a potential date first to determine whether they had the qualities you seek. But, using online dating, you can discover all sorts of information with just the click of a button. This Is No Blind DateMany online dating sites including Couple-Me.com give members the opportunity to find out a person's age, race, height, career, educational level, whether they have children or pets, hobbies, income and more! You'll even be able to see pictures of your potential date before meeting them. Online dating gives you the opportunity to only spend time dating singles that possess the exact qualities you're looking for. How's that for efficiency?!A Numbers GameLet's face it; people are turning to the internet for everything, including dating. In fact, there has never been a better time to use online dating to get over a breakup. At http://www.Couple-Me.com, they report that the number of members using their services has reached an all time high! Even if you aren't the greatest mathematician, you can't help but recognize that the vast number of singles online tip the dating odds in your favor!Try Before You BuyIf you're still not convinced that online dating is for you, I've got some great news for you! At Couple-Me.com, they're sensitive to your apprehension with trying online dating especially if it's your first time. To remedy your hesitation, they allow you to try before you buy. You can actually log on and check out members profiles for free! End the SufferingGo ahead and banish the post breakup blues for good! Give online dating a try and you'll find yourself forgetting all about your breakup and having some much needed fun!

Top Dating Advice Principles

Many singles I know are looking for online dating advice. Recently several of us got together to and came up with the following online dating advice nuggets:
· Learn all you can by reading online dating advice articles how to actually use an online dating service. Like anything else, you have to put some effort in online dating if you want results.
· Have a dating goal in mind. Are you dating just for fun, or to you have plans for marriage? If you aim for nothing you will hit it.
· Learn how to keep safe. You can get great online dating advice in this area by googling the words 'online dating safety tips.
· Learn the ins and outs of how to write an online dating profile, along with how to take attractive photos of yourself for the online dating services.
· Be patient and persistent. You may nor find your ideal soul mate on the first date, but who knows what will happen on the next?
· Keep some perspective. Many singles become addicted to online dating services. Not you. Instead maintain balance by limiting yourself on how many hours a week you will spend on line.
· Don't forget to their are other ways to meet singles, including singles groups, churches and other off line singles events.
· Finally, make sure to have fun in the process of finding your online dating mate. If you remember to put the following online dating advice tips in practice, you will have a much more enjoyable dating life. We promise!

12 Tips For Safe Online Dating

There’s a nervousness, thrill, and excitement that occurs when meeting a person for the first time face to face. Yet amongst the thrill, remember to always be on your guard when going out on a date with someone you barely know.

Here are 12 tips on dating safety to help you get started:

1. Arrange to meet him.
When meeting for the first time, never allow your date to pick you up from your home. In fact, your date shouldn't even know your home address yet!

2. Meet in public places.
For a first meeting, always meet in a public place where other people are in close proximity. You may also want to consider going out with a group of people, or a double date.

3. Go dutch by paying half of the bill.
It's always respectful for the man to offer to pay the bill. Unfortunately, some men ruin the gesture by expecting something in return. Therefore it may not be a bad idea for you to go dutch. Pay half the bill so that you won't feel under any obligation to "return" the favor.

4. Remember that alcohol affects your judgment.
The biggest threat to a person's judgment, when on a date, is alcohol. Not only does it affect your judgment, but alcohol also lessens your inhibitions. If you are drinking, keep your drink in sight at all times and don’t get so drunk that you don’t know what you are doing. Better yet, try to avoid alcohol on your first date.

5. Use your own mode of transportation.
Provide your own transportation to your public meeting place and make sure you have more than enough gas.

6. Don't assume that a man is safe.
It's important never to let your guard down when on a first date. Never assume a man is safe just because he claims to be religious or a gentleman.

7. Don’t let him know where you live.
If you want to see him again, arrange a second date and then take it from there.

8. Avoid secluded areas.
Remember - stay in a public place for your first date and avoid secluded areas such as parks.

9. Listen to your gut.
If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. And if you haven’t met him before, and you know at the beginning of the date that something doesn’t feel right, then leave immediately.

10. Always let someone else know where you're going. Be sure someone knows where you are going and who you'll be with. You might even consider arranging a time to call and check in. Or you could arrange to meet up with friends later that night.

11. Give him your cell phone number.
It's safer to give out a cell phone number instead of your home phone number.

12. Always remain alert.
Even if you’re having a blast and the chemistry is great, it’s a good idea to remain alert the whole evening. Make sure you have a cell phone on you.

Dating safely is very important. In the initial stages of dating and online dating, you are still getting to know someone you know very little about. By creating a safe environment to know the person, you’re creating a better situation for yourself.

Dating Tips and Advice for Workaholics

When I first began Internet dating, I was a marketing director for one of Milwaukee’s largest construction firms, I went to school full-time, and I was working on publishing a book of poetry. And yet, I wondered, why hadn’t I met the right person yet? It never dawned on me that my crazy, frenetic schedule could possibly be the reason.

I approached Internet dating like another work project. Soon I was emailing and meeting new guys on a very frequent basis. Of course, I always met them somewhere convenient and quick, a coffee shop as my favorite place. I could pop in, chat for an hour (which was always my personal rule) and then be on my way. It was merely another meeting I mentally checked off my ever-growing list of to-do’s.

And sure, the occasional guy would gripe because I’d have to reschedule our dates... and reschedule... and then sometimes, cancel. But hey, I figured, if he can’t understand that I’m a busy girl with a life of my own then he wasn’t worth his salt. Right?

It wasn’t until I had met one man via email, who was slightly older than me, with kids and a business he started up and had recently expanded. He sounded smart and interesting and I was intrigued by his emails. Finally the day came when we agreed to meet. I scheduled the date on my calendar for the next week, but as the date approached I realized there was no way I’d be able to make the time and called him to cancel. He was gracious and we continued to talk on the phone, each time I was anxious to get him off the line because I figured I’d have time to get to know him once we met. We scheduled another date and I had to cancel that was as well – a last minute proposal had popped up at my desk courtesy of my unable-to-please boss.

I’m ashamed to say I rescheduled our date three more times. Then finally, finally a couple weeks later I met him right before Christmas. I had taken the day off work but was going in to “catch up” on last minute paperwork. I agreed to meet him for a quick cup of coffee on my way in.

He was handsome and funny and I liked him immediately. Then he said something that made me stop in my tracks, the needle loudly screeching off the soundtrack of my busy life.

“I just had to meet this girl who thinks she’s busier than everyone else.”

It was said in an amusing, not condescending or rude, way. No doubt my mouth hung open as I said, “Huh?”

Perhaps from his own experience, he said, “You my dear, are a workaholic.”

I tried to tell him, it wasn’t me, it was my stupid job... but he shook his head, instead challenging me to go out with him on a real date as soon as Christmas was over and then not change or cancel. He left it with me.

Try and I might, I never really found the time, and when a month had passed, I was too embarrassed to call him. I got his point, however, and wondered how many times I’d given this same runaround to other men. I saw my life in a different light, and vowed to change my ways.

As it happened, that change was made for me as I was abruptly let go from my job. I found it ironic that the job I’d given so much energy to (not to mention 60-plus hours a week) would discard me so easily. And when I looked my life I saw I had nothing left. I continued going to school, and spent some time working on my book. But there was a change in me. I took things at a slower pace.

I continued Internet dating and this time approached it with more patience. Three weeks later I went on a date with a man that was running late. He called me to let me know and instead of just canceling or rescheduling I hung out and drank my tea and relaxed while I waited. As if by fate, my original date, the one who’d claimed me the workaholic, popped in.

He laughed when he saw me, asked “how’s the busy lady today?” and when I told him I lost my job, he shook his head. I told him “I’m much different now” than when we went out and he looked at me a long moment before concluding that he believed that. He left just before my new date, Andy, showed up, and instead of my “hour and out” rule I stayed for three. We chatted, and in short, I married Andy a year later.

Would I have still met and married my husband if I’d had been the crazy workaholic girl from before? I doubt it. So for all you guys and gals that live with the die at your desk mentality, take note:

1) First Determine If You Are a Workaholic
Any kind of “aholic” works to fill an inner-need by filling it up with something else, and the first step is admitting you have a problem. If you are truly a workaholic you’re probably putting aside your friends and potential mates in favor of work. Or, have you simply fallen into a pattern of working long hours? Did you wind up with a demanding boss and equally demanding clients and can’t find enough hours in the day to satisfy them? Or are you working towards a promotion, and once you get it you’ll be able to slow down? Or maybe you just like being busy. Once you determine the root of the issue you can work to correct it. If you feel like your boss doesn’t understand maybe you’ll have to get a new job. Or maybe you just need to learn to say “no” once in a while.

2) It’s All About Priorities
I’ve heard it said that when someone tells you they are too busy to call, they are really telling you they don’t have a priority to call you. As harsh as that may seem, it rings true as we get older and our lives become busier. Maybe you really don’t need to work the hours you do, but you find it a good excuse to put off potential dates. If you don’t want to meet a particular date, do you use work as your standby excuse? Do you find that you really do have time to do certain things and not others? Sure, work emergencies come up, but you need to realize that you are in control of your life. Not your boss.

3) Make Sure Your Attention Is On Your Date When You’re With Them
Even if you have a demanding job, you’re going to have to learn to balance your work and home life. And if you don’t get this concept down, you won’t have a home life to balance. So when you are with your date, pay attention. Listen. Acknowledge things they say and respond to them. Use the time you are with them to truly get to know them, instead of thinking of what you have to do back at work. Turn off that super-busy switch in your head and relax so they can get to know the real you. When you are at the office, take time during the day to email them and let them know you are thinking of them. Call them. In short, communicate. Yes, it will take effort on your part but all relationships do. And it’s worth it.

4) Take Some Tips From Your Married Cohorts
If you’re single you’ve probably noticed that sometimes married folks have a better deal when it comes to business emergencies. If a project required working late, my married coworkers would have real, honest-to-goodness obligations – picking up their kids from daycare, have to put dinner on, etc. Inevitably I would have to work late while I watched them leave on time each day. Was it fair? The married folks would probably say yes, but consider this – is your life less important? It can be hard to tell employers no when you don’t have to pick up kids from childcare but just really need to get home and do wash. But don’t be afraid to say no. You don’t need to give an explanation, you can simply say, “I’m not available.” Your time is just as valuable as the next person’s.

5) Start Developing Your Life Outside of Work
If the majority of your friends are at work, you need to get out. (This goes double if the majority of your ex’s are people you’ve met at the office.) Spend some time engaging in your hobbies (or finding some, if you’ve really been cooped up at the office.) Hanging out with non-work folks will broaden your horizons and help you to converse about things other than work. Don’t you hate it when someone drones on and on about their job and can’t talk about anything else? You might even meet someone cute and fun that you’ll end up dating.