Parents Involved In Your Relationship

Some people are very family oriented and only date people that their parents approve of, but is that absolutely necessary?

What if the person your dating isn't a family person but is a you person. Should it matter if that person doesn't care about getting involved with family or not?

Clearly the answer to this question depends on each specific relationship, but you need to respect the other persons beliefs of the situation. Things will always be easier if there is family approval on both ends.

What if the parents get too involved and want to know every little detail of your relationship or tell too many details of theirs? It happens all the time, but the only way to reduce this is to try and avoid it.

It can be quite comical to watch, for example, "Meet The Parents" is a hilarious comedy about family involvement and the stress it can put on a relationship.

Hopefully this movie is just a movie and the reality of it stays out of peoples relationships, but if it does, you and your loved one may just need to stick together through the hard times!

First Date Ooops? You're Only Human!

So many people try so hard to impress their date on the first date that they're not being themselves. You wear your best clothes, put on your favorite accessories and sit up straight, when in reality you would be just as content wearing Hanes sweat pants and a mismatched undershirt.

So what happens if during the small talk and what do you do for a livings something happens? Not just anything like you got some sauce on your pants, or even the slightly more embarrassing spinach in the teeth, we're talking catastrophically embarrassing here. Say, you fall out of your chair or have the sudden urge to run to the restroom and vomit! Is that deal breaker for future dates?

In some cases, your date may be a little turned off by your clumsiness or intestinal problems, but it also may make you appear a little more human.

Not that I suggest embarrassing yourself on purpose, but if it happens the only thing you can do is laugh at yourself and the situation. Your date may just laugh along with you and not at you.

There's an article on CNN.com mentioning several embarrassing first dates and how there ended up being future dates too!

Remember, as much as you try to sell yourself on a first date, you're only human!

Overly Cheesy Yet Entertaining Pick-up Lines

Every young girl has encountered them at least once in their life, they're silly, ridiculous, and most of the time annoying. We're talking Pick-Up lines here. This Blog Post will be dedicated to the cheesiest, corniest, most over the top pick up lines found on the web.

ENJOY!

• "If I were a stop light, I'd turn red every time you passed by, just so I could stare at you a little longer."


• "I was wondering if you had an extra heart, mine seems to have been stolen."


• "Excuse me, I think you have something in your eye, oh wait, its just a sparkle."


• "Hello, I'm a thief, and I'm here to steal your heart."


• "Would you touch me so I can tell my friends I've been touched by an angel?"


• "Wouldn't we look cute on a wedding cake together?"


• "Baby, you must be a broom, cause you just swept me off my feet."


• "I know milk does a body good, but baby, how much have you been drinking?"


• "Is it hot in here or is it just you?"
  

Those were just a few that make me cringe. But, if your ever bored out of your mind and want to know exactly what to AVOID when trying to pick someone up (or be picked up) there are plenty of website devoted entirely to funny, cheesy, dirty pick-up lines.

One website, Lines That are Good.Com, even breaks them down into categories for easy surfing! From Cheesy to Innuendo, this site is a real time killer! But be careful if your easily offended, some of these lines are downright crude!

Too Much "Man Time" in a Relationship

You would like to think that you've got yourself and man, but he might have a man or two as well! Many young ladies struggle with the idea of "Man Time." The time when your boyfriend designates to going out with his group of guys to share some "bonding" or whatever they feel like doing. (And Ladies, lets be fair, we can't forget about "Ladies Night"!)

Some stay in and play cards, others hit the town, but either way there will be man time, a "Bro-mance" if you will. Some relationships seem to struggle a bit with this issue, too much time with the boys, not enough date time. There should be balance and there should be respect on both ends of the relationship.

Ladies, if your man wants a night or weekend out with his friends, the best bet would be to just let him have it. There is no harm in him having some fun with his buds. If you put a leash on him, he may start to resent you for it and push you away.

There is an article that sums up this idea from the ladies perspective perfectly in 6 main ideas.

1. Respect His Space (you don't have to put your mark on him)
2. Respect His Decisions
3. Respect His Time
4. Respect His Sharing
5. Respect His Family (Make sure he respects yours too)
6. Respect His Friends (Even if they take up some of his time, see #3)

The easiest way to deal with your mans "Bro-mance" is to spend that time he's with his friends with yours or doing something for yourself.

You also may need to recognize if your boyfriend is spending too much time away from you and with his friends, if so, you may need to examine your relationship again.

Whatever the case, without mutual respect for ideas and interests, your relationship will land on shaky ground.

Dating a Friends Ex....EXceptable?

You never really imagined it to happen this way, but suddenly you're contemplating if you should really go on a date with your new catch, since you're catch is your friends ex.

Most people will say, and I will have to agree, friends exes are OFF LIMITS. It doesn't matter if they dated for 10 days or 10 years, there was once some romantic attraction. If their relationship ended badly, your new beginning with your new date may have your friendship ending badly as well.

First off, if you need to establish how interested in this person you really are. If it plays out for a few weeks and you don't see it going far then it seems to be all fun and games. However, you need to think of how your friend would feel about you dating their ex, no matter how casually you are dating them. Think of how you would feel if you were in their position, and DON'T make excuses about how they were never meant to be and how she broke up with him and so on...

An article on SeatlePi.com states a rule," In a way, you need the 24k golden rule, and not just the 14k -- you can't decide based on what's right for this or that individual, but on what serves a larger idea of Right."

Basically, in order for it to be okay, it needs to be okay from 360'. Everyone needs to know the truth, and all parties must approve. If the friend is honestly okay with it, then happy dating!

If the friend is not okay with it, or really dislikes their ex, your friendship may get a bit rocky.

Your best bet would be to find someone who has no strings attached to anyone you really care about. Find someone completely eligible to be called your new fling.

How to Deal With That Long Distance Relationship

Many college students are involved in long distance relationships. Whether they began their college years with their boyfriend from high school who is enrolled at another university across the country, or met someone on a crazy college getaway, long distance relationships are not easy.

They may not be easy; but they're not impossible. It takes work, and trust and if you don't have either, yes, the long distance relationship could be impossible.

The first idea to making your long distance relationship work is finding the benefits of it. You don't get to see your man or lady every day, but when you do get to see them, it is so much more exciting. The phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder" explains the feeling perfectly.

Long distance relationships also allow you more personal time. Since you are not bombarded by the person 24/7, you have the opportunity to spend time with your friends, your work, and yourself.

Missyourmate.com is a website dedicated to getting through the hard times of long distance relationships. From sending picture messages and setting up webcams to sending a thoughtful gift to the person, it gives good advice on how to have a successful long distance relationship.

No matter how hard you try to keep your different area code man in your life, you need to truly want it to work, because if you have doubts, chances are your just postponing the inevitable.

College Dating 101: Out of the Classroom

An article I found on CollegeNews.com, has touched on a few points I find to be perfect regarding girls in college and some quick rules about dating.

These things should be well known but it appears that it is not the case.

• First off, You're only in college for so long, don't waste your time dating losers or guys that aren't worth your time.

I suppose everyone has to kiss a few frogs before they find their prince, but don't waste your time dating that frog for too long!

• Secondly, respect yourself.

If your feeling that the only way to get a guys attention is to sleep with him, you have found the WRONG guy, or in other words, you have found another frog!

• Act like you have an education.

Men like a girl who is smart and knows what she wants out of life. If you walk around looking like a ditz, chances are, you'll pick up a few boys who think they can play off your air-headedness. You're in college for a reason, remember?

The article says that in college, you learn about 30% from the classroom, and the remaining 70% from experience. So try and make the best decisions to shape healthier experiences.

Poor Economy Means Dating Rules Have Changed?

Everyone is feeling the financial squeeze in some form or another with the way the economy is looking in early 2009. But does that mean dating should be put on the back burner while the funds and being stretched?

Dating these days has become a little different. The man can't always wine and dine his way into a woman's heart anymore, meaning he has to become a little more creative, or , she has to help pick up the check.

There was an article on upnorthlive.com, touching on how couples are working on continuing their dating trends, and how new couples are starting up.

College students on a budget are needing to be a bit more creative, and think about how they spend their money. With students with loans out and the fear of not getting that dream job after graduation, pennies have to be pinched in certain areas. Sometimes this just means not splurging on that special date, even if you really wish you could.

Many girls wouldn't mind helping out with the check on the second date, or even the first if it seems appropriate, because chances are, they understand and are feeling the budget crunch too.

Online Dating Application Now Available for iPhone

Many college aged people are involved with the social networking site, Facebook, so much so that they have applications downloaded to their cellphones so they can check their Facebook account on the go.

Facebook is seen as a place for friends and photo sharing, but you can also download an application from Facebook called "Are you Interested." This allows you to find people on the site and click if you're interested in them, possibly enough for a date.

The iPhone has a similar application available for free download right to the users phone, called "SNAP."

According to a press release available on Market Watch.com, the application allows its users to:

• Browse photos of singles in their area and click "Yes" on people they like.


• View their "Matches" and find out who is interested in them.


• Check out the "Buzz" and meet singles in their area who are online right now.
  
• Contact singles, and send and receive winks and messages.

This is yet another way the Internet is changing our lives, from every day life to dating.

Online Dating Site Goes Green

Most everyone has heard of Internet dating sites such as EHarmony or Match.com. These types of sites are a general dating service where you post your information on your profile and experts working for the site try to match you with someone who has a lot of common interests. The strange thing about these sites is many times you don't end up with very many matches of people with common interests, even though there are thousands of people on these sites.

On Earth Day, in 2006, a new dating site was launched. It's called PlanetEarthSingles.com, and is geared only towards the environmentally friendly, earth conscious, recycling fanatics out there. What makes it different, is if you go on this site, you already have a common interest with the rest of the members, your green ways of life.

So if you're conscious about your carbon footprint, avoid meat products, and have a different bin for everything that needs to be recycled, and you also happen to be single and looking, this site may be for you! There was a press release released for it if you're interested in checking it out.

Lady in Red

Every woman has an outfit or color that seems to be theirs. A color that suits her and compliments her features would be a color a woman can rightfully claim is their color.It seems however, that men have found her color as well. That color that men find most appealing on a woman seems to be the color red.

A psychological experiment testing the way men reacted to the same women wearing different colors all showed the most favorable color to be red. Women wearing red were rated as “significantly more attractive and sexually desirable” by men than when they were wearing other colors.

The experiment showed that women wearing red were "rated as more attractive and sexually desirable." It also said that if a woman is wearing red, they are more likely to get asked on a date or on a second date!

An interesting aspect of the study gave historical precedence to why men are attracted to women in red, and dated it back to our chimpanzee and baboon primates. Apparently, before our existence, a male baboon would be more attracted to a female baboon during the females time of ovulation, or "red time."

So, if that is indeed fact to why men were originally attracted to women wearing red, does that mean men are very similar to baboons? I'm sure many women would love this conclusion to be true!

But red is also known as a bold color and a color of passion. Men could just be more attracted to a bolder woman, or they could just like the color. Whatever the reason behind the idea, it looks like ladies on the prowl would have more luck finding a date if they dress in red.

The Idea of Love at First Sight May Only be in Fairytails

Many young girls head off to college with the idea of dorms, classes, new friends and most importantly it seems, new loves. Young 18-20 something girls fill college campuses eager to get away from what they were used to in high school, including boys and previous relationships.

College is what many use as a stepping stone for accomplishing the "out with the old, in the new" mindset. Meeting new people and establishing new relationships is a huge part of college. However, as time goes on and girls date boys and start growing up, the whole "cheerleader dating the football player" and "love at first sight" ideas don't seem as appealing.

According to a study done by a large South Eastern University, young girls, (age 19 and younger) believe in love at first sight more than girls 20 and older.

As girls get older, it seems they are opening their eyes to the idea that not all love is a fairy tail. Sometimes it takes work to to make an important romantic relationship fit into ones busy lifestyle.However, if a relationship is more work than anything else, maybe it time to go separate ways.

A working long term relationship may be best started as a friendship and gradually grow into something more.

"That Girl Can Drink!" Yikes.

Over the years, the thought of what goes on while in college wanders beyond just books, class and all-nighters. There is another thought behind the idea of going away to college that has high school kids glowing and alumni and parents reminiscing on their college days- that idea is partying. Let's narrow it down a little bit more; drinking.

It is a stereotypical yet somewhat true aspect of what college life is all about, the drinking, the partying, the ladies. But, what if you are one of those ladies, and you drink A LOT!

Some girls like to think that a man likes a girl who can drink. And surely a man likes a girl who can have a drink or two and not go streaking around the party or pass out on the bathroom floor, but what about the girls who try and keep up with the boys and their drinking habits? Do guys find a girl who can drink to be an attractive quality?

Many girls may think that their high tolerance for alcoholic beverages is a positive quality in a mans eyes. However, an article on ScienceDaily.com regarding a study done by Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, shows that men aren't as interested in how much a girl can drink as the ladies think they are.

The study showed that girls thought a man would want them to drink nearly twice as much as the man actually wanted them to.

Actually, this reminds be on a scene from the 2007 movie "Superbad," only backwards. The guy is trying to impress the girl in the movie by drinking heavily, and in turn makes a fool of himself.

Hopefully, there are not too many nice young college girls out there trying to out-drink those frat guys in hopes for a date, because first of all, no man is worth that, and secondly, that doesn't seem to be a good quality in their eyes after all!

The Perfect Memorable Gift

Holidays and birthdays of your friends and family can creep up on you without warning at times. Though as a good friend or family member you should remember these special days, sometimes busy schedules can get in the way of your usually good memory.

For someone close to you, and card, a quick dinner or flowers can usually be picked up pretty quick in a time that you happened to forget that special day.

However, what do you get that someone you are in a "not quite so serious yet, but somewhat romantic relationship" with?

Hopefully, you didn't forget about the upcoming holiday or birthday. Flowers, cards, and dinner are just fine if you want to come off and nice, sweet and uncreative, but if you want to really impress her or him, you have to use your imagination.

The best ideas are those that are thoughtful and heartfelt. Something the other person really likes and can not access readily, or something that symbolizes an inside joke the two of you have, or just something silly. Laughter is the best medicine you know!

Is there a special food he or she loves from their hometown and can't get it here? Check the internet- chances are, you can find it there and have it shipped right to their door!

For example, someone originally from Cincinnati may miss some particular ice creams and chili only available there, however you can buy them online and even have them packaged into a gift basket!

Do the two of you ever share a common hate for a particular product over advertised on an infomercial? Something you make fun of on a regular basis and have fun doing it? Why not slap down that $19.99 to get the buy one get one free deal of that silly product? He or she will love it and love you for the thought you put into it.

The truth is, it really is the "thought that counts."

The Post-Date Grace Period

Oh, that dreaded "grace period." It doesn't matter how old you are, if you are really into someone, the wait feels like it may kill you.

So you've met that special someone who you either spent a great evening with after meeting them at a party or bar, or even have already had an actual first date. So how long do you wait until you make the call? Or, the even worse part of the situation, how long should you be waiting to receive the call?

First of all Gentlemen, the same rules still apply. YOU should make the first few calls, and NO texting should not count 100%. It's lazy and stand offish. If you're really interested, calling shouldn't be that difficult.

Ladies, being the first to make that call should not be done by you. If you do decide to call, do it only once until you hear from him again. This may be a time where a single text message could come in handy.

An article done by the University of Alabama's newspaper, The Crimson White touches on the same issue.

If you hear nothing from him after a week, it may be time to forget about it. Chances are, you'll run into him again and you can try and start over. That first meeting or date may not have gone as well for the other party as you had thought it went for you.

Having a "Facebook Official" Relationship

After a few months, weeks or even days of dating your new special someone, the next big step for many college students is when to make it "facebook official."


On the social networking site "facebook," originally created just for college students, your marital status is an important aspect of your page. From single to its complicated, your "facebook friends" will be updated of any changes in your status.


Some people just choose to leave the option blank and avoid nosey people asking questions about their relationships. But for others, the day you get to make that person someone who you are "in a relationship with" on facebook, is a big deal.


Whether or not your current relationship is "Facebook official" appears to be becoming a more popular topic every day. So much so that even CNN has done a story on the issue.


One good feature about Facebook is that no one can say they are in a relationship with you without your approval.


If only all decisions in life were as easy as a simple approval or denial by a click of the mouse. Life as a college student would be a lot easier.

What Does a Sloppy Kiss Mean?

It's hard to forget that first kiss with a terrible kisser. It feels like they are trying to eat your face, while licking your nose, mouth and chin region at the same time.

Guys, if it's a girl attacking your face, looks like she may just be a bad kisser. However, a recent National Geographic article says that when men are kissing women like sloppy fools, they are unconsciously searching for estrogen and testing to see how fertile they are, and thus how reproductively successful they may be as couple.

So ladies, either your man is just a bad kisser, or maybe he is testing your mouth to see if you are an appropriate mate for him! Maybe you should be flattered instead of disgusted!

"All The Single Ladies"

"If you like it then you should have put a ring on it." If superstar Beyonce Knowles says so, it must be true right?

Beyonce's new single "Single Ladies" is an all around girl anthem. It is hilarious to watch the look on men's faces when it comes on the radio. They cringe like they are hearing nails on a chalkboard.

Beyonce, although she has a ring on her finger, proclaims in her song that sometimes after a messy break-up with a man who never treated you the way you deserved, all you need is to proclaim your independence!

This song is perfect for any single lady who has been treated bad in the past. It gets your spirits lifted and makes you want to dance!

This song is also making headlines due to its tremendous amounts of web videos of fans dancing to the song!

Here are a few:
Justin Timberlake looks like Beyonce's number one fan in this one!


This adorable little girl is getting an early start on her single status!



Rachel Ray went ahead and had a competition on her show last week with people from web videos dancing to the song. Just because he's not a single lady, doesn't mean the last contestant can't dance to the female anthem!!

He's Just Not That Into You.

The book, "He's Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys" by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo was such a hit that it hit box offices this month with a the Movie, "He's Just Not That Into You."


The film is filled with A-list celebrities like Jennifer Aniston,who was also in "Marley and Me" which was also based on a book (a great book I might add), Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson and Ben Afflect to name a few.

The movie didn't get great reviews on rottentomatoes.com, and it got a similar rating from the New York Times, but it seems like a film to be enjoyed by women across the country. I haven't had a chance to see it, but I would love to!

Has anyone seen it? Tell me what you thought!

Instantly Attractive with Pheromones

Have you ever wanted a magic potion to help you appear more attractive to the opposite sex? Well, you may have one.

Pheromones; what are they? Pheromones can be generally described as your "attractive scent." Although you cannot actually smell this scent, your pheromones are a hormone that you emit into the air, and what make you attractive to others.

Here is where things get even better! You can now BUY pheromones! Pheromones are said to make you happier, and therefore, more attractive. That is the same line sales associates at SEPHORA tell you when you wander near their pheromone laced products for sale.

(Be careful, there is a different pheromone for men and women!)

So, retailers took the idea of the attractiveness of pheromones and made a synthetic version of the hormone, bottled it up, and sold it world wide. What a concept.

Happiness clearly isn't cheap! A tiny vile of pheromone product at Sephora can set you back about $80. As a college student, that really is not in my budget, so I have yet to test out these nifty products.

Valentines Day is Here, Just Do It

Like Nike has always said, "Just do it." I'm sure everyone isn't as anti-valentines as I am, but even if you are, your special valentine may really look forward to the day of hearts and candies.

So, you just have to stick it out and try and make that special day, well, special. Just do it. Buy those silly little gifts or plan a nice meal. If your valentine is an anti-valentine, this year could change the way they see February 14th.

However, you may want to avoid going overboard. Too much candy, cards and fuzzy heart-holding teddy bears may put your valentine in a pink and red coma!

If it's your first year with your special someone, try to just do something simple yet thoughtful. Think of what would really make that person smile and appreciate what you have done for them. Since that's what Valentines Day should be about in the first place; doing something special for those you care about.

Is your special someone really stressed out with the daily grind of school, work or both? Is there something the two of you have always wanted to do together but never got around to it? This is your time to shine. Go ahead, give your valentine a middle of February treat to remember.

• Do your research and make a fabulous dinner - it's more fun when the two of you can cook together, but plan ahead, and have the ingredients waiting in the fridge. His and hers aprons are a fun in the kitchen idea!
  
• Set up a spa at home - be prepared to give your valentine a massage to remember, or have a bubble bath ready to go when that special someone walks through the door.


• Create a box of your valentine's favorite things - This can vary from being fancy and pricey, to cute and silly. Cute and silly is always less intimidating to the other person. Think of things your valentine truly enjoys; the simple pleasures in life. A favorite food, CD, drink, picture, book, you name it. Do your homework, ask friends and family for advice if your having a hard time. Thoughtful gifts are always the most appreciated.
  

Whatever you choose to do for your special someone, everyone loves someone who went out of their way to be creative and make you smile. So put on your thinking caps and try something new! Keep and open mind and something will come to you, even if you really are not interested in celebrating Valentines Day, make that special someone happy, and just do it.

How to Get Through Valentines Day

February is here, and singles are cringing. The thought of pink and red hearts may cause nausea, but you're not alone. If you haven't been hit by that diaper wearing baby's arrow, what do you do on the most romantic day of the year?




There are better things to do than sending yourself flowers. That will just set you back $40, and leave you with a mess of dead petals in a few days.

Since restaurants will be jam packed with couples wining and dining, (which can be depressing to watch) stock up with a few bottles of wine and have your (single) friends over to your place!

Why not test out that new recipe you've always wanted to try out. Or play around with some new cocktail ideas. Flirtinis are always a hit!

Once everyone has had a few drinks, discussions can begin about what a ridiculous holiday Valentines Day is, and how it was only established t0 bump up sales at Hallmark.

Have everyone bring something, flowers, chocolates, balloons, or whatever seems fun at the drug store. That way, all the singles can go home with something in hand.


If, by chance you don't have a handful of single friends on standby for this day of love, make the day about you. Go shopping, get a message, or just set aside some time to do something nice for yourself. It is okay to love yourself on Valentines day.

It can be fun, there is NO point of stressing over a silly holiday like Valentines day. Keep your chin up, it's only 24 hours!

What Constitutes a Relationship

Many women ( and often men too) hit that awkward phase in their series of dates when you have to ask; "are we in a relationship?"

It reminds us of that old phrase, "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?" However, there is no wise owl asking the question. You and your "significant other," are asking,

"How many dates until we can be considered, in a relationship?"

Many people may think your relationship status depends on the number of dates the two of you have been on, but most often you will be able to tell when it is appropriate to call your "date" someone you are in a relationship with.

But before you are in an exclusive relationship, many people consider that person someone who they are:

• Seeing
• Dating
• Talking to
• Special friends with

(By the way, what does the phrase "I'm talking to him even mean? You talk to everyone!)

Only after "the talk," can you really call someone your boyfriend or girlfriend. If you don't have "the talk," and then introduce someone as your boyfriend or girlfriend, your special friend may get a little uneasy. Relationships can be scary, especially for those who have had rough break-ups in the past. So take it one step at a time.

You also must take into consideration more than just the persons physical attributes. You can be physically attracted to someone, but that will soon fade if that person has nothing to back up his or her good looks with. Make sure that person has the qualities you want in a person before you even consider a relationship.

If you have "the talk," and the other person is not interested in being classified as being "in a relationship" with you, don't force it. Do you really want to be in a relationship with someone you had to beg? No, it should come naturally. If it doesn't? Let it play out. It may not be meant to be, everything happens for a reason.

Inexpensive Date Nights

It is a known fact that college students have mastered one thing, the art of being broke. So after those few nights of wining and dining your new fling, the bank account may not be able to handle another date.

If you feel comfortable enough to bring your new "fling" over for a date night at your house, there are some inexpensive and casual ways to have a nice evening together.

• Taco Night- Run to the grocery store and pick up some ingredients for a taco dinner! The entire grocery bill should not come out to be more than around $20.
• Bake Cookies- Always fun around any holiday .
• Play Video Games- Grab a bottle of wine and set up the Wii. You can rent some new games at blockbuster if you want to play something different.
• Baked Potato Bar- Bake up a couple of potatoes and a set up a bar of fun potato toppings. You and your date can pick and choose how to create your very own spud.
  
• Make Your Own Pizza- You can buy uncooked pizza dough at your grocery stores bakery. Then pick out all your favorite toppings, you can even shape your pizza like a heart!
  

Anyone have any other inexpensive "night in" suggestions? Let me know!

What to Wear on a Date

Ladies and gentlemen,boys and girls, it's time for that date you've been stressing about all week. A main concern may be wardrobe. What should you wear?

Ladies first, the most important thing about your date wardrobe is something you are comfortable and confident in. Make sure you feel pretty, like everyone is looking at you.It doesn't have to be something new, just something you love. Try to avoid those jeans you know are a bit tight, because after that delightful meal, you may be suffocating yourself.

Also, make sure no straps are showing and try to follow the "no crack policy." Stay away from low riding pants and low cut shirts. Keep yourself looking classy and respectful.

Gentlemen, try to look pressed and put together. It depends on where your taking your date, but the buttons should be buttoned and creases should be crisp no matter what. Give yourself a good shave, or at least clean up your facial hair, a full on beard can be a little distracting, especially if there is a french fry stuck in it from dinner.

College Guy vs. College Grad

Once most ladies have reached college age, the thought of "dating a college guy" may not sound as appealing as it did in high school. If this is the case, chances are they have had one too many bad experiences with the stereotypical "college guy."

Most young women look for a man, not a guy or "boy" as some may call them, and not until after that diploma is handed to them, do those "boys" realize it's time to grow up. Everyone knows keg parties and dirty frat houses are a part of college life, but how many young, determined, confident women do you see happily running back to the frat house to spend quality time with their boyfriends. Yuck. It may be fun for a little, hanging out with the guys, but after a while you probably are just going to want a shower, or a flea bath.

So, by junior year of college, most single ladies have to search elsewhere for the next possible date. Now, you find yourself in a sea of young professionals, and you're the little college girl. My how the tables have turned. But once you have snagged your college grad, many girls realize the difference between the 21 year old boys to the 27 year old men. And no ladies, these 27 year old men do not live with their mothers. They work their jobs, pay their bills, wear their blazers and meet co-workers for dinner and drinks.

These young professionals are mature and what every young lady is looking for. But do men want a college girl? This is where things seem to get a little tricky. In my opinion, the college student title isn't an issue. It's the whole package. Men look for a confident, intelligent young woman, with her priorities in order and goals in mind. Hard work is attractive to both sexes.

If there is one thing to look for in your boy or man or whom ever you choose to date, it's someone you can lose track of time with and have a great time doing it.

If the First Date Goes Well, You May Get a Second.

Here are some tips for those of you encountering the nerve-racking first date. I think it's normal to be a little nervous before embarking on a first date, especially if it is with someone you barely know.

• Drive separate cars. This will make ending the date easier if it doesn't go smoothly.


• Start with lunch or coffee if you're just getting to know someone, this keeps things casual and comfortable.


• Keep it fun; if it's dinner, make sure you pick (or are taken to if you have any say in it) a place that's fun and up beat; not too mushy and romantic right away. Hibachi restaurants are a good idea, they're fun and interactive and the two of you will most likely be accompanied by others at the table.


• If you go out to dinner, keep the alcohol intake to a minimum. Chances are, you'll make a fool out of yourself and do something you regret.


• Use your manners, need I say more?


• Don't talk too much about yourself or your past relationships. Keep the conversation light and interesting.

These are just some idea's that I believe are important for a successful first date.

I also found this quiz I thought was fun! Try it for yourself!

First Date Quiz

Online Dating...Yay or Nay?

From Match.Com to Jdate.Com , Internet dating sites have taken singles by storm. It seems that everyone knows someone who is a registered user of at least one of the many dating sites available online. But how effective are they?

I personally asked five girls around the Florida Atlantic University Campus on their thoughts of online dating, and each of them denied using a service themselves, but knew someone who had. Another thing each of the girls had in common with their answers, was that "someone" who had used an online dating service, was someone far beyond their college years, like an aunt, a mother or a family friend.

From my experience, I feel that college students are not against using online dating services, but they can find other outlets that get the same job done, without having to sign up and pay for a membership. For example, Myspace.Com or Facebook.Com are both social networking sites that are free of charge, while Match.Com can have an annual price of $99.00, which may not fit comfortably in a college students budget.

Dr. Robert Brym did study in 2001 regarding online dating in Canada Love Online Study. Among the people studied, who met someone online and eventually face-to-face:

• 63% of them had sex with at least one person they met online;


• 60% formed at least one long term relationship;


• 27% met at least one person they regarded as a "partner";


• 3% met someone they eventually married.

I personally have two close friends, each of whom met their current boyfriend on Myspace.Com. So, if you're looking for you're future husband, paying $99.00 a year may not be a very effective way to find that person. With a 3% marriage rate on one study, I would stick to more social networking sites than strictly dating sites. They can appear less aggressive, and you may meet some new friends and keep in touch with old ones at the same time.

Some Tips to Keep "Him" Off Your Mind

Many girls, myself included, spend endless amounts of time thinking of that special someone. But what if that special someone doesn't realize his "special"status in your mind, and doesn't care to?

So there you are, spending hours thinking about this "person" who may or may not think of you in the same regards, and you're wasting valuable "you" time. You can't concentrate on your school work or focus at your job, and you're constantly checking your cell phone for missed calls and text messages. It is beginning to affect your life as a whole, and it's not functioning properly.

How do you reconstruct your thinking patterns to focus more on "you" and leave "him" where he belongs; out of sight, out of mind.

Here are some tips I have found helpful to clear your mind.

1.) A nice bike ride or walk

- Sometimes you need nothing more than some fresh air and time alone to sort out your priorities.

2.) A person to vent to

- Call a close friend who understands your situation and has their own priorities in order. Maybe they can talk some sense into you while cheering you up at the same time.

3.) A night out with your closest friends

- It's amazing how time flies when you're having fun. You won't even have time to think about him.

4.) Exercise

- An hour at the gym can pump out more than just sweat and muscles, it can cleanse your mind. You will also feel more confident!

5.) Watch your favorite comedy

- Pop in one of your favorite movies and quote every line to it.

6.) Buy something for yourself

- If the funds are available, go out and purchase those shoes you've been wanting.

After all is said and done, "you" are the only one that matters. Enjoy what life has to offer and don't sweat the small stuff.

Here is another Blogger's Idea I found interesting for getting him off your mind!

Keep Him Off Your Mind

A Single Girl's Night Out

For most single college girls, a night out with friends can usually be squeezed into their busy schedules at least once a week. Why do girls go out to bars, parties, and nightclubs in college? To have fun and make lasting memories with their girlfriends? Yes of course, but there is usually another motive behind all the primping and grooming before a night on the town. The possible meeting of a future husband may be just around the corner.

In my personal opinion, and I think many would agree, you always seem to find the "right" boy when you're least expecting to. Many times, you find that special someone when your at a point in life when you're strictly goal oriented and focused on yourself. This can be an attractive quality to men. They may see that as a hardworking woman who is not needy for companionship. Those who are actually on the search for a man, tend to look a little desperate.

I will admit to have been that girl on occasion, where some friends and I are at the bar scoping out possible prospects. We have our imaginary "future husband radar" on full force and it must be annoying to those around us. If you go out looking for someone, chances are you won't find what you're looking for and end up disappointed.

Go out with your friends, be carefree (yet careful), and enjoy being young and single. Being single can be beautiful and there is no limitations to the memories you and your closest friends can create. There is no law saying you must be in a relationship, and you are perfectly normal as a young single girl, working towards that degree.