Dateline Seniors - Relationship Tips
Dating Advice for Men
The first most important rule is to relax and just be you. Like yourself, and let that show in a modest way.
Clothes - Wear something you feel comfortable in, but make an effort and dress for the occasion. Smart Casual is the best approach; just remember your date will have made an effort!!
Don't talk about ex-girlfriends and ex-wives. Avoid talking about yourself too much and ask questions. Make sure you listen attentively to her. You have to make her feel like she's the only woman in the room, without glaring at her all night and making her feel uncomfortable.
Establish Common Interests - Try to establish a common interest early on, so you can both talk with equal enthusiasm about it e.g. a country you've both visited or a hobby.
Correct Body Language - Body language is important. Don't be closed off with arms and legs folded tighter than a cabinet minister in his local dungeon. Look confident and relaxed, but you need to suit the environment – don’t sit like a loose limbed chimpanzee on Valium. Be receptive to her body language. If she leans in, you should too, don't shy away because she will. If she seems guarded try to make her feel more comfortable by telling a funny story or lightening the mood. Men with manners are very sexy, but only if you’re natural with it. Open doors for her, pull her chair out for her and generally be thoughtful. If you've asked her out on the first meet, I'm afraid you really should pay.
Mobile Phones - Make sure your mobile phone is turned off. To send/receive text messages or calls appears rude, because it means she hasn't got your full attention. Don’t show her phone pics of all your friends – it’s the modern equivalent of the holiday slide show.
Drinking - Have a few drinks so you are sociable and more laid back but do not drink to excess. Women tend to go off men who collapse halfway through a date shouting angrily about their ex. If she's knocking them back (and lets face it we have all had dates like this) then by all means join in but modesty is preferable, because first impressions are important and it's nice for a man to be on his best behaviour.
Dating Advice for Women
The first most important rule is to relax and be you. Like yourself and you find that people like you.
Clothes - Where something you feel comfortable in, but make an effort i.e. don't wear a short skirt that you are going pulling at to be sure everything is covered. Dress for the occasion. If you're going to the pub, don't wear the glamorous black number.
Underwear - Though getting naked on a first date is not advised, make sure you wear sexy matching underwear that will make you ooze confidence. Cathedral pants (big and holy) are a good incentive not to put out on the first date but they won't make you feel confident and attractive. You might just get taken up in the spirit of the occasion after all.
Conversation - Don't talk about ex-boyfriends, and ex husbands, you need to focus on your future with this man and not your past partners. Avoid talking about yourself too much and ask questions, without interrogating him and listen attentively even if bored. After all he might be just shy.
Common Interests - Try to establish a common interest early on, so you can both talk with equal enthusiasm about it e.g. a country you've both visited or a hobby.
Body language- It's important to look and feel comfortable. Don't fold your arms, keep eye contact and lean in towards your date. Try and make subtle physical contact, for example, touch his arm if he says something sad or amusing.
Mobile Phones - Make sure your mobile phone is turned off. To send/receive text messages or calls appears rude. He needs to feel that he has your undivided attention. (The phone is handy however if the date is not going at all well. Nip to the loo and get a friend to call you when you're back at the table with a get away excuse – you wouldn't be the first to do this.)
Drinking - Have a few drinks so you are sociable and more laid back but do not drink in excess. Drinking before the date can give you extra confidence but don't have too many otherwise he'll think you're a major lightweight when you're falling off your chair after one glass of wine.
Image
Presenting a good image is a tricky business. Get it right, and you'll be a potential magnet. Here are a few simple tips to help:
Rule 1. First impressions last!
For some reason, most people are under the illusion that ignoring someone or giving them a blank look creates interest. Not in our experience. When you first meet your date, SMILE! Don't go overboard and leave them thinking your some kind of lunatic with a smiling disorder, but if someone takes your fancy, throw them a quick smile. There's a very good chance they'll smile back, and that's your cue for action.
The fact that very few people find this easy is good news for you. It means you've got less competition. So work up the courage, get bold and greet them with your pearly whites.
Rule 2. Don't over engage your brain!
When you first meet, don't think about things too hard. Don't worry. And don't panic. You'll make yourself all sweaty palmed and end up saying something that comes into your head babbling nervous rubbish. Every one loves a compliment, so stroke their ego. Make sure it's genuine though; there's a fine line between a compliment and a cheesy come-on.
Rule 3. Keep your wits about you!
Behave yourself. Once you've got a decent conversation going, be confident and be aware of your and their body language. Stay relaxed, be open, don't fidget and don't come on too heavy. Pick up the vibe and go with it.
Rule 4. Look good - feel good!
Dress to impress but don't scare them. They've already taken an interest in you; so don't turn up looking like someone else. Look good, but feel comfortable.