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It's Just Lunch Toronto meets with each client one-on-one before arranging a casual lunch date or a drink after work. Dating can be simple.

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Friday 28 February 2014

It's a Date! Where to Go?

You mustered up the courage to suggest a get-together and got a "Yes!" Congratulations!

Whether it is someone you met on the train, on a dating site or through a friend, figuring out the best place to go on a first date can be a bit daunting. You may be under the impression that you should plan something impressive or unique.

In my experience as a matchmaker, I can tell you that simple and casual is always better when you are meeting someone for the first time. Choose a place where you feel comfortable and familiar, so you don't waste time trying to figure out the lay of the land or the 14 page Japanese menu. It will allow you to relax and focus on your date.

The purpose of a first date is to get to know each other better, so it's important to find a venue that isn't too distracting or loud. You want somewhere where you can have a cozy chat without trying to outdo the sound system.

LUNCH OR COFFEE DATE
If it's a blind date or you're not sure how you feel about the person, keep it low-pressure and go for coffee, lunch or brunch. This will allow a small window for testing the waters with a clear ending for getting back to work, laundry or walking the dog.

AFTER-WORK DRINKS
This is another low-commitment, low-cost date that will allow you the option of continuing with dinner if things are going well. Or you can call it a night after one beverage, saying you have dinner plans elsewhere.

DRINKS AND DINNER
Going out for dinner is a popular option for a first date, but one I don't recommend if you don't know the person at all. Dinner puts you on the spot. If you don't click or connect, you are forced to sit and face each other while making polite chitchat while both of you would rather bolt for the door.

However, just in case you find yourself with a slight lag in conversation, here are some tips to get it flowing:

1) Keep up on current events so you can talk intelligently about major developments
2) When talking about yourself, accentuate the positive. Stick to your best attributes and the interests you're most passionate about. Notice something positive about the other person and ask about their passions
3) Ask open-ended questions that evoke a response beyond yes and no
4) Be sincere in your compliments. Don't just say something for the sake of it -- it will come off as transparent.

Good luck and happy dating!

Wednesday 19 February 2014

Are You Happy With Your Dating Life?


Dating for professional singles can be fun and fulfilling, if you are ready to face the challenges that come along with it. It may not always be like walking at the beach during sunset, but remember you can always make your own beautiful story with a unique ending.

Dating is allowing yourself to love and be loved in return; it is not always a romantic fantasy. Here are a few tips for professional singles to help improve your dating life for the better:

Keep Your Expectations Realistic
It’s okay to set higher standards for yourself, but keep in mind that no one is perfect. Emphasize your partner's good qualities by being supportive and encouraging. Be forgiving of the imperfections and be willing to make compromises. If you catch yourself stacking up hurdles in front of your potential love matches, chances are none of them will make it the finish line.

Patience Really Is a Virtue
One of the biggest reasons relationships fail is that people are just too busy to make time for each other. Set your priorities straight and find ways on how you can spend more time with your partner. Catching up on a quick lunch date or investing on a romantic weekend getaway will do wonders for your relationship. 

Be Present
Being present to whatever your beloved is going through will keep your relationship afloat all throughout the years. It will turn moments of sadness into comfort, as you will be able to share the burden of problems. Even if you are far away from each other, a text or video chat will make all the difference.

Don’t Break Promises
If you can’t fulfill a promise, don’t make one at all. Broken promises are a huge let down, so be very careful if you are making one. If you can fulfill little promises, you’ll have the strength to fulfill bigger ones. If you cannot keep a promise, it is better to not make one at all. Just be realistic and open with your partner.

Go On An Adventure
Make it a point to do something different with your partner every now and then. Go to a place you haven’t eaten before, or go on a road trip to that secluded resort you've heard of. Doing something different with your partner will refresh your senses. It will also keep the fire burning in your relationship.

Leave a Relationship When You Aren't Feeling Happy
Knowing when to let go can be one of the most difficult decisions we make involving relationships. But, if you find that the relationship is not satisfying your needs, don't wait around for things to change. If you have discussed your needs with your partner and they are not being met, consider ending the relationship. Many people stay in unhealthy relationships because they fear being alone. But, you might found yourself happier single than in a relationship that is draining you. Mr. or Mrs. Right could be right around the corner but you'll never know if you keep on dating Mr. or Mrs. Wrong.  

Do you think it's better to happy and alone or miserable with company? We vote for happy and alone until the right person finally comes along.

Wednesday 12 February 2014

Be Different This Valentine's Day

A quick Google search will reveal lists of blogs, articles and postings about the best Valentine's Day date ideas or events. Dinner and movie? While it may be a throwback to a first date or tapping into high school memories, I think Valentine's Day is the ideal day to go all out. Push the romantic boundaries and think outside of the fancy restaurants with menu items you can't pronounce.

Here are just a few ideas for stepping up the romance factor without having to make reservations:

1) Hit the Ice
Grab your honey and head for the ice or roller skating rink for a couple of spins. Hold hands and be prepared for some snuggling on the ice. Extra points for post-skate hot chocolate!

2) Sit Under the Stars
Okay. It's way to cold for lying under the stars, but the you can enjoy the night sky at the Ontario Science Centre's planetarium show.  Spending some time together in a new environment can cause sparks to fly.

3) Play Fort
Remember hanging sheets in your parents living room or basement to create a hidden oasis for you and your besties? Create the same feeling with your significant other. Spend the evening talking, dreaming and playing games. The isolation will bring you two closer together -- and it doesn't cost a thing!

4) Dessert Bar
Skip the calories of a large entree and move right into the sweet bliss of dessert. Create your own dessert bar on the coffee table. From chocolate cookie crumbles to Smarties, get creative with sundae toppings for a DIY ice cream bar.

5) Now Showing: The Best of You
There are pictures stashed on our Smartphones, tablets and digital cameras from Aunt Sally's surprise birthday, the impromptu trip to the beach or the winter getaway to Maui. Create a slideshow of the milestones, highlights and most memorable moments to watch from the comfort of your couch.

When it comes down to it, Valentine's Day isn't about the coin your spend or getting into the fancy restaurants. It's about taking time to show the special person in your life just how special they are to you. Think outside of the box and it will win you big points in the romance department.