Toronto's Bachelorette of the Week

Guys, I hope you’re ready because we’ve been interviewing some incredible women lately! Here is a little bit about a new female client that we’re all excited to be working with and matching:

Not only is our bachelorette a fun-loving blonde hair/brown-eyed stunner, she has the smarts to back it up!  She is a successful entrepreneur in her mid 30’s with a creative flair and the proud Mom to her son. She is very fit and active, she loves boating, cottage life and running marathons! She has an ongoing “love affair with France and Italy” that pairs well with her appreciation for fine wine and great food. Our beautiful “Bachelorette of the Month” is looking for a man that she can laugh with and has a positive outlook on life to possibly join her in her future travels! Is this you?

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How to Date a Dog Lover

Think romance has gone to the dogs? You might be right. According to the 2014 Canadian Pet Market Outlook, 32 per cent of Canadian households own dogs which equates to 5.9 million households. Don’t be surprised then if you run into a dog lover during your search for a partner. 

In the same way you hope to partner with a man or woman whose parenting styles align with your own, the same can be said about the relationship they have with their dog. So, before you adorn that dog bone with a big red bow, take a few minutes to prepare yourself for the lifestyle that goes along with dating a dog lover. 

Dogs are part of the family

There is no denying this, and if you’re dating a dog lover, there is certainly no arguing it. Dogs sometimes get better treatment than the people living under the same roof. It’s important for you to learn to respect and admire a dog owner’s commitment to treating their dog as more than just a pet, but a member of their family. The sooner you accept this, the better chance you have of leading a happy love life, with your partner and their canine companion. 

Dog lovers treat their dogs like children

What do people who love their dogs do? They do exactly what a person does with their child. They throw them birthday parties. They dress them up on Halloween. A survey taken in September of 2013, showed that of the 1,407 dog owners who responded, 86 % reported they used a picture of their pet as their screensaver. You may even find yourself explaining to a few people that the “baby waiting at home” is just a dog. 

You’ll never be greeted first

Unless you’re willing to sprint to the door, wide-eyed and enthusiastic, jumping up and down and running circles around their legs, you will never be greeted first. Their dog will always receive dibs on the “Honey, I’m home” kisses. Don’t let this hurt your feelings.  

You’re a third wheel

Dogs demand an unwavering amount of love and affection. Not only will you be asked to supply some of it, but also you’ll also never be entirely sure who is loved more, you or the dog. Frankly, you probably don’t want to find out. One-on-one cuddling will be non-existent. Not only will you be sharing your bed with the dog, but you’ll also realize that it is completely acceptable for their canine companion to carve a spot out on the couch during movie night, directly between the two of you. 

Invest in a lint roller

Or two. Or ten. If you were wondering who coined the term “fur coat,” it was dog owners. Most dog breeds shed, so get used to finding hairs in your favorite sweater from two winters ago. While you’re at it, say goodbye to your beloved white clothing, unless your lover has a white dog. In that case, consider parting ways with that charcoal duvet cover. 

Patience is key

Whether it’s a newborn puppy or a full grown dog, they’re probably chewing on something that they shouldn’t be. Chances are, you would’ve lost that old sock anyway. In other cases, you may come across an old squeaky chew toy hidden in your couch cushion, or trip over a half eaten rawhide. No one is blind to “doggy breath” or the odor that consumes the house when his or her fur child is wet. 

Try to stay as calm as possible during these instances. Take a few minutes to read about your lover’s breed and it’s nature. Learning to care for an animal is a process that requires both patience and commitment, both of which take time. 

Don’t try to fake it 

"Pretending – or outright lying – is not the way to begin a relationship, even if you think it’s a little white lie to say you love dogs," says Jacquie Brownridge - www.itsjustlunchtoronto.com. “It will come out eventually, so own up to it from the beginning. It’s unlikely to be a deal breaker unless you treat the dog poorly or start demanding they give the dog up.” 

If you find that you are both avid dog lovers, perfect! You may have just found your soulmate. However, if you can’t seem to understand the reasoning behind your lover’s strong appreciation of his or her furry companion, don’t try to fake it. At this point it’s important to determine if compromises need to be made, as well as if you can see yourself in this relationship long term, with the idea that it’s a package deal – you, him or her, and the dog.

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3 Dating Trends That Need to Be Deleted

Every generation is governed by dating rules. Those guidelines we shouldn't cross or have to follow in the pursuit of love.

The tricky thing is that singles feel they have to follow these arbitrary rules as they change from generation to generation. For example, the don't call within three days has become the text within three minutes of the termination of the date.

Here are just a few dating rules generated by the age of technology that we encourage you to break:

1) Updating Your Status
For many, changing of the Facebook status put a beginning (an an ending) time stamp to every new relationship. It was announcing to friends (old and new), family and even exs that you are moving on, a hot commodity and digging your new mate.

A relationship's start and end isn't dictated by Facebook status changes, likes or comments. It comes down to the two of you. Focus on what is between the two of you and leave the technology labels out of it.

2) Selfies and Online Photo Albums
All of those people who were once MySpacers know that technology comes and goes. New fads spring up, old sites go down. Don't keep your memories stored only on a computer or via an app. Print them out. Share them. Out of sight is out of mind and that is no good for a blossoming relationship.

3) Venting About Your SO Via Social Media
I get it. People need to vent, discuss and bond over the latest dumb thing their sig other has done. But to do it via social media without discussing with him is shaming and its shameful. Before jumping up on the digital podium, consider how you would feel if he/she was spamming all their friends about your latest antics. Be responsible for what you choose to share with the masses. You're not dating them. Your relationship shouldn't be shared with them.

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Stepping Out of Your Dating Rut

The definition of rut is "a habit or pattern of behavior that has become dull and unproductive but is hard to change." A dating rut is like watching NASCAR, it feels like you are making laps with the same people.

There are moments of dating that the whole process seems difficult difficult lemony difficult. It's exhausting. You're spending more money on dates than you are on rent. I get it. We've all been there.

Like any good sporting or life coach will tell you, if something isn't working -- change it. The easiest areas of dating to alter is your attitude, the venue and your "type".

Change Your Perspective
Your dating life starts in your mind and gets reflected into your actual experiences. If you focus on the negative aspects of dating or your date for the evening, you will only ever see the negative. Try taking one positive aspect away from each date. It would also help to go into each encounter with a sense of adventure or excitement rather than dread and fear.

Change of Venue
Feel like you are doing the same thing over and over again? Whether it is the same pub, restaurant or neighborhood, shaking up your dating venue or activity can put a spark into the routine. Instead of meeting up for dinner, think about coffee or lunch. Personally, I think weekend brunch is the ideal. You have time to connect, can make it short and you still have the rest of your day.

Change Your "Type"
Obviously, everyone has preferences when it comes to their ideal mate. However, these preferences can be a bit limiting if they don't allow ourselves to explore new people or new ideas. Look beyond your normal (but within legal) age range. Date someone a bit shorter or outside of your profession. Give into impulse and accept that lunch offer from the delivery guy. Step out of your norm.

Dating is a numbers game. The more potential mates you meet, the more likely it is that you will find the one.

If something isn't working, change it. It's the only way something new will happen.

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