Add a Spark to Your Dating Life with Creativity

When you are in the throes of dating, it is easy to feel like you are in a rut. Each new face is met in the same way - over dinner, lunch, coffee or after work cocktails.

Does this sound like your last date? The one before? How about before that?

Opting for the same, repetitive type of date for each new person can become routine and boring for you. The meal date covers something you both need to do -- eat but rarely touches upon what you find interesting or want to do with another person.

The feeling of boredom or been there done that can actually translate into how you see the other person. They just get added to the blur of dating without being given a chance to stand out.

If you want an exciting dating life, YOU have to make it exciting. When planning a meeting, consider all your options and not just the ones that need a reservation. Consider a walk along the seawall, visit a downtown market or try ice skating.

The more you look forward to the dating event, the more you are looking forward to the person you are going to meet.

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Work from Home? Get Out of the House!

The boundaries between work and home have shifted drastically in recent years. Many of us have found that our career goals can be accomplished from our home office (or breakfast table). What used to be a considered the grind is a luxury that can be done in our bedroom slippers.

The benefits of working from home outweigh the hassles of commuting but ranks very low in the finding love department.

Why? Unless you fall in love with the mail carrier, you will need to step out of the slippers and from the home office to interact with dating prospects.

I know. You're busy. You have conference calls. The slippers are super-comfy. I get it. But here are a few ways you can incorporate a few face-to-face connections with potential matches while furthering your career goals:

1) Schedule a Regular Coffee Break
Has someone ever mentioned that they have seen you around? Or pointed out that the two of you have the same schedule? That comes from habit where your latte schedules have synced up (serendipitous, anyone?).  Establish a routine by frequenting the same places at the same time.  This will allow fellow bachelors and bachelorettes to check you out and know where they'll be able to run into you again.  

2) Network on a New Level
You're job may not even be in the same city or country. While this may make you feel like the odd one out, there are hundreds in the same boat. Connect with other web designs or bloggers at local cafes via Meetup.com or other connection sites. Attend conferences or listen to expert give a talk in your area that helps you foster business contact and gets you in the mix to meet other singles in the city.

3) Schedule Meeting Outside the Home
With WebEX and Facetime, it is easy to plug into meetings that are within our reach to attend in person. Even if you are meeting with a vendor, client or just want to discuss an upcoming project, try to meet outside the home. Every time you go out, you further your chances of meeting the one by 10 fold.

Working from home can shrink our space and create hurdles for meeting new people. The key here is to be aware that it takes a bit more effort to meet new people -- but it is possible.

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Top 3 Dating Tips from It's Just Lunch Matchmakers

Okay, you've got a date. Great! You mustered up the courage to suggest an outing and got a "yes."  Feeling good?

It's perfectly normal to be nervous about looking good, anticipating conversation topics and wondering about post-date etiquette. What if it doesn't go well? What if it does?

Hold on. The truth of it is - dating is way more simple than all that. In fact, dating is about getting to know someone better. You're only goal is to discover whether you want to see them again. That's it.

There are thousands of blogs, articles and websites dedicated to the rules of dating. When it comes down to it, there are three things to keep in mind on your first date with that special someone:

1) Be on Time!
You know what it feels like to wait in a doctor's office. The nerves, tension and anxiety. Imagine adding the fact that maybe the man in the white coat has stood you up and no one is going to call your name. It feels like that. First dates are stressful enough as it is. Make a point to show up on time. If you are delayed, let your date know at the earliest convenience so she/he can adjust their schedule to avoid the "sit and wait" scenario.

2) Dress as You Would an Interview
The goal of an interview is to get on the short list of hire potentials. Dating is like that. You want to present your best foot forward for two reasons. The first is that a presentation of our best selves will leave a good impression on our date. The second is that by looking your best, you will feel your best. If you feel empowered and confident, that will be transferred to your date.

3) 50/50 Rule of Conversation
Spend some time talking, but equally important…. Spend some time listening! Engage in the conversation- ask questions and follow-ups. Be prepared to answer questions with more than just a yes or no.

That's it. The rest of it is enjoying yourself, learning about the other person and seeing where the connection will take you.

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