Come Here Often?

We all know that meeting someone on a bar stool or a website isn't the smartest thing to do. So where do you meet someone then? Friends? yes. Work? Not smart. Great Expectations? Definitely YES! But since that is not always an option, there are other ways to open up your dating pool safely. The trick is to meet someone where other people know them, can vouch for them, or have a background done by an organization. Here are a few ideas for you:

1. Do what you are passionate about. Like animals? Volunteer at the Humane Society. Like Horses? Take a Polo lesson. Love to cook? Take a cooking class. Love to Tango? Sign up for a dance lesson. This way you are in a group setting, meeting someone who already shares a similar interest to you.

2. Get Physical! Join a boot camp class, sign up for a marathon, take a golf lesson, join a cycling club. Whatever your sport of pleasure, this way you will meet new people and get in shape at the same time!

3. Get smart! Join a book club, take a class at the library or the University, join the Historical Society or Toastmasters. Is there a subject you've always wanted to know more about? There will be others that have the same thirst for knowledge!

4. Social Networking! Have a facebook account? Twitter? Linkedin? Although it's a website, most of the people you will meet are friends of friends, so instant comfort zone! Check out what events your friends are going to and join in. Fan your favorite restaurants, hot spots, organizations. You'll be the first to know about upcoming events, parties, openings and festivals.

5. Give back! Volunteering for your favorite charity is very rewarding. Habitat for Humanity, volunteer for the March of Dimes, or any other charity near and dear to your heart. You not only meet new people but feel good about yourself  at the same time!

Hope these ideas will help you get out there and meet a new group of people! Have another idea? Did you meet your significant other doing anything like this? We'd love to hear about it! Comment Below!

Boating, Blankets and Bingo: Great First Date Ideas

We all know that you only get one chance to make a first impression, and that concept is even more amplified when it comes to dating. Remember our Do's & Don'ts? So how do you stand out in a crowd? How do you wow your date in this tough economy? Tired of the coffee shop meetings? The cliche dinner and a movie getting old? (How do you get to know someone while watching a movie anyway?) Well, we have some ideas to help you out!

Great First Date Ideas:

1.  A picnic: Way more private, economical, and intimate that a restaurant. Pack a blanket, some wine, cheese, sandwiches, fruit, turn off the cell phone and get talking! No interruptions from a waiter, no awkward 'who pays the check' at the end, just relaxed conversation.

2. Get active: By the first date, you probably know enough about each other to know what interests you have in common. At least one of those is probably something active! So go for a hike, Rollerblade, golf, bowling, boating, whatever it is that you like. Healthy competition is always an icebreaker! I do not recommend certain activities though, such as tennis, swimming, or your favorite yoga class, as those do not work well with getting to know someone at the same time.

3. Get cultural. Check out an art gallery, a museum or take a historic tour. Nothing starts up a conversation like a Monet versus a Rembrandt or whether the old house on the corner is haunted!

4. Be a kid! Go to the zoo, the amusement park, get an ice cream cone, play bingo, see a magic show. Who wouldn't want to be a kid for a day again? What an easy way to let your guard down and really be yourself!

No matter what you do, just make sure that the date is stress-free, and you can both relax and (hopefully) enjoy each other's company.  That's the only way to know if there is going to be a Date #2!

Great Expectations Top Ten Dating Do’s & Don’ts

1.  Don’t be late. Being late does not increase anticipation, it shows lack of respect and that your time is more important than theirs.

2.  Dress to Impress. Dress appropriately for the location, don’t show too much skin, but look like you put effort into getting ready. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression!

3.  Keep the conversation light. Avoid all talk of past relationships- good or bad, steer away from religion, politics & sex, and be sure not to come off as a “complainer”.

4. Listen and engage in the conversation. Ask questions, without getting too personal…this isn’t therapy!

5. Have a positive attitude!  Don’t be afraid to try a new cuisine, see a movie you wouldn’t normally see, or see a band that is out of your listening range. You never know, you just might like it!

6.  Don’t Drink & Date!  Know yourself and your limits. There is nothing sexy about a sloppy first date. Also, be cautious of what you order. We’re not saying stick to a salad, but if you order the steak, maybe don’t add the lobster! Show restraint & respect. It is a recession, after all!

7. Be realistic with your expectations. Dinner does not mean marriage. Go, enjoy yourself and see where it goes, but….

8. Don’t drag out the inevitable. If you are not feeling a connection, don’t stay for that second drink or dinner. Or give that good night kiss. Be honest with yourself and your feelings. No need to hurt anyone else’s feelings either.

9.  Who pays the check? Most men agree it is their responsibility, and gladly do so, but ladies, always offer! Don’t assume he will pay- no man wants to feel like a meal ticket!

10. If you had a good time, make sure to tell him! A follow-up call, text or email is always appreciated.