Zodiac Women & Sex – Which is Your Bedroom Match?

Each of the twelve zodiac women has distinctive traits which make them unique individuals and exciting lovers. Compare your needs to the qualities of these women and find out which is the best love match for you.

Aquarius: Leaves you guessing, but never disappointed.

A physical attraction may draw the Aquarius woman to you, but it’s the mental stimulation that will keep her. Originality she likes, so come up with sensual ideas that match her own unconventional attitude towards sexual pleasure. Talk to her, whisper those lust filled words of encouragement in her ear and the night will be anything but quiet.

-- Best romantic partners: Gemini and Libra.

Aries: Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly.

This woman can be a devil who’ll warm up your nights like no other. The Aries woman is adventurous and impulsive – ready to try whatever playful antics her partner suggests. She’ll take on the leadership role if you want, but patience isn’t a virtue - when she says she wants you, she probably means now!

-- Best romantic partners: Leo and Sagittarius

Cancer: Will patiently take you to the edge.

Long baths and hot showers bring this Cancer woman to a boil. She’s a one person woman who places her lover on a pedestal, so forget the ménage a trios – but don’t think there’ll be any bedroom boredom, far from it! This lady will enthusiastically do whatever to please her partner and a little imagination will turn that calm evening into a romantic storm.

-- Best romantic partners: Scorpio and Pisces

Capricorn: Can be wilder than you may think.

Certainly practical and definitely a realist, the Capricorn woman can sometimes be too serious. Sometimes – not always! Maybe she’s not as adventurous as some, but the lady is willing to learn. Turn out those bedroom lights and this reserved woman becomes a wildcat who’s ready to get down and dirty with her partner.

-- Best romantic partners: Taurus and Virgo

Gemini: Two for the price of one.

Much to the delight of her partner, the Gemini twins can have this woman turning from angel to devil in an instant. With her quick wit and mental agility, this imaginative lady may be hard to keep up with – but for those willing to try she’ll take you on a sexual trip that will leave you breathless.

-- Best romantic partners: Libra and Aquarius

Leo: She’s no shrinking violet.

Confident in her own sexuality, the Leo woman is comfortable initiating the chase, taking the lead, or becoming the prey. However you lay it down, this lady’s no prude and can be exceptionally creative when it comes to romance. A relationship with her is never dull and this woman’s insatiable sex drive requires a partner who can keep up.

-- Best romantic partners: Sagittarius and Aries

Libra: A romantic who hates to be alone.

She’s a true romantic and needs the closeness of passionate embraces and a long heated encounter. This refined Libra woman can be described as a social butterfly, so those partners who desire escapades in more open forums, or group settings, may find this woman an ideal companion. Whatever the setting, this lady will make her partner feel like the most important person in the world.

-- Best romantic partners: Gemini and Aquarius

Pisces: Not one to hold back.

Can this Pisces woman be a fiery Cleopatra from the past? Some believe that she’s linked to the spiritual world and draws on experiences from previous lives. That being the case, she has learned well because this seductress holds nothing back when it comes to pleasing her partner. Sensitive to the needs of her lover, the lady intuitively knows how to thrill her mate … and she does it well.

-- Best romantic partners: Cancer and Scorpio

Sagittarius: A formidable mate and lover.

The Sagittarius woman is quite open-minded when it comes to romance and isn’t against making her sexual needs known. Her partner has to be adventurous when it comes to intimacy and shouldn’t be surprised at this lady’s enthusiastic outlook on sex. Wherever, whenever – this woman can give you all the excitement you can handle.

-- Best romantic partners: Aries and Leo

Scorpio: Needs someone who can match her passion.

Passionate, intense, jealous, and determined - relationships with a complex Scorpio woman can be wildly volatile, yet exhilaratingly satisfying for the right partner. Provide her with your full attention and she will give you complete loyalty. This woman is a voracious lover whose unrestrained sexual fervour will keep her partner satisfied beyond belief.

-- Best romantic partners: Cancer and Pisces

Taurus: There are two sides to this woman.

The Taurus woman is gentle and caring, a nurturing mate who takes care of her partner – in every way. She is possessive and demands loyalty from her mate, so any intimacy requiring a third party won’t be acceptable. But this doesn’t mean a lack of sexual excitement – far from it! The woman has another side and it’s a wild one quickly unleashed once you’re behind closed doors.

-- Best romantic partners: Virgo and Capricorn.

Virgo: Refined, conservative, and surprising.

Don’t let the reserved exterior of this Virgo woman fool you because she’s has hot and playful as they come. She’s not good with small talk, so you can expect those sultry words breathed into your ear to be direct and to the point – you’ll not be left guessing what she’s in the mood for. This lady is a hard worker and an exhausting lover.

-- Best romantic partners: Taurus and Capricorn.

Zodiac Men & Sex – Which One’s Your Match?

The twelve men of the zodiac each possess unique characteristics that make them an exciting lover for the right person. Compare your needs to the qualities of these men and find out which is the best love match for you.

Aquarius: Strong mental attraction leads to physical pleasure.

Original and unpredictable, the Aquarius man will show you bedroom pleasures you never knew existed. This man can have you flying high enough in the clouds that you may touch a piece of Heaven by the time he’s finished. He’s a talker, so you can expect some steamy phone sex to start, or words whispered in your ear that will initiate the tumultuous finish to your journey.

-- Best romantic partners: Gemini and Libra

Aries: Get ready for the high energy Ram.

With fire as his element, the Aries man is hot! Passion and excitement abound with this gentleman and his impulsively adventurous nature makes him ready to take things to different heights. If you can handle it, this one will keep you on your toes. He’s always ready to explore whatever erotic activity you have in mind, so get your toys out because this man came to play.

-- Best romantic partners: Leo and Sagittarius

Cancer: This gentleman knows how to please his partner.

Pale blue and silver are his colours, the colours of water and the moon – so a moonlight tryst on the beach, long hot baths and steamy showers can all play a part in his romantic repertoire. He wants his lover all to himself, so don’t expect a third partner to be added to the bedroom activities – but this doesn’t mean sexual boredom. The Cancer gentleman intuitively knows what pleases his companion, so intimacy will be as wonderfully tumultuous as a winter storm.

-- Best romantic partners: Scorpio and Pisces

Capricorn: He knows how to get down and dirty.

Don’t let his “all work and no play” nature fool you because the Capricorn gentleman knows how to take care of bedroom business. A reserved and disciplined nature – uniform and cuffs for after hours play, perhaps? Patience is a strong trait, so don’t expect hurried sex because he’ll take his time making sure you’re pleased.

-- Best romantic partners: Taurus and Virgo

Gemini: A complex, multi-faceted lover.

The adventurous Gemini man will make sure the bedroom activities are always fresh and exciting. His logical nature means he’ll have your evening activities planned out in advance, but don’t think you can second guess this gentleman when it comes to sexual excitement because his imagination runs wild when it comes to your physical pleasure.

-- Best romantic partners: Libra and Aquarius

Leo: This insatiable lion needs a partner who can keep up.

The Leo man is a powerful leader, so you can count on him to take charge of your sexual enjoyment. Possessing an ‘anything goes’ attitude, this gentleman can be extremely creative when it comes to pleasing his partner. He’s theatrical and dramatic by nature, so you know that your love making will be entertaining and always fulfilling.

-- Best romantic partners: Sagittarius and Aries

Libra: A romantic charmer.

If there’s anyone who can ‘charm your pants off’, the Libra man is the one to do it. Refined and charming, he knows how to bring out the best in you – including the release of your sexual inhibitions. He pays attention to what you say and understands your feelings, your needs. This gentleman is a romantic, so expect to be wined and dined and have your every intimate fantasy fulfilled.

-- Best romantic partners: Gemini and Aquarius

Pisces: He holds nothing back when it comes to love.

Intuitive, perceptive and passionate – traits that make the Pisces man a dream lover who’ll have you dancing to love’s song all night long. Some say he’s linked to the spiritual world which may explain his magical ways in the bedroom. Romance and intimacy are strong components of his relationships and he will put your needs before his own … a guaranteed recipe for pleasure.

-- Best romantic partners: Cancer and Scorpio

Sagittarius: Every intimate moment is a new adventure.

The Sagittarius man loves the excitement of intimacy and makes sure that each encounter is a memorable one. Broad-minded and adventurous, this gentleman is a road map to pleasure. Sexually bold and unconventionally original in the ways of making love, this man needs a partner who’s equally willing to explore the many avenues of physical delight.

-- Best romantic partners: Aries and Leo

Scorpio: He could be the sexiest one of them all.

It’s said the Scorpio man is the sexiest sign of the zodiac, so it’s no wonder you’ll find this gentleman to be a passionate and insatiable lover. Some could even say he’s over-sexed … but is that a bad thing? Not for the right partner – those who express themselves without reservation and can match his unreserved enthusiasm in the bedroom.

-- Best romantic partners: Cancer and Pisces

Taurus: The affectionate and sensual man.

He may not be the most adventurous lover, but the Taurus man can certainly be counted on to deliver pleasure time and time again. He is a giver who will intuitively respond to the needs of his companion. The man wants his partner all to himself, so a ‘swingers’ lifestyle won’t work with him – but with his ability to satisfy there’s no need to go beyond his arms.

-- Best romantic partners: Virgo and Capricorn

Virgo: Not as conservative and reserved as you may think.

Definitely a man of taste and refinement who’s not that good with small talk … but maybe his actions need no verbal introduction. Beneath that staunch exterior lies an emotional beast that will unleash the animalistic best in you. The Virgo man is a hard working perfectionist on the job – and in the bedroom. Whether it’s on the boardroom table, or the one in the kitchen, the gentleman knows how to take care of business.

-- Best romantic partners: Taurus and Capricorn

A Man’s Guide for Preparing the Romantic Dinner

The first thing you have to know is that hamburgers, hot dogs and canned beans will not be on the menu. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with wieners ‘n beans – they’re just not headliners for a romantic dinner. And no, canned beer will not be included in the list of beverages.

Making a romantic dinner for your special lady isn’t as difficult as you may think, so relax, take a deep breath and get ready to surprise her with a special dining experience – a meal prepared by you!

Barbeques – Home Style Romance

Man’s best friend – the barbeque. You had to breath a big sigh of relief when you seen this one. If there’s one thing man knows how to do, besides taking things apart, it’s cooking up a rustic meal on the BBQ.

What’s on the menu isn’t as important as the dining atmosphere, so whatever you decide to place on that grill is your decision – as long as you remember that burgers and dogs are out. This is your time to shine, so select an appropriate piece of meat to go along with your garnish and side dish. Ready made salads and baked potatoes are usually available at your local deli or meat market. You can even get a skewer of prawns for a reasonable price. A man can’t go romantically wrong with a little surf ‘n turf.

Daylight BBQ’s may be great for friends and family, but not for a romantic dinner. Wait until the sun sets. Light some candles on the cloth covered patio table, and then turn on her favourite choice of soft music. Wine, juice, or soft drinks are served in glasses, not left in their containers.

Fight those natural urges to bring out the paper plates and plastic cutlery. Romantic dinners have to be served on the good dishes with utensils that don’t break when used. This does mean washing dishes afterwards, but doing them with your lady can be romantic in itself.

Frozen Dinners and Candlelight

You’ve all used a microwave, so this one shouldn’t be much of a challenge. Simply read the cooking instructions and go for it. Okay, so TV dinners don’t sound very romantic, but you’ve got to think beyond the box – literally. You don’t serve the meal in its tacky plastic tray … you make these frozen entrées look like you’ve spent the appropriate amount of kitchen time making them just for her.

Once heated, the dinners are put on proper plates and placed on a table adorned with candles and a few of her favourite flowers. If you don’t know what kind of flowers she really likes, any flowers will work – except for the plastic ones.

Frozen dinners may be a bit lean in content, so add a little finesse with some warm buns, or bread rolls. Serve up a bottle of chilled wine, or other flavoured beverage, and maybe a tossed green salad for starters. Give it some thought and even this modest meal can be turned into a romantic dinner.

Ready to Cook – the Easy Way to be Romantic

Kick it up a notch and replace those frozen TV dinners with a ready-to-cook meal. Actually, the meals don’t even have to be cooked, just heated up. They can be purchased from your local supermarket or deli at a modest price and come in a variety of dishes that will include any number of meats, potato and vegetables - everything you need for a full course meal.

Replace the container with your own plates and serve your sweetie some fine dining in a candlelit atmosphere.

Put this one over the top by adding dessert - some strawberries and whipped cream, for instance. If that’s not romantic, nothing is.

It Still Works if You Bring it Home

Now we get to those that can’t barbeque, have an aversion to frozen dinners, and couldn’t find any ready-to-heat meals at the supermarket. Or maybe you just want something with more of a European flair – like Italian. For those, it’s take-out!

Most Italian restaurants provide take out service, so you can go all out with a full course pasta dish for your romantic interlude. Once plated on your own china and served up in the light of soft candles, these can present an exceptionally romantic meal for you and your lady. Final hint on this entrée - select any dinner you like, but not pizza.

To finish off this romantic dinner, treat her to a luxury dessert that can be had from any decent supermarket. Nothing sets the mood like a rich chocolate dessert being spoon fed to each other in a candlelight setting. If you’re calorie conscious, try feeding each other from a small platter of fruit pieces.

And there you have it – that romantic dinner prepared by you, just for her!

Finding Mister Right

Mr. Right: he’s there, someplace - you just have to go out and find him. Decide what it is you’re honestly looking for and don’t settle on anything less. It’s not always an easy task and the road to real love can be full of disappointment, but follow some basic rules and the journey will have its happy ending.

What do you really want?

Determine what you need from a man and the relationship. Now is the time to be honest with yourself and be fussy. Establish what you must have, not what you’re hoping to get. Set your goals and don’t settle with second best.

Dress to attract the man you want:

Showing an abundance of cleavage and too much thigh sends out the wrong message. If you’ve set the profile of the man you want, then dress the way he’d want his woman to look. Even sportswear and casual wear can be worn to look good, just make sure your clothing fits and are clean. Don’t go overboard on the make-up and remember that perfumes are meant to attract, not repel.

Where you go determines what you’ll get:

Go to a bar, get a bar-fly. It’s rare that you’ll find an outdoors enthusiast sitting in the pub at 2 o’clock on a sunny Saturday afternoon, so look elsewhere. If you do feel like having a cocktail, be more selective about the places you visit. Keep asking yourself: “Where would my perfect man be?” – and go there.

How you act says who you are:

Spitting in public says a lot about a person, so does the language they use. Eating habits and over indulgence in liquor directly influences the way people look at you. If you’re a smoker, pay attention to stale breath and the lingering smell of smoke on your clothing. Unless you’re not at all particular in who you go home with, take a hard look at your habits – and ditch those bad ones.

Look for friendship, not a relationship:

It’s easier to find a friend than a lifelong companion, but one could easily end up being the other. Don’t let every waking moment revolve around finding someone to spend the rest of your life with because that will be far too stressful and filled with disappointment. Relax and enjoy meeting new friends – it’s a search for Mr Right, not a hunt for prey.

Communicate your needs as soon as possible:

Men are not mind-readers. If you’re afraid that being open about what you’re looking for in a man and a relationship will chase him away, then think of it this way: If he runs from what you’re saying he’s not the man you’re looking for. Start communicating early on in your dating relationship. You can share your feelings with a man as long as you do it correctly. Don’t divulge your intimate feelings too early and never express your feelings in a negative context.

A “friend with benefits” relationship will rarely get you Mr Right:

This is exactly what it implies - sex without commitment. It’s nothing more, so don’t fool yourself into thinking anything different. If you believe you can use a physical attraction to start a serious relationship, you’re wrong. Casual sex is casual sex and men can rarely make that leap to something more serious. This type of situation is never developed to become a lasting relationship.

Lust isn’t love:

Know the difference between that physical attraction and a lasting love. Love making draws out strong emotions and these feelings can sometime be interpreted as love. This is not always the case and once the layer of lust is stripped away you may be disappointed with what you find lying underneath. Think of it this way: Lust is short term, love is forever. You have to be able to communicate, so talking is a far more important attribute than sex in a long term committed relationship.

You can’t fix him because he was never broken:

What you see is what you get and you’re not going to change his behaviour, so don’t even try. If you accept the way he is now in hopes of moulding him later, forget it. Re-check your list and don’t accept anything less than what you started out to find. And go with your heart - if the attraction isn’t there to start, it probably won’t ever be.

Don’t tolerate a bad situation:

If it’s not working, get out. Never settle for anything less than what you want and need in a relationship. You can’t change it once you’ve accepted ‘the way things are’. To then start complaining turns you into the “B” word to a man – you become a nag and the antagonist in a relationship. Life is too short to live it in misery and ‘what if’ scenarios.

Desperation is the final word. Don’t fall prey to it. Finding Mr Right can happen in the next few minutes, or it could take years. Some women never do find their Prince Charming, but that doesn’t mean you stop looking for the magic that comes with Mister Right.

Dating a Single Parent

Is dating a single parent different from dating anyone else? It can be, particularly if the person hasn’t been actively dating for a while. When you’re a single parent with young children, especially if they’re pre-school age, there’s not much time left for socializing. Recognize this and your date will get off to a good start - while the following tips will ensure a great finish.

- Your date’s life will almost certainly revolve around children, so start there. Ask about the kids – ages, activities, hobbies and school. It’s a great way to get the conversation started and put your date at ease with a subject they’re comfortable talking about.

- Once the conversation on children has started, ask to see a picture. If your date is a single mom, she’s probably carrying quite a few.

- Past relationships are usually a bad idea to ask about, but if you’re really daring, go ahead. Sometimes it’s a topic they’re comfortable with, sometimes it isn’t. Be careful not to become their therapist and don’t offer unsolicited advice. Always have an alternate subject to talk about when this one starts failing, or is shunned.

- You don’t want the evening to be filled with conversations about children, so make a list of things to talk about ahead of time. Hobbies, family origins, and pets – any topic is fine as long as it keeps the discussions going and moves it away from kids … and past relationships.

- Calling home to see how the children are is always a nice suggestion. If your date is feeling comfortable with you it probably won’t be necessary, but the gesture on your part will be appreciated.

- Let your date know that it’s okay for your children to call you. Be proactive and have the telephone numbers for where you’ll be. This shows your sincerity. Hopefully, your date will be pleased about the suggestion, but will make sure that the calls are for emergency only.

- If your date hasn’t been socializing lately, keep the date more subdued. If you’re doing dinner, make it casual dining. You’ll want to get to know your date if it’s the first time out, so avoid places where you can’t sit and talk – like movie theatres. A nice walk is always good.

- Make the date someplace where casual dress is in order. With the responsibility of supporting children, your date may not be in a position to afford an expensive wardrobe. Not that this matters, but it could be embarrassing for your date if you’re intending to go someplace requiring fancier attire.

- Always be aware of the baby talk. Single parents of young children may unintentionally slip into this banter, but don’t take it as an invitation to reply in the same childish babble. Sometimes it might be cute coming from a female, but never if your dates a single dad.

- If getting a babysitter is a problem, you can always suggest an activity where your date’s children can join you. This isn’t a great idea on a first date, but after that, why not? If you’re going to see the person again, then kids will be part of it.

- Let your date dictate when you’ll meet the kids. Suggest that they participate in a future date and make it a theme park, beach, or wherever children will be comfortable and have a good time. First time outings with children at a restaurant don’t usually turn out as expected.

- When the date is over, don’t invite yourself back into their home. Your date may not be ready for that and feel uncomfortable with kids running around and the possible state of the home. There’ll be time for that later, when your date is prepared.

Dating a single parent can have its challenges, but if you’re seriously interested in the person, working your dates around kids, colds and babysitters is worth it.

Romance and Romantically Challenged Men

Man’s entire mental approach to romance is worlds apart from the thinking of a woman. His thought process is basic, primeval. In fact, this primitive mindset is the reason men rationalize romance based on simplistic needs and not emotion.

Men will look at a cave and see nothing more than a hole in the ground where he can take shelter from the rain. A woman looks at the same cave and sees a home – a place nicely decorated with curtains and furniture, somewhere comfortable for her family.

From hole-in-the-wall to home, an example that shows how differently men and women can think when it comes to the fundamental aspects of a relationship.

Dating:

Man invented the wheel, so it should come as no surprise that the male population is enthused by any activity that revolves around this discovery. Monster trucks, motorcycle racing, or anything else that involves high speeds and dangerous driving, is a natural attraction for men. Exhaust fumes and the roar of vehicles without mufflers are to men what candles and soft music are to women – a turn-on!

The competitive side of man has him drawn to physical activities like football and hockey and he’s compelled to watch these warriors compete on the sports battleground. And you can’t get any more basic than wrestling – the ultimate show of manhood, one against one in animalistic combat!

What has this to do with dating? It’s quite easy – these activities go right to the man’s heart and he naturally wants to include his woman in what he enjoys. Understand the underlying difference in thought patterns and women can easily manoeuvre their men into a romantic evening. When it comes to movies, women like romance while men go for action. A woman will think ballet, the man thinks break dancing; women enjoy a stage performance, her man’s idea of a stage is the boxing ring.

Women can get the candle light dinner and moonlit walk along the beach - after the baseball game.

Romantic dinners:

Having something to eat is simply a means of replenishing ones strength, or an activity done during a family gathering – man never meant it to be a romantic effort. There was always a practical purpose for eating – and it had absolutely nothing to do with romance.

Basic man, basic cooking – barbeques, fried chicken, pizza and fast food. If you can wash it down with bottled beer, it’s good. If you can do that without having to get out of your jeans, it’s even better. Eating a meal wasn’t intended to be a prolonged event for man.

Knowing this, it may be wise for the woman to suggest a long night of unimaginable pleasure if her man will take his time at the dining room table.

Gifts:

If it can be taken apart, or used to take something apart, a man will be fascinated by it. If it makes loud noise, or can be hung on the workshop wall, he’ll want it. Hand tools, power accessories, and anything electronic – give your man a ratchet set and it’s like sex; add a compressor and he’ll have an orgasm.

In his role of handyman, tools are a natural gift for him. Considering this mentality, is it any wonder that a gift he selects for his woman happens to be a kitchen utensil, or microwave oven?

If you want your gift to be something personal, don’t leave the decision up to your man or you will probably be disappointed. Help him out and make a list of what you want – he’ll appreciate it.

Sex and intimacy:

A simple three letter, one syllable word that’s easy for men to remember, sex is a word developed for man. To a man, sex is as fundamental as eating – it’s another pleasurable project on his list of things to do. If he doesn’t have to get dressed up for dinner, he won’t. If he can have sex without foreplay, he will. If a woman wants her man to be romantic, she has to train him – but it shouldn’t be all that hard since men aren’t overly complicated. He’ll quickly learn that the longer he plays, the longer he stays.

Are men really romantically challenged? Some say they are while others defend man’s simplistic approach to love as being a product of his prehistoric heritage. Women have evolved into complex creatures and have to exercise patience while they wait for their men to catch up.

Sex Tapes: Should You Make One?

Making a sex tape of you and your partner’s sexcapades can be quite exciting, but is it a good idea?

Putting together a tape of your love making is obviously quite arousing and can add that extra fuel to the sexual fire. What most people don’t think about, however, is the possibility of a couple breaking up – and then what happens to the tape, or DVD?

We’ve all heard of the infamous sex tapes that fall into the hands of the wrong people and end up on the internet, or scorned lovers using the tapes as blackmail. Here are a few hints to help make your sex tape fun and not regrettable.

- Never take it for granted that the two of you will be together forever. Amicable breaks in a relationship can turn nasty and jealousies can cause a scorned partner to use the sex tapes for a use not originally intended;

- With the ever popular You-Tube craze and stolen sex tapes, your filmed escapades must be kept in a safe and secure location where they can’t accidentally be found by someone else;

- Make sure that there is only one copy, that all the others have been destroyed (including any working copies), and that you have possession of the tape or DVD;

- If you’re doing any editing (both of you involved in this process can be as arousing as the original taping), have the files deleted from your computer so that the finished copy is the only evidence of your filming session;

- Consider wearing masks in the sex tape so that identification of the parties will only be known by the two players in the film. You can still watch it, know you’re the stars, and maybe the disguises will be an added stimulant to your movie;

- Don’t make a sex tape with anyone other than a person you’re in a long term, committed relationship with. You want to always know that the tape will be used for you and your partner’s personal pleasure only and not distributed all over the internet;

- One security measure is to make the sex tape, watch it, then have it destroyed – all copies, including the original. Now you will have nothing to worry about – and the best part of the sex tape is making it, so now you have a reason to start all over!

- For the best security, don’t have the camera running. Connect it to your television and start the taping so you can watch yourselves on TV, but there’s no hard copy produced that has to be worried about. Watching the live action on your TV monitor will be a turn-on all in itself.

Taping you and your partner enjoying intimate moments can be stimulating fun, but remember to always consider the consequences of your sex tapes falling into the wrong hands, or being used for purposes not originally intended.

Friendship: Taking it to the Next Level

What happens when you decide to take that friendship to another level? Is it a good thing to ask your friend out on a date … a real date? Do these relationships ever work out, or does exposing your friend to your true feelings destroy the friendship?

It can be treacherous ground, for sure. I went through just that experience. Although it worked out well for me, it may not turn out that way for somebody else.

My husband and I had been friends for many years. I have to admit that I was physically attracted to him, but the idea that we would ever actually be together was more a fantasy of mine than anything else. To be honest, we had flirted with each other for many years with subtle touches and even an occasional stolen kiss under the guise of a birthday wish, or New Years Eve traditional touching of the lips. We had enjoyed being with each other, finding it easy to talk about whatever and occasionally consoling one another when relationships went bad.

Did he care for me? As it turns out, yes. And he decided to try and take our friendship to the next level – a more serious one.

One day he told me how he felt. He was very open about it and said that if I didn’t feel the same way then he would have to distance himself from me. It’s not that he wanted to, but he wasn’t able to continue the charade and not be jealous of my relationships with other people. We talked for quite a while about this, but I actually wasn’t sure what I felt. It had come as quite a surprise that he wanted us to be a couple and I found it scary that I was now being asked to make a decision on our future relationship.

Okay, so I took the night and thought it over … and came to the conclusion that I guess I really knew I would come to all along. I called him up and said yes. I told him that I wanted to give our relationship a try and see where it would go.

We took it slow for several months and let our feelings go where they would. Even though it was difficult, we kept sex out of things and just let the relationship blossom on its own. Communication was a key factor and we would talk for hours about everything and anything. The only thing that was different between us was that now we openly showed our feelings for each other – holding hands; arms around each other; a public kiss of affection; smiles that now meant more than they did before.

I think that being friends first definitely helped, but getting to really know each other cemented the relationship – and here we are, 25 years later, married and still madly in love with each other.

If you’re interested in seeing if your friendship should be taken to another level, I would suggest that you:

- Make sure that your feelings are more than simple curiosity and lust;

- Try staying away from your friend for a while and see how you feel. If you find yourself constantly thinking about him/her, then maybe it’s time to take a chance;

- Understand the consequences of making your emotions known because it may not work out exactly as you had planned;

- Consider the fact that the other person may not feel the same way about you and what you’re going to do if that’s the case;

- Acknowledge that once these kind of romantic feelings are made known, there is no turning back and the friendship as you know it may never be the same again;

- If the other person doesn’t feel the same way, you may have to restrict your time around the individual because it’s doubtful you’ll be able to accept them being with someone else;

- When you find that the other person feels like you and wants to try and move the relationship forward, take it slow;

- Keep sex out of it because you don’t want lust influencing your real feelings. There will be lots of time for that later;

- Talk, talk, talk. Let your dates become time for getting to explore your emotions and to better understand the other person. You may have been friends and think you know all there is to know about the other person, but remember that this is now something different – take the time to explore it.

Above all else, don’t try so hard to make it work, simply enjoy the time you spend together – that’s what relationships are all about!

Dating, Men and Lost Cars

I read an article the other day about a television celebrity who forgot where he parked his car while shopping in Hollywood. This actor was apparently seen wandering the lot, pushing the lock button on his key chain while he listened for the beep.

This must really be a man thing ‘cause it happened to hubby-dearest last week while we were out on a romantic date – if you can call a Monster-Truck Rally a romantic date. Well, we did hold hands and he bought me a bucket of popcorn (with extra butter), so I guess you can say the date was somewhat romantic. According to my man, anytime the two of us get out of the house alone and spend money (other than shopping), it’s a date. Who can argue with that kind of dating logic?

Okay, I’m digressing a bit. Our date started off fine. Being the gentleman that he is, my husband dropped me off at the arena entrance while he parked the car. After several hours of eating dust laden popcorn and drinking warm soda, the event was over and so was our date – time to go home. We left the arena and went outside to the parking lot. It hit him almost immediately - he had absolutely no idea where he had left the vehicle.

Honest. I’m not lying about this. We stood there dumbfounded with our bag full of souvenirs in hand wondering where the hell he’d left our ride. No idea, none whatsoever. My husband turned to me for help and I simply told him: “Hey, it’s your car; you’re supposed to know where it is.”

He didn’t get excited and did what any man would do – pulled out the remote and pressed the panic button. Yes, the alarm went off and we could hear the blaring horn and knew the lights were flashing madly, but the car was still nowhere to be seen.

It was still hidden amongst a thousand others, parked somewhere in one of those 30 rows with its alarm system blaring. And he’s standing on the sidewalk like a dork with the remote stretched out over his head so that everyone walking by knows that he’s the one who lost his car.

And now I’m thinking about those days when you’d see cars toting monstrously tall CB antennas. Remember them? They would often be adorned with distinctive flags, or raccoon tails, or something else just as tacky. My dad had one. He didn’t have a CB, but he had the antenna. I never knew why.

Now I do.

Should Single Mothers Date?

Is there any reason that a single mom shouldn’t date? Absolutely not! Single mothers should be out in the world enjoying the experiences of dating just like everyone else.

Unfortunately, some may have a different opinion.

In a supermarket the other day a woman was talking to a friend and said that her daughter was having a difficult time dating and couldn’t seem to find the right man. Mother-dearest suggested that her single-mom daughter not date until the children were “older”. Although “older” was never defined, it was taken to be adulthood.

Maybe the men aren’t the problem, but the way the single mother is handling her dates.

In many cases, single parents who’ve been out of the dating game for a while have forgotten some of the rules. All they need for a successful date is a refresher course on dating. These few bits of dating advice will help.

Clothing should be appropriate for the date:
-- Dress to be with adults, not children.
-- Wear something casual, but not provocative.
-- What you wear should be appropriate for where you’re going.
-- Stay away from anything with language or graphics that can be offensive.
-- Hint: if you’re not comfortable going to church in it, put it back.

Perfumes are to be used in moderation:
-- Don’t use your favourite perfume to excess.
-- Use a dab, not a splash.
-- Hint: Perfumes are to entice, not overwhelm.

Jewellery is an accent, not a statement:
-- Bling is nice, but you don’t have to wear it all at once.
-- Know the difference between elegant and garish.
-- Hint: If your date needs sunglasses for the glare, it’s too much.

Fragrances other than your perfume:
-- Be aware of odors that aren’t your perfume.
-- Don’t overdo the deodorant. The mix with your perfume could be over-powering.
-- Breath mints are mandatory.
-- Cigarette smoke on your breath or clothing is unpleasant to a non-smoker.
-- Hint: Always wear freshly laundered clothes.

Timing is important:
-- Be considerate, be on time.
-- Make sure your busy schedule leaves enough time to get ready.
-- Phone if you’re running late, and the earlier the better.
-- If you’re being picked up – be ready and waiting.
-- If you’re meeting your date, it’s better to arrive early.
-- Hint: Dates shouldn’t be kept waiting more than 5 minutes

Emergency situations have to be planned for:
-- Make sure you have enough money to get yourself back home.
-- Don’t assume that your date is going to pay for everything.
-- Take your cell phone, or borrow one.
-- Hint: Plan like you’ll have to pay for everything.

Conversation is the key to a good date:
-- Keep it light.
-- Don’t talk about kids unless your date brings it up.
-- Previous lovers, bad marriages and family problems are out.
-- Baby talk may be cute, but has no place on a dinner date.
-- Give your date a chance to be part of the conversation.
-- Don’t let the conversation turn to silence.
-- Hint: Make a list of things to talk about before you leave home.

Fun is what a date is all about:
-- Don’t worry about the kids and start calling them every ten minutes.
-- Limit your drinking - slurred words and falling off the chair aren’t good things.
-- Crude innuendos and course language are for the gutter, not a date.
-- Hint: Relax and enjoy yourself

Ending the date:
-- If it’s your first date, end it at the door.
-- Make it another time to meet your kids, don’t rush things.
-- A Kiss on the cheek is appropriate.
-- Anything more will be dictated by your feelings.
-- Hint: From here on out, you’re on your own!

This date is your time to have some fun and adult conversation, so enjoy it.

How to Care for Aging Parents

Parents have always been the caregivers. They worked, provided food and shelter, and raised families. As our parents age, they face a reversal in that role and find themselves needing care. This can be a difficult change for aging parents to accept.

In many cases, aging parents do not want to acknowledge that they need assistance. So how do we care for our aging parents without making them feel that they need it? How do we get past the pride and make their senior years as good as they should be?

1. Understand their feelings. This should be a good time in their lives, but it’s made difficult because of reduced mobility and retirement from the work force. They’re no longer needed at work and their kids have grown up, moved out and are raising families of their own – without their help. Quite naturally, they don’t feel as needed as they used to be.

2. Take payment when it’s offered. This can be a difficult one, but the offer makes our aging parents feel they’re still able to pay their own way and are not a burden on you. Decline, but it will probably be pushed on you. Take the cookies, pop, or sandwich. If it’s money, see if you can trade for one of mom’s home-made pies, or dad’s help with a later project. If you have to take the money, put it aside and use it to buy them that something extra, or use it for a grandchild’s education. When they comment on how well their grandchild has done, let them know it was their money that did it.

3. Call them on the phone. Make calls regular, every morning perhaps, to make sure everything is okay. And tell them that’s why you call. It’s caring. Provide them with a ‘call as you go’ cell phone so they have contact in case of an emergency away from the home. Give it as a birthday, or Christmas gift.

4. Drop in unexpectedly. This shows that you visit not out of a sense of duty, but because you actually want to see them. It’s important that they not feel forgotten, even though they’re not.

5. Involve them in your activities. Invite them to the park, grandchild’s school event, or other social activities. Let them be involved in arranging birthday parties, anniversary gatherings, or anything else you could use a hand at.

6. Ask for their advice. Whether you take it or not is secondary to making them feel that what they think and have to offer is still valued. Gain from their experience.

7. Listen to their stories. Get them to tell you about the ‘old’ days when they were younger. Have them fill you in on the family backgrounds and things you may never have known. Like most, we like to remember our younger days and our aging parents are no different. It’s a way of passing history from generation to generation.

8. Have dinner together. This can be one of those home-made meals that mom always used to put on. Her feeling of worth is increased with the knowledge that her kids still enjoy that home-cooking.

9. Take them shopping. Offer to take them along when you go shopping, or call and ask if they need anything while you’re out. Their continued activity will keep them young and independent, particularly if they can’t drive all that much anymore.

10. Don’t treat them like old people. They are important members of our senior society, so treat them like respected elders, not like old people.

There’s no magic to caring for aging parents. It’s simply doing for them what they’ve always done for us.

A Man’s Guide for Meeting Women

To meet a woman who may end up being that `special someone`, you’ll have to meet women who enjoy the same interests and activities you do. Unless you’re a skier, or want to learn, it makes no sense spending time at the ski lodge meeting women who are totally into the sport. With that in mind, look to meet women at places you normally visit, or at social activities you enjoy.

Bars and Clubs
These continue to be the most popular spots to meet women, but if you’re not into `clubbing` then this probably won’t suit you. Relationships may blossom from meeting women at bars and clubs, but the odds against this are higher than if you meet women at places where you can find a mutual interest.

Hardware Stores and Lumber Yards
The major hardware and lumber yards now say that 50 percent of their sales are made to women and they’ve directed their advertising and store layouts towards that market. More and more women are obviously becoming do-it-yourself enthusiasts and what could be more natural than to meet women who enjoy shopping at hardware stores as much as men do?

Grocery Stores and Super Markets
Everybody eats which means they have to shop, so this is a prime location to meet women. What can be more pathetic than a man lost in the baking section, staring at the ready-to-bake muffin packages, wondering which one he should choose? And what better way to meet women than by asking for their opinion?

Sporting Events
It doesn’t make any difference what sport any more than it matters if it’s a professional or amateur event. It’s common ground on which to meet women. You can take this a step further and join a sports club that is co-ed. This could be softball, soccer, billiards, darts, or whatever activity you’re interested in. This is always a good way to meet women that enjoy the same sports you do. Imagine – no more fighting over Monday night football!

Museums and Art Galleries
For a more sophisticated appeal, art galleries and museums present excellent opportunities to meet women. You can either be the novice and looking to tap into their knowledge of a subject, or you can be the one enlightening your future partner on the aspects of modern art, or the historical significance of some clay pottery.

City Parks
This is always a good place to meet women, especially on a warm spring or summer day. Depending on the park, you can have many points of interest such as botanical gardens, or historical theme areas. Anyone wandering the local parks has an interest in the outdoors and if this matches your criteria, then here’s where you may just meet that special woman.

Walking, Riding, or Hiking
If you enjoy fresh air, exercise and the outdoors, then any of these activities will provide opportunities to meet women who like the same things you do. You can always kick this one up a notch by offering to take your friend or neighbour’s small puppy for a walk. How can any woman not want to stop and pet your cute little dog? There are also many local hiking and riding clubs that you can join. If you don’t meet women you’ll at least be in better shape for when you do.

Art and Craft Exhibitions
Many communities have outdoor arts and crafts shows, so these can be fun places to meet women. There’s nothing better than talking to a woman who has an interest in the same crafts and hobbies you do.

Local Fairs and Church Events
Every community has a local fair, but they’re most often a yearly event which makes it difficult to meet women – unless you only come down from the mountains once a year. Local churches usually have social functions more often and are good places for casual meetings. Both of these are always full of entertaining activities, and the women you meet here will probably have a wide range of down-home interests.

Car and Boat Shows
Muscle cars and fast boats! Every man’s fantasy and to meet women here would only be icing on the cake. Be careful though, women who take interest in these may be more than you bargained for. Make sure you know what you’re talking about before you open your mouth. If you both have a set of personalized wrenches and some grease under the fingernails, then the woman met here could be the one of your dreams.

Now that you’re pointed in the right direction to meet women - act natural, be yourself and just let it happen. You might not meet your ‘soul-mate’, but you could very well find a life-long friend.

3 Legged Dog Saves Terrorized Family!

Every once in a while a story comes along that just makes you feel good. This is one of them.

Calamity Jane is a Golden Retriever who lives in Fort Worth, TX. About five weeks ago, Calamity was found on the side of the road suffering from a gun shot wound. She survived, but required the amputation of her front left leg.

Two weeks ago a family and some of their friends found themselves victims of a violent home invasion. Held at gunpoint and pistol-whipped while the intruders ransacked the house, the hostages feared for their lives.

For whatever reason, one of the thugs flipped on the outside light and this caught the attention of neighbouring Calamity Jane. Seeming to sense that something was wrong, she began barking loudly. Believing that there were people outside with the dog, the robbers panicked and fled the home with 3-legged Calamity Jane hot on their heels!

Calamity gave chase, but never did catch up to the hoodlums. But she had put an end to the 45 minutes of terror her neighbouring family had endured.

The story doesn’t end here, though. While having her leg amputated, the vet discovered that our 3-legged heroin was pregnant.

Calamity Jane is now the proud new mom of seven puppies.

A few days ago somebody made a comment that having an animals limbs amputated was cruel and inhumane. He felt that this would seriously reduce the pet’s quality of life and shouldn’t be done.
Maybe he should meet our 3-legged Calamity Jane!

What Makes a Good Caregiver?

The majority of those caring for aging parents and family members are middle aged women. They are married, working and spend an average of 18 hours a week in the caretakers role. Taking on the responsibility of caregiver is not easy and those that do are very special people.

To be a good caregiver, you must:

Eat healthy and get regular exercise, even if it’s only a short walk, or light aerobics. If you’re not healthy you can’t properly take care of someone else.

Acknowledge that caring for an older adult is stressful and it’s natural to experience a wide range of emotions from joy and fulfillment to anger and frustration.

Take time out for yourself. You cannot allow the role of caregiver to take over all other aspects of their life. “Away time” is necessary to prevent depression and resentment that causes burnout.

Accept that you cannot be everything to everyone, all the time. Ask for help from family, friends, and the community.

Give the person you’re caring for a say in the decisions that affect them. Let them decide what to wear, what to eat, or when to go to bed. Extend them the dignity and courtesy you would want extended to yourself.

Find out how legal and financial affairs should be handled.

Identify doctors and what they do for your elder. Record prescriptions and note all medical instructions given by the physicians.

Refrain from giving too much care. Even if they don't admit it, people like to help themselves.

Let them continue caring for their pets, shopping, cleaning, and whatever else they’re physically able to do.

Take pride in your efforts!

Advice for a Successful First Date

A first date should be an enjoyable experience, but far too many end in disaster. Follow these 10 simple tips and your first date will be all that you expect it to be.

1. Don’t be late.
It’s rude, inconsiderate and shows a lack of respect. If you’re running behind, or have to cancel the date, then call. And the earlier you call the better.

2. Dress appropriately.
Be comfortable and dress casual, but don’t wear sneakers, sweats, or “tacky” t-shirts. Dress sandals for women are okay, sandals of any kind for men are out. Your hair and appearance should be neat and clean. Jewellery on men should be kept to a minimum.

3. Choose the right location.
Keep your first date as public as possible. Stay away from bars and nightclubs where too much activity can distract from your date, particularly if friends keep stopping by. Movies prevent good conversation. Bookstores and malls are where you meet, not where you go on a date. Restaurants and long walks are always good choices for casual conversation on a first date.

4. Pick the right time.
Morning dates remind people of work and lunches are too informal. Choose early evening so that if you like each other you will have more time to do things together.

5. What you don’t see can be offensive.
Bad breath and offensive odors are always a turn off. Remember to take breath mints and don’t smoke on the way to your date. You don’t need to show up smelling like an ashtray. Refrain from overpowering your date with too much cologne or perfume.

6. Communicate.
Don’t let the conversation lag. Make a list of things to talk about ahead of time and be proactive. Talk, but don’t take over the conversation. Let your date speak and pay attention to what they’re saying. Never yawn while the other person is talking. Never!

7. Don’t center the conversation on yourself.
Stay away from discussing your children, pets, crazy hobbies, previous lovers and bad marriages. Any conversations about your sex life, medications, or bad experiences in your life are taboo. Keep the conversation light and fun.

8. Remember your table manners.
Chew with your mouth closed and don’t hold eating utensils like a toothbrush. Drinking too much, offensive language, and belching out loud are sure ways to make this date the last.

9. Never offend your date.
There is no excuse, or reason, for hurting anybody’s feelings.

10. Getting the second date.
If you want a second date, then don’t screw up the first one!

Follow these 10 simple tips and your first date will surely turn into a second one.

Are There Enough Men in Romance Town USA?

The city names promise romance and love must be in the air, but are there enough men to go around? Find out how difficult it may be to find that special someone in these romantic sounding cities.

VALENTINE, NE
Population 2,820 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 87.1 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.8 males.
In 2007 National Geographic Adventure Magazine included Valentine in its list of the best ten wilderness towns and cities. The fictional character Becky Donaldson, from the TV Show Full House, was a native of Valentine

VALENTINE, TX
Population 187 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 103.3 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.4 males.

LOVELAND, CO
Population 59,563 per 2005 Census Bureau estimates.
For every 100 females there were 96.1 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.
Loveland is probably best known nationwide as the home of the Valentine Re-Mailing Program. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Valentines are packaged inside larger envelopes and sent to Loveland, where volunteers hand-stamp them with a Valentine's verse and send them on to the intended recipients.

LOVEJOY, GA
Population 2,495 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 265.3 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 314.9 males
During the American Civil War, it was named Lovejoy's Station, and was the site of the Battle of Lovejoy's Station during the Atlanta Campaign of 1864.

LOVELOCK, NE
Population 2,003 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 107.8 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.2 males.

LOVE VALLEY, NC
Population 30 at the 2000 census.
A 2008 newspaper article reported 117 residents.
For every 100 females there were 87.5 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males
Modeled after the Old West towns seen in countless Hollywood films, Love Valley boasts a saloon, general store, hitching posts, and rodeos. Automobiles are not allowed inside the town limits; people still use horses and horse-drawn vehicles to travel in the town.

LOVELAND, OH
Population 11,677 at the 2000 census,
For every 100 females there were 91.0 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.
In 1886, the skeleton of a mastodon and prehistoric stone tools were found in a Loveland gravel pit. In 1903, Loveland voted to become a dry village, prohibiting the sale of alcohol within the village limits 17 years before a national ban

LOVELAND PARK, OH
Population 1,799 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 101.7 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

LOVELADY, TX
Population 608 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 94.9 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males.

LOVES PARK, IL
Population 22,476 per 2005 special census.
For every 100 females there were 95.9 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males

LOVING COUNTY, TX
Polulation 67 at the 2000 census.
For every 10 females there are 11.61 males.
For every 10 females age 18 and over, there are 12.50 males
Home of the first elected female sheriff in Texas, Edna Reed Claton Dewees. Appointed in January 1945, and then elected to continue in office through 1947. Never carried a firearm and reported only two arrests during her entire term.

LOVINGTON, NM
Population 9,471 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 96.8 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males
Hometown of NFL star football player Brian Urlacher and former home of professional golfers Ronnie Black and Sean Murphy.

LOVING, NM
Population 1,326 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 101.2 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.0 males.
Loving High School has won 10 state softball titles, 4 in baseball, 3 for football, 3 for track, and 1 in basketball.

LOVE COUNTY, OK
Population 8,831 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 98.20 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.90 males.

LOVINGTON, IL
Population 1,222 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 92.4 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.

ROMEO, MI
Population 3,721 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 87.2 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.
Kid Rock (Robert Ritchie) was born in Romeo and lives in Brandon Township.

ROMEOVILLE, IL
Population 21,153 at the 2000 census.
For every 100 females there were 101.6 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males
Romeoville was nicknamed "Stone City" because of its stone quarries and the limestone used to build the Illinois State Capitol came from this area.

Whether you find your true love or not, each of these cities has a unique romantic charm all of their own.

Dining Etiquette for the Dating Man

Nothing says more about a man’s sophistication than his dining etiquette. Leaving a good impression on your dinner date is important and these few hints will help.

Before we start, it’s necessary to know that:

• Fast food franchises do not qualify as being restaurants for the purpose of taking your date to dinner;

• Plastic utensils are for picnics, not dinner dates. If you plan on taking your date to a restaurant that uses these as a matter of businesses, forget it;

• Drive-Thru eateries are not restaurants, so any place where you eat your meal without leaving the vehicle is taboo;

• Self serve diners don’t count as a restaurant, although buffets can be the exception – but a buffet isn’t a good choice for first date dining;

• Avoid restaurants where ketchup and other condiments come in small disposable plastic or paper containers. Condiments provided in plastic squeeze bottles may be a step up, but still not acceptable for impressing a date;

• If the waiters/waitresses are topless, avoid it. Any restaurant that has a stage and pole isn’t suggested.

With that out of the way, mastering proper dining etiquette should be a fairly easy accomplishment for even for the most inexperienced diner.

1. Napkins go in your lap, not around your neck;

2. Don’t restrict your date to certain price ranges on the menu. If you didn’t do your homework before, now’s not the time to pull a “Scrooge” on her;

3. Seat your date. Make sure she knows you’re pulling the chair out – before she sits down;

4. Hold the restaurant door open for her. You don’t walk in first;

5. Belching out loud may be an acceptable practice in Japan, but that’s not the case in the Western world;

6. You may have seen it done in movies, but snapping your fingers at the waiter/waitress is considered rude by most people;

7. Make sure your conversation is ‘meal safe’. Stories about your father’s gallstone operation, a gory accident you witnessed the other day, or how your cat continually regurgitates hair balls should be left for another time;

8. Ordering multiple drinks to the table may work in the bars, but its tacky behaviour in a restaurant. Relax, sip your drink, and try talking instead of drinking;

9. Excuse yourself from the table, but never tell your date the reason you’re going to the bathroom. Some things are to be left unsaid;

10. Don’t talk with your mouth full and should something fall from your lips, move it with your napkin, but don’t stuff it back into your yap.

The final word - at the end of the meal, don’t ask your date: “How’re we going to pay for this?” If you didn’t arrange sharing the tab beforehand, now’s not the time to do it. Suck it up and pull out your wallet!

Online Dating Advice

Online dating sites are on the increase, providing individuals an excellent opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of other people without leaving the comfort and security of their own home. Whether you’re looking for love and romance, or just a special friend to talk with, these 10 tips will make your online dating experience an enjoyable one.

1. Keep personal information private:
Last names, phone numbers, and addresses should be kept to yourself. Keep this information out of your public profile if you don’t want middle of the night telephone calls, or unexpected strangers knocking on the door.

2. Choose an appropriate screen name:
Unless you’re going to use your actual first name, choose a screen name that’s in good taste and represents you in a positive way.

3. Keep profile pictures real:
If you’re going to post a picture of yourself, make it a current one. Should you eventually decide to meet your online date it can be difficult erasing 20 years, dropping 60 pounds, or explaining the absence of hair.

4. Telephone numbers should be closely guarded:
Don’t be too quick to give out your telephone number. A couple of online dates aren’t enough to know someone. Make sure you really want the calls and remember that addresses can be found from phone numbers.

5. They don’t need your address:
Why does someone need your address? They don’t. Unless you’re absolutely certain that you want this person to have it, keep it to yourself. Even if you decide to meet, make that first date someplace public and save your home address for another time.

6. Establish the parameters of your conversations:
Make it known what you’re willing to talk about and what you’re not. If you’re not interested in talking on the telephone, never want to meet, or have specific age limitations, be upfront with that. Some of this can be included in your profile information, if you like.

7. Ask questions, lots of questions:
If it looks like you may want to meet in person, then this is the time to find out everything you can about your online date. Use the time wisely and cover it all: relationships; health issues; financial problems; employment status; drinking, drugs, and criminal records. Ask here what you may not be comfortable asking in person.

8. Don’t be afraid to get personal:
What are there sexual preferences? This may not be the first question you’ll ask, but it’s definitely necessary before going into personal meetings, or deeper relationships. Surprises in this area can be very difficult to deal with at a time when you’re least expecting them.

9. Always be who you are:
Don’t try to be anyone other than yourself. It’s too hard explaining away tattoos you weren’t supposed to have, cars that you’ve never owned, or that you’re 20 years older than you said.

10. Don’t ignore your instincts:
Pay attention to your feelings. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Innocent flirtations could lead to serious relationships and light hearted chats can develop into long term friendships, but don’t rush to make it any more than it is. Relationships are built on trust and there’s no better place to get all those skeletons out of the closet than when you’re online dating.