Category Archives: Dating

Socializing Sundays: Little Gifts To Show You Care

by in Dating, Socializing Sundays
Flowers, Chocolates, and Teddy Bears
 
These three items have been a standard in stereotypical gifts for a loved one to show that you care. How is it exactly that there is a ‘standard’ for the one unique person you care about? Surely all recipients are not the same? 
 
As a gift giver you need to show that you care about the person and not the consumer holiday. What does the person like (and it could very well be flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears) and how can you show them that you care about them in particular? 
 

I like chocolates but I despise boxed fancy chocolates because I am finicky about what I like and they always contain flavors I do not like. My chocolate favorites include confections like kit kats, twix, and haagen daz ice cream. 

 

 
I do not even like flowers, unless they are edible. If you are going to give me a living (once living) plant then it very well be edible. I have yet to receive any but I would most appreciate a tomato plant or a bouquet of tomatoes than a bouquet of something ‘pretty.’ 
 
 
 
 

I used to like teddy bears but I do not appreciate them any longer, now that I’m an adult. I think – gasp – they are useless and a waste of space. If I wanted a waste of space I would get a trophy. 

 
 
 
 
Great gift ideas come from knowing the other person more intimately, knowing what would surprise and please them. Don’t be generic, because the thanks you get will also be generic. Be original because your gift recipient is unique. 

Socializing Sundays: Astrology

by in Dating, Socializing Sundays

 

Are we destined by the stars?

I do not profess to believe in astrology. I like to think we all have choices and are not governed by the stars. A while back, however, I looked up my own sign and my “compatibility” with that of other signs and realized that the last three men I have dated all fell within the same sign. Was it coincidence? Do I even believe that you are who your sign is?

I am an Aquarius, born January 22nd at 12:21. According to the many astrological-oriented websites I am:

1. Friendly and humanitarian
2. Honest and loyal
3. Original and inventive
4. Independent and intellectual

However, I am also:

1. intractable and contrary
2. Perverse and unpredictable
3. Unemotional and detached

The best match for Aquarius is Libra but Aquarius also goes with Gemini, Sagittarius and Aries.
For more information regarding love compatibility based on astrological signs:

Socializing Sundays: Simple Dates

by in Dating, Geocaching, Socializing Sundays and tagged
Socializing Sundays: Simple Dates
 
I keep a list of dates in my “to do” list not because they are things I need to do but I like to keep the ideas written down where I can find them. Recently a guy told me that in his younger days he didn’t date much because he was poor, i.e. he couldn’t AFFORD to date. I believe that this is a very incorrect statement. You don’t always have to invest a lot of money on a date. You can invest time and effort instead. Sure, a lot of conventional dates cost money (bowling, movies, restaurants) but dating doesn’t have to always consist of the expensive things or out-of-your-budget things. Occasionally you can plan on a conventional date and save up the necessary funds but in the meantime you don’t have to stay home and stare at the wall. Here is a preliminary list of ideas for you lug-heads:
 
 
1. Cook something intricate together
2. Plan a personal wine tasting (Wine can be as cheap as $3-$4 a bottle)
3. Karaoke (Some restaurants host karaoke and you can spend minimal amounts)
4. Geocaching picnic adventure
5. Or just geocaching.
6. Flashmob (free dance class and awesome memories)
7. Costco (samples are free and hot dogs are still $1.50 and you can do your grocery shopping together)
8. Hiking
9. Free community events (Craigslist is where I found flashmobs, dodgeball, and writing groups)
 
 

 

 

Socializing Sundays: First Dates

by in Dating, Socializing Sundays

First dates can be awkward. First dates can be flirty and fun. To make the most out of this opportunity, it helps to be prepared and have some creative ideas. The best first dates are usually those that incorporate, 1. Conversation, 2. A shared activity, and 3. Putting yourself in the best light. 


1. Conversation: It is unwise to go to a noisy location on your first date. It is also not the greatest idea to do an activity in which you cannot talk to your date, unless you are into adventure dating (that is an entirely different ball of wax). Examples of dates that would inhibit talking during your date include going to the movies, a concert, a loud bar. This brings into question the entire point of a date, which is more than likely, to get to know the other person. 

2. A shared activity: You can bond over a shared activity, especially if it is something you are doing together. Also, try to choose something that you are moderately good at but not the most experienced professional at. You don’t want to make him/her feel inferior or like he/she has to teach you everything and you flounder away the entire time. Pick something that can challenge both of you and put you on an equal footing. For example, bowling. If you are not remotely on the same level then it is not as fun to play together, however if it is anyone’s game then for one you can see how the person reacts to competition, losing, winning, etc.  

3. Putting yourself in the best light: One time on a date I suggested meeting up for scrabble at a Starbucks. He agreed without hesitation. Come to find that during game play he cannot for the life of him add up the points on the tiles. Now, this isn’t rocket science, it’s simple arithmetic! Do not agree to do something that will show you in a poor light. You want to impress your date, not have them wonder how on earth you ever graduated from high school.