Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to
say about Dating? The information in the article below
comes straight from well-informed experts with special
knowledge about Dating.

1. Online Dating Safety

We have all heard the story on the news about a person who
decided to meet up with another individual they had chatted
with online, and never returned home. These occurrences are
abnormal when it comes to online dating, but here are a few
tips to make sure that your online dating experience is fun
and safe.

Make sure to trust your instinct. If you have a gut feeling
that something may not be right about the other person,
stick with your instinct. You should always feel comfortable
with whoever you are chatting. If someone is abusive, block
them immediately. There are plenty of other personal ads to
look through, so take your time and view a good number of
them.

Before agreeing to a date, make sure you know as much as
possible. Never publish your phone number or email address
in personal ads. Additionally, don't provide your home or
work address to anyone you have not met. Don't allow
yourself to be talked into anything…you are the one in
charge!

Take your time to get to know someone…don't feel rushed. A
patient person will be happy to wait until you are ready to
meet. Chat on the phone for a while before arranging a date
to get to know each other.

When it comes to the actual date, there are a few things to
keep in mind. Always meet in a public place that is well
known and convenient to you. You will want to tell a friend
where you are going and who you are meeting. Always carry
a cell phone on a date, and if possible, phone your friend
during the date to confirm that everything is fine. Try to
meet at lunchtime, which is convenient, and have a time
limit. Make your own travel arrangements. Don't accept a
ride home on the first date or reveal your address. Keep
the date to a time limit so that you have an 'exit' point.
This way, if you're feeling uncomfortable, you can politely
leave.

2. Dating Do's and Don'ts

We've all been on a date before and wondered whether or not
you should or should not do or say something. As much as we
would like to deny it, there are some unwritten dating 'rules'
that everyone should follow…which will make everyone, male
and female, much more comfortable and content with a date.

First, there are some things everyone should do on dates.
There is the obvious first impression. Try to look your best and
be punctual. No one wants to date an irresponsible slob. To go
the other way, flatter and compliment your date on the way
they look and the things they wear. People tend to put in a lot
of effort for a date, so being told that they look nice is
always good to hear.

Have fun when dating. Be interested and interesting. Make
sure to tell someone if you are not interested in dating them
again. Being lied to and hopes kept alive is an evil and malicious
act. If you don't want to see them again, let them know that in
the nicest possible way you can.

Date the type of people you like and are attracted to, whatever
your friends may say. Stay positive even when dates don't end
well. You will meet some nice people and probably make some
good contacts.

Dating is a creative diversion, it requires concentration and
energy so when you are dating keep some plans in the
forefront of your mind and allow dating to take you to
places you always wanted to visit within your own city.

Make dating happen for yourself. People will not come and
ring your bell from nowhere. Dating requires positive
action so go out there and meet people, as many people as
you can. Practice your chat and flirting on shop workers,
bar attendants, anywhere and everywhere. Being nice to
people is very sexy and great fun.

Surround yourself with positive like minded people who are
also dating. Think about the girls from Sex and the City and
how they assist each other in dating and matters of
romance. Negative friends who don't condone the dating
scene or don't understand it will only help lower your own
expectations and make you feel negative.

3. Dating Etiquette

How many times have you watched one of those dating shows
on TV and thought, "I can't believe he/she just did/said
that?!?!" To avoid making similar mistakes on your next
date, stick with some of the following ideas…

Eye contact is crucial when dating, so it is good etiquette
to provide as much attention as possible to your date. They
should feel as if they are the only person in the room. Be
a listener and do not talk your date to death, particularly
if you are male.

Listening shows interest and the ability to compromise. If
your idea of a date is talking about yourself and your
opinions all night then do your date a favor and stay at
home alone. Be courteous and complimentary. Your date
has made an effort for you and your personal opinions
aren't quite welcome at this stage.

Also to this end, always turn up for a date unless you have
given plenty of time for it to be canceled. Standing
someone up is rude, and not appropriate adult behavior. Try
to turn up on time, and don't keep your date waiting. If
your transportation is unreliable, get going in plenty of
time. Being punctual shows respect for your date and shows
your responsibility.

Try to avoid being opinionated or arrogant on a date and try
to avoid discussions about politics and religion on the first
date. You will come across badly to your date if you act like
this.

Additionally, don't be rude to others on a date. You are
trying to show your good side, so arguing about a service
charge or whether the wine is chilled enough will make you
look like a fool. And remember…arguing with the waiter is a
big no-no.

In terms of appearance, make an effort to dress well.
There is no excuse to look bad. Poor dress shows laziness
and will do nothing to promote you. Also, try to be fresh
and smell good. You should be shaven, bathed and smell
good. It will cost you nothing more than a bottle of quality
cologne and some shower gel. Just make sure not to
over-do it with the cologne!

4. Having Confidence

No one wants a date with someone with low self esteem and a
negative self image. Try to makeover your self confidence
and learn how to be a desirable date with these ideas…

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you
might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make
sure you get the whole Dating story from informed sources.

Make a list addressing all the things you are not comfortable
with about yourself. Be honest. Establish which things people
may not like about you and get an honest second opinion.
Change the things that are easy first, and ensure you are
comfortable with any alterations.

Address the way you look and dress. By changing the basic
aspects of your looks, lifestyle and regimen, you will
instantly feel more confident. By looking and feeling good
about yourself and widening your horizons your life has
already changed for the better and your confidence levels
are on the up.

There are a few changes that can be made in your daily
life. Make sure you are in shape or attempting to be. If
you are dieting or exercising, remember to be patient as
these changes will take a little while.

Also, start doing things you wish you always had the
courage to do…maybe a hobby, sport, class or society.
Learn to enjoy the smaller things in life and give yourself
time especially for these things.

If you like to cook for friends, then start having dinner
parties.

Start dating…if someone has asked you out, accept. If
not, be proactive and ask someone out yourself who you like.
Just do it, and accept the fact that some people will say
no…but many will also say yes.

Begin to make conversation with the nice people you meet
along the way. Become sociable and look good at every
opportunity.

Now start to be selective about what kind of people you
really like. But by the same token, talk to everyone. The
more people who are interested, the higher your confidence
levels.

Remember to stay away from people that bring you down or
criticize you. Whether a friend or a potential date, you
deserve better. Walk away from anything you don't like and
instill a positive attitude in everything that you do.

5. Romance 101

What woman doesn't want to be treated to a little romance
every once in a while? Many women will agree that romance
is all about the details. Small gestures really do make a
normal night out into something romantic. So listen up…
because these tips are sure earn you some points…

The key to being romantic is thoughtfulness…so start being
a little less selfish. Learn that mood, location, situation
and ambience can heighten romance with dramatic effect.

Communicate with your partner on every level and anticipate
their desires and needs. Look at your partner when they are
talking and hold their gaze.

Try doing little things to get right at your partner's soft
spot. Phone just to say hello, I love you and give your
partner a nice surprise.

Send them notes and small cards telling them you are thinking
of them.

Be spontaneous and do little deeds that show you care.
Bring home take out from their favorite restaurant or take
them to their favorite ice cream shop.

Flowers are always a nice touch at any time of year. Be
creative and pick out their favorite colors and types for a
personal touch.

Remember birthdays, anniversaries and landmark days
such as the day your first met or first kissed, and plan
something…maybe a return to the first date location.

Listen to clues that your partner might drop, such as
their favorite dessert or books they like, and surprise
them with little gifts.

Learn how to hug, cuddle and make physical contact. Dance
together when the occasion arises. Hold hands and do
anything to make your partner feel close to you.

Write him/her a letter and let them know that you love them
and you mean it. Use nice stationary, or make your own
card, which shows thought and inspiration.

In terms of dates, learn how to cook your partner's
favorite dish. Plan a surprise candlelit dinner followed by
a romantic movie. Take your partner on a picnic to the park
or beach and prepare in advance without involving them.
This initiative is very romantic.

Now might be a good time to write down the main points
covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will
help you remember what's important about Dating.

Resources: For a more in depth guide to dating, you
must see the CHRISTIAN DATING HANDBOOK and the
bonus publication: http://tinyurl.com/adkvd