Dating Dos and Don’ts: Answering Dating Surveys

Written by Cindy Van Arnam on . Posted in Dating Advice, Dating Advice for Women, Dating Dos and Don'ts, Dating for Fun, Dating Tips, What to do in Dating, Womens Dating Advice

I had to laugh when I read this article about a date gone horribly awry.  I’m not sure how I would react if a man I had gone on a few dates with had sent me a survey questioning my experience.  There is such a thing as over-analysis and this is the epitome of that.  After dating a few times, this couple decided not to continue.  After a while, he sent her a survey asking her to give her opinion on several matters, from his outfit to his personality.  Here’s part of the article for you to get a laugh from as well.

In the survey—the full thing is below—he asks for feedback on his outfit, his hair, his body, his conversation, his moves. There’s this question, too: “Mike is very masculine; at any point did you feel he was compensating for anything?” And, of course, he asks for feedback on the survey itself.

He’s a 24-year-old who, yes, works in finance, although not at a bank. Our reader says he’s “six feet, overall moderately attractive.” They met on OKCupid, went on a couple dates before agreeing not to continue the thing. Writes our reader, “He struck me as a little socially inept hence why I was starting to doubt the ‘non-physical’ attraction. He wasn’t too creepy, just the type of guy who overanalyzes every detail and feels completely awkward in the majority of social situations. It didn’t seem like he got out much.” And then he sent her this survey.

It came as an attachment to an email subject-lined with a Romeo and Juliet quote (naturally, “Good Night, Good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow”). He had told her on their final date that he was into “data collection,” but this, she tells us, was ridiculous.

Click here to read the full article by Jack Dickey and see the survey.

What would your reaction be if you got a survey about a date?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

Dating Dos and Don’ts: Are You Curious About Fifty Shades of Grey?

Written by Cindy Van Arnam on . Posted in Dating Advice, Dating Advice for Women, Dating Dos and Don'ts, Dating for Fun, Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, What to do in Dating, Womens Dating Advice

If you have read Fifty Shades of Grey you may be a little curious about the whole world of domination.  There are ways to get into it that won’t be so overly extreme it will scare both you and your partner away.  Do some research and learn more about it first.  Start off slow and gentle and work your way into the more intense stuff.  Also make sure that you’re communicating fully with your partner so that he knows exactly how you’re feeling.  This is supposed to be an enjoyable experience.  If you’re not enjoying it; tell him.

1.  Do a little research on the topic so that you can have a more thorough and complete understanding of it. For example, visit http://www.adameve.com/  and look through the different toys and bedroom accessories – you may be surprised, once you actually look into it, how many of these toys actually seem fun, instead of intimidating. This can definitely help you and your partner to feel more comfortable with the idea of playing with sex toys, and can even help you to get excited for it.
2.  This may be a bit obvious to you, but take advantage of softer, lighter bondage tools. Instead of handcuffs or ropes, as some couples use, try using a nice smooth satin tie, or something similar, for the actual tying. This not only feels more comfortable physically, but can also help you to view the whole situation more lightly – it will likely become substantially less intimidating.
3.  Try easing into bondage play by only doing it partially the first few times. For example, if you ultimately want to have your hands and feet all tied up, try some bondage play with only your hands tied, or only your feet tied, and get used to the idea before you completely tie yourself down. This will give you both a learning experience and something to look forward to!
4.  If you are going to try bondage play but you’re still uncomfortable with the idea, make sure that your partner understands that. Surely if you are trying new things sexually you trust and understand your partner, and knowing that he understands your comfort level and is willing to stop if you want him to can help to put you at ease. This can be the most important step in becoming more comfortable with toys or bondage play in your relationship.

Click here to read the full article by Dating Diva Daily.

Are you Fifty Shades curious?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

Dating Dos and Don’ts: Being The Other Woman

Written by Cindy Van Arnam on . Posted in Dating Advice, Dating Advice for Women, Dating Dos and Don'ts, Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, What to do in Dating, Womens Dating Advice

Sometimes we meet a man who is fantastic in every way.  He’s sweet, caring, compassionate and really gets you.  He’s the perfect man…. But he’s married.  Step away.  That’s the only advice I can give you in this department.  You really don’t want to be the other woman.  There are thousands of ways this relationship could go wrong and another thousand ways you could end up getting seriously hurt.

There are heaps of men out there that are fantastic and that are NOT married.  As much as you might think this is the man for you, he’s already taken.  Go find one that’s not.  Dating a married man will only bring heartbreak and suffering to all the parties involved.  Here are some specific reasons, given by Sally Webb, as to why you should walk away immediately.

1. The reality says he is married – he has that big wedding photo hanging on the wall in his home that’s just plainly sickening to you.
2. He is with his wife every night – and he could just be FORCED to do some ‘husband obligation’ with her tonight, tomorrow, or the next day (who knows).
3. If you tell a good girl friend she will probably slap you for being the other woman.
4. If you tell a guy friend he either tries to take advantage of you or simply say “Whoohoo GO GIRL!” (It doesn’t help).
5. 9 friends out of 10 will pass this information to another person – who might happen to be the real life gossip channel presenter.
6. You could get pregnant with a kid looking just like the married man who you will eventually hate. Talk about reminding you every day of your mistake.
7. Your emails or SMS to him can be used as reference and proof if the wife decides to sue you one day.
8. If you end up marrying him – expect some forever guilt, and be insecure of ‘the other woman’.
9. Only 5% of affairs can end up becoming a relationship; and only 5% of relationships born out of an affair will survive.
10. If your relationship born out of an affair happens to survive, you will have to face the mother-in-law horror – trust me she will take the ex wife’s side.
11. The longer you stay in a relationship with a married man, the slimmer your chance to have a real relationship.
12. When he says ‘It’s so hard for me to make a decision, please give me some more time’, it actually means ‘I want to have you both at the same time’.
13. Expect to have the worst imagination of him and his wife during holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s day – seriously, he was FORCED to book that deluxe hotel room for two.
14. When you manage to take a weekend away with him expect him on the phone with his wife constantly to ruin your mood completely.
15. He will always compare you with his wife on just about everything.
16. He will blurt out his wife’s name by mistake in the worst time ever.
17. If he gets caught by his wife she will call you countless times a day to ‘sort things out between the three of you’ during office hours.
18. Your friends will soon hate you for canceling on them in the last minute (Come on, you don’t want to pass up your chance of meeting him for 15 minutes versus going to your friends’ birthday party).
19. You will be frigid and look like a dud when going on dates with a cute single guy.
20. It is very hard for you to find a real guy – who is willing to be 100% committed to you because you daydream about this married man on dates – the image of the wife will then come up and POP! refer to number 19.
21. If he is not ready to make a decision, he will choose his wife over you when suddenly caught – two timing both in the meantime.
22. The chance of him getting caught is bigger than you thought – especially with the help of software and private investigators. She might even use video cameras to catch him red handed – with you in it. Again, it’s Facebook and YouTube time!
23. A temporary pain of breaking up with the married man is better than the 22 items listed above.

Click here to read the full article by Sally Webb

Are you dating a married man and can’t think of a reason why you should leave?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

Dating Dos and Don’ts: Red Flag #8

Written by Cindy Van Arnam on . Posted in Dating Advice, Dating Advice for Women, Dating Dos and Don'ts, Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, What to do in Dating, Womens Dating Advice

As much as I would enjoy a man who doesn’t like commitment and just wants to keep things casual I would start to wonder about things if he didn’t want to have sleepovers.  If he kicked me out after sex every time, or insisted that he needed to get home after a quick romp I would start to be concerned about what he’s trying to hide.

I’d at least like to see how the guy is at cooking breakfast.  There’s a certain intimacy in sleeping over that you don’t get if you don’t do it.  I wouldn’t be having sex with a guy for very long if he couldn’t handle sleeping beside me too.

Red Flag #8: No Sleepovers
Hannah’s Williamsburg hipster boy toy (he’s sooo not a boyfriend), Adam, exemplifies the self-involved, vain, aloof, soul-killin’ anti-intimacy man so perfectly.

There will never be a sleepover or future brunch with this dude. As tantalizing as aloof can be, get over it. You don’t want this guy. He’s a non-committal creep.

Click here to read the full article by Maryjane Fahey.

Do you think it’s important to sleep beside one another?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

Dating Dos and Don’ts: Red Flag #7

Written by Cindy Van Arnam on . Posted in Dating Advice, Dating Advice for Women, Dating Dos and Don'ts, Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, What to do in Dating, Womens Dating Advice

It can be fun to have a guy so into you he doesn’t know what to do with himself.  But at what point does it become an idolization instead of just enjoying your company.  What happens when he sees a part of you that doesn’t fit in with his vision of the perfect you?  Men who idolize need to be watched out for.  Does he like the real you or just the idea of you?

Red Flag #7: He Idolizes You — as Long as You’re Unavailable
He’s more involved with the obsession of you then he is with you. There are many ways this scenario can play out. A few:

A. You’re married. He’s not. Hot hot hot. You become “available.” He scrams.

B. He loves the goddess glamour girl in you — but the “real girl”? “Every man I’ve ever known has fallen in love with Gilda — and awakened with me,” says Rita Hayworth, Hollywood “It” girl of the 40s, married to (and divorced from) genius ex-hottie Orson Wells. If he is awestruck, make sure it’s for the real you.

Click here to read the full article by Maryjane Fahey.

Have you ever been idolized?  Share your experience with us by commenting below.

Dating Dos and Don’ts: Red Flag #6

Written by Cindy Van Arnam on . Posted in Dating Advice, Dating Advice for Women, Dating Dos and Don'ts, Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, What to do in Dating, Womens Dating Advice

I don’t know about you but when a man wears more jewelry than I do, or takes longer to get ready I start to wonder.  I am a simple woman and can easily get ready to leave the house within 10 minutes.  If a man in my life takes longer than that to get ready it makes me wonder if he wants to be prettier than me.  Seriously, men shouldn’t have to take that long.  All they have to do is shower, shave and throw some gel in their hair right?

Red Flag #6: He Wears More Jewelry Than You
Does he take longer then you to get ready for a night out and then order vodka cranberries? Enjoy him as your best pal — but look around for a good slamming elsewhere. Poor Liza did it over and over again, following in mom’s footsteps. If you suspect, it is so.

Click here to read the full article by Maryjane Fahey.

Would you have second thoughts about a man who took longer than you to get ready?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting bel

Dating Dos and Don’ts: Red Flag #5

Written by Cindy Van Arnam on . Posted in Dating Advice, Dating Advice for Women, Dating Dos and Don'ts, Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, What to do in Dating, Womens Dating Advice

Well, it kind of goes without saying that if you start dating a married man you’re playing with fire and someone is going to get burned.  My recommendation is that you steer clear of it; or at least be prepared for the fallback.  Dating a man who is married just isn’t worth the battles you’re likely to end up fighting.  Walk away.

Red Flag #5: He’s Married
Ahhh, the married charmer. It’s gonna end badly. He’s somebody else’s guy! Now, if he looked like Don Draper before Megan reformed him … I did some of this in my 20s. Men who showed up with tan lines on their wedding ring fingers. DUH! They become obsessions. Why? Cause they’re not available. Hot! Until it’s not …

Click here to read the full article by Maryjane Fahey.

Have you dated a married man before?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

Dating Dos and Don’ts: Red Flag #4

Written by Cindy Van Arnam on . Posted in Dating Advice, Dating Dos and Don'ts, Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, What to do in Dating, Womens Dating Advice

Sometimes men need to act their age.  Although I’m a huge fan of a man who can be in touch with his inner child I also appreciate a man who takes care of himself, his belongings and can show that he is a grown up.  We don’t need projects ladies… We need men that have themselves figured out and are capable of being childish when appropriate and an adult when needed.

Red Flag #4: He’s the Ultimate Peter Pan
You know the type. He’s 50 and dresses like he’s 20. His hipster knit cap is permanently attached to his skull, and he really needs to yank up his jeans. His apartment is a pigsty and bathroom is downright scary. He’s evasive about you, about his availability, and whatever the hell it is you are doing “together.” His late-night texts are fun at first and then … they are so not. He’s a project, ladies, and you deserve a real grown-up. Move on.

Click here to read the full article by Maryjane Fahey.

Have you dated a Peter Pan?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

Dating Dos and Don’ts: Red Flag #3

Written by Cindy Van Arnam on . Posted in Dating Advice, Dating Advice for Women, Dating Dos and Don'ts, Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, What to do in Dating, Womens Dating Advice

Make sure the man you’re on a date with is focused on you.  If he’s spending all his time talking about his ex and not focused on the beautiful woman (who is you) that is sitting across from him then it’s time to walk away.  You’re only going to be the rebound girl and real feelings probably won’t be developed.  He needs time to heal from his relationship and move on before he’s ready to dive into something new.

Red Flag #3: You’re the Rebound Girl
Guys often tell us exactly who they are right from the start. We just have to learn to listen. You’re dressed to kill, sitting across from him in some swank café and he’s going on and on about his ex. NEXT! You don’t need to be somebody’s backup plan.

Click here to read the full article by Maryjane Fahey.

Have you been the rebound girl before?  Share your experience with us by commenting below.

Dating Dos and Don’ts: Red Flag #2

Written by Cindy Van Arnam on . Posted in Dating Advice, Dating Advice for Women, Dating Dos and Don'ts, Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, What to do in Dating, Womens Dating Advice

There are certain men who are unable to handle a woman who is strong and independent.  He may be intimidated by you and not understand where you’re coming from.  If you’re highly successful, sexual and confident he may find himself running the other way because he isn’t man enough to handle you.  Don’t change yourself to fit into his world.  Remain the strong, confident woman that you are and hold out for a man who’s grown up enough to know what to do with you.

Red Flag #2: You Scare the *@#! Out of Him
If a guy’s intimidated by your success, your swagger, your adult woman’s sexuality and the appetite that goes with it — cut him loose. All of the above should be a turn-on, not a triple threat that turns him into a wussie who fears you or, worse, makes you feel weird for going after what you want.

Hold out for a grown-up man who’s not afraid of a strong, sexy, take-charge lady. Be a lot of girl, and be unapologetic about it.

Click here to read the full article by Maryjane Fahey.

Have you dated a man who is intimidated by you?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.