A.S.K. (Ask Sarah Kathryn)

Q: "What should I wear on a blind date?" -Robin, 47

 A: Great question! If you've got a favorite outfit you wear out on the town-throw it on! I've found the clients who look fun, confident and sassy tend to get asked out the most frequently. Business Casual is always a safe bet, but don't stop there. Women look great in dresses, or trendy jeans, and a classy pair of heels. Men always look handsome when wearing a sports coat or a crisp button-down. Anything you are comfortable in is totally acceptable. The Devil is in the details-dress to impress and you'll see results.

The Dating Myth We All Believe

It’s not our fault. This myth begins in our childhood when our parents read us fairytales, and it’s continually engrained into our mind by the novels we read and the movies we see: this myth about falling in love. While we are taught to expect to work for success in all other areas of our life, we still think that love is something that just “happens” to us. We are told that love will strike when we least expect it. Unfortunately, no one is entitled to love. Like everything else worth having, a strong relationship takes work. It takes an effort to meet new people, get to know them, and finally to choose a partner to commit to. So if you want Prince Charming, then you have to let him know you’re available. Same goes for Megan Fox.

Love is the Name of the Game

One of our matchmakers came across this video and shared it with our office. No ladies, we’re not saying that you should sit around waiting for the man who will perform a choreographed dance in the middle of a public park. We just appreciate true love when we see it. And with over 250 marriages under our belt, this is something we get to see very often.

Click on the following link:

http://www.godvine.com/One-of-the-Best-Marriage-Proposals-You-Will-Ever-See-623.html

Best Cities for Singles

Labor Day Weekend is right around the corner, so if you’re looking to get away then you must check out Travel and Leisure’s hot list of America’s Best Cities for Singles. The Big Easy took the cake this year, followed closely by Austin and then Las Vegas. It seems like voters we in the mood for strong cocktails and interesting conversations. Readers evaluated the cities based on factors like the quality of boutiques, hotels, restaurants, coffee bars, museums, transportation, etc. All of these twenty-two cities have great singles scenes. Time to plan a trip for Labor Day!!

Love at First Sight: Men vs. Women

When it comes to romance, new research shows that men fall in love faster and more frequently than women. This may be because men are more prone to fall in love by sight, and beautiful women blind them. However, once the pair begins a relationship together then women tend to be more committed to their partners. This may explain why a man, who initially chased after a woman, may have trouble committing to her in the long run. Click the following link to read an article by Relationship Confidence about why men fall in love at first sight.

[caption id="attachment_906" align="alignleft" width="300"] Love at First Sight[/caption]

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When to Call after a First Date

How long should you wait after a date before contacting your new flame? The old rule was quite clear: wait three days and then make the phone call. These days with cell phones, email, text messages, and social media sites, this time frame has become much less concrete. If you enjoyed your date together, we suggest that your contact the other person within 48 hours to make plans. But beware of appearing too desperate! We generally recommend the 2:1 rule, at least while the relationship is still in its infancy. Do not contact your new crush more than twice without hearing a response from him or her. For instance, you can send one text message and make one phone call, or send one email and message on Facebook, but you should wait for his/her response before reaching out again. And remember, if you don’t hear back from him/her right away, keep your options open and try not to over analyze the situation. Dating is truly a numbers game.           

The Trouble with Online Dating

Let me clarify. The trouble with online dating has nothing to do with the method itself, but rather with the mentality that the process seems to encourage. So exactly what do I mean? I’m talking about those little boxes you check in search of your perfect mate. Age. Height. Body Type. Income. After filling out an online profile, many singles become too fixated on whether or not the person they are communicating with has fulfilled all of the elements on their “soul mate wish-list.” Is that how you pick your friends? Love is not about finding someone with the right qualifications; it’s about the way you feel when you’re together. It’s that je ne sais quoi chemistry and connection. Would you marry someone who has the perfect profile without meeting him/her first? Online dating sites can be a great resource for initiating conversations and expanding your network. Just make sure that you do not become too preoccupied with minor details from his/her profile.

Can Friends with Benefits Actually Work?

Have you ever heard the phrase dating is a winter sport? Well, the idea of the casual relationship, or summer fling, seems to be on everyone’s mind this time of year. And ever since Hollywood flooded the big screen with hits like “Friends with Benefits” and “No Strings Attached,” the question people seem to be asking is can friends with benefits actually work?

The answer to that question depends on what each partner is looking for. If you’d like to end up dating the other person, then the answer is probably not. However, research shows that if both partners are honest with each other about the terms of their relationship, then it’s more likely than not that they can actually remain friends after the fling starts to fizzle. In fact, Cosmopolitan’s article about casual relationships gives good insight on the topic and even provides statistics for various success rates. Our tips for entering into a casual relationship are simple. First, be honest with yourself and your partner about what you’re actually looking to gain from the relationship. Second, understand that these relationships will (and should) be short-lived. In the end, you deserve a head-over-heels romance…if that’s what you’re looking for.

Master the Art of Flirtation

For some, flirting with a potential companion feels as natural as breathing. For others, it can feel forced, causing much anxiety and confusion. But no matter who you are, flirting is an important skill to master. Think of it as an art, but one that can be learned with some practice and the right approach.

Flirting should be fun, so lower your expectations and don’t take yourself too seriously. If you expect to date someone the moment they act flirtatious, then you’re likely to come across as desperate. You may only speak with them for a short period of time and then never talk to them again. So, keep your initial expectations low and avoid feeling constantly disappointed.

It is important to be aware of body language especially during the initial approach. If you see someone from across the room, smile at them, hold their gaze, and position your body toward them. If they respond positively, then you can walk up to them and introduce yourself. You’ve got nothing to lose!

Remember, the key to holding a good conversation is that you both gradually open up. When the other person is talking, make sure you give them your complete attention. It is much more important to be a good listener than it is to say something witty. Try to act friendly, upbeat, and remember to have fun!

Sexy Foods make a Hot Date

So, you secured yourself a date for Friday night. Sometime getting a date can be a lot easier than planning that perfect night out. You know you’re going to want sometime to eat, but how do you choose the right restaurant or meal? We’re here to help with a list of foods that will put you in the mood for love. We all know about oysters and chocolate, but you may be surprised by some of the foods on this list. Click the following link to read Gayot’s list of ten super sexy foods. Check please!

Single and Ready to Mingle??

After ending a relationship, no matter how serious, it can be difficult to determine when you're ready to move on.  There are many theories about the time it takes to heal a broken heart: weeks, months, or even half the time of the relationship. In the end, it’s a personal decision, and while there's no magic number, there are several signs that may mean you’re ready to start dating again. The Two of Us, a relationship website, provides some questions to consider.

Do you find yourself constantly talking about your ex?

Can you speak of the relationship without feeling angry or bitter?

And if your ex wanted to reconcile how would you respond?

Everyone will recover at a different rate so it’s important to trust yourself and set your own pace. You may need some time to transition back into the dating scene. Eight at Eight Dinner Club may be a great option for meeting single, relationship-minded professionals without the pressure of one on one dating.