The Intern's Input

Hi, SinglesScoreBoard World! This is Christina, the new intern...

Anyway, I wanted to share what I've learned from Janet Page in about 5 minutes: I'm committing a few of her "Dating Sins."

To quote the great Janet Page:

"#1 Terminal Cuteness and #2 Chattering" are the biggest dating sins I commit. It's hard for me to not come across as that cute little teen (even though I'm 22!) that has a crush on you, and to not stop rambling about random things I think you might be interested in. I mean let's be real, I don't really know what topics you're truly interested in, or if you want a cute girl next door...or a hot babe!

But, have no fear, single ladies ! She also lists some turn-ons for men. Ten, as a matter of fact, to make up for the ten sins she discusses.

Men like certain behaviors; it's not about physical qualities, but more about what you do and how you do it.

"Physical affection, a sense of humor, intelligence, commitment to a career (or other interest), well-cared-for body, generosity, ability to listen (when you don't tell him what to do), honesty, common values, low drama."

As Dr. Page says, "Men are not looking for perfect bodies and people pleasers." Good news! You can be yourself to find your perfect match. And if you're not yourself, and you find a match, guess what?! It's not "The One." It's someone who your alter-ego thinks is the one.

I will try and stop being terminally cute and chattering... that sounds like the kid you don't want to babysit. I will make more attempts at showing off my sense of humor and my great listening skills. Let's show people what we're really about, and find whoever loves us for who we are.

The Dating Game-Changer

Why Group Dinners are Replacing the World of Internet Dating

You’re browsing through people, and the scanning and picking is fun, like you’re online shopping. However, you’re shopping for a date; checking out their array of photos, interests, job, and education, everything to find that “perfect” person. You find that person, and superficially they sound like a great match. Sure, he’s cute…I guess I could enjoy playing squash and rock collecting; I mean he’s a doctor, you think. Once you arrive at the date, the first thing you think of is how impressed you are with the technology improvements of Photoshop. But, who’s going to be rude and leave? It’s too late to “return your purchase!” You give it a chance, but conversation is dull, and you’re stuck. It’s just the two of you, alone together for the most awkward next few hours of your life. And how do you really know who this stranger is?

With online dating, the lack of an outside source to help allows you to sway your own likes and interests just to go out with someone that you think is The One. Although you do have your own profile, you basically act as your own matchmaker, and that can be a sticky situation. Who knows who you are actually going to meet, and if you’ll enjoy their company? Who knows if you’re even going to be safe?

Group dinner and dating services are your safety net compared to the scary free-fall of online dating. With someone other than yourself there to match you up with compatible, yet diverse people, you have more of a chance to meet a new date, or even just an awesome new friend. An objective source helps to weed out the people who wouldn’t be right for you, as a friend or as a date. And if you don’t like the person, you’re not stuck with just them for the rest of the night. Seven other possible friends and dates are there to mingle with, taking the pressure off and relieving the tension, as well as providing a safe, yet fun environment. Sounds like the perfect first date…a group of seven others, on similar professional and educational levels as you, matched up just right to complement each other and provide good conversation.

On those rare occasions, online dating does work, but that’s by chance, and online dating is pretty much just that: a game of chance. You never truly know who you’re going to end up with, alone, and that can be scary as well as frustrating. Group dinners are a safer, more relaxed way to branch out and can much more effectively find those who you connect with, using an unbiased outside source. So give up on the “online shopping”, since the products are questionable, and go for the fun, safe, exciting new experience of group dinners.

Meet Our Intern Megan

Name: Megan H.
Hometown: Peachtree City, GA
Education: Graduating in May from the University of Georgia with a BA in Art History
Hobbies/Interests: Going out with friends, Any kind of live music/concert
Pets: a 7 year old black lab named Roxie Heart & a 9 week old French Brittany puppy named Gus
Favorite Sports Teams: Georgia Bulldogs Football & the Philadelphia Eagles
Favorite Vacation Spot: St. Augustine, Florida- basically anywhere near the water!
Favorite Book: The Catcher in the Rye, The Things They Carried, The Marriage Plot
Favorite Movie: Catch Me If You Can, The Fighter