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

 

'Tis the Season for Singles

Dear Sexy Singles,
 
The one question I always get that makes me laugh is "If he/she is so great, why are they still single? What is wrong with them?" Well, look in the mirror, because chances are, you're probably in the same boat! There are lots of pretty good reasons why someone might be single, and although the stigma is that there might be something wrong with them, the more likely answer is, there's probably a lot right with them.  
 
Okay, sure, you've probably met all the singles that, well, should be single. It's not hard to figure out why the druggie with the mommy issues who can't hold a job isn't going to make it in the long haul. The good news is, we've done the dirty work for you and filtered out the "single for a reason" crowd. Smart singles wait for Mr. Right, rather than Mr. Right Now. 
 
I started this business because I believe that there are always quality singles of every age. The problem is that it gets progressively more difficult to meet them. What I am proud to offer is an opportunity to let your love life be just as successful as you are. A tailor-made dating service is exactly what you deserve! When you are ready to see what other great, exciting singles are out there, you might just find that looking for Mr. or Ms. Right is the best adventure of all. After all - you're still single, right? Make meeting fabulous, new people one of your New Year's resolutions!
 
Have a wonderful holiday season. Be of good cheer and, most of all, be the best single self you can be - for now!

Sexting, Sugar Daddies, & the Royal Wedding

What do these things have in common? I recently came across the article The Way We Loved- which highlights significant dating trends and discoveries surfacing in 2011. Did you know that for the first time in history there are more non-married people in the United States than married ones?  Would you be shocked to learn that “sexting” (sending racy text messages) has been added to the Oxford Dictionary?  

Call me old-fashion, but I hope some of these trends disappear just as fast as the New Year is approaching us. Whether you think dating is a game or a battlefield, it is important to know the rules. So, I hope you enjoy these quirky facts and tidbits as much as I do. Just promise not to use them to strike-up conversation with that hottie by the punch bowl.

Happy Dating!

Over Online Dating?

Tired of surfing profiles? Eight at Eight gets you face-to-face with 4 new singles at each dinner. Check out our article in Time Out New York.  



Eight at Eight
Urban professionals accepted to this exclusive 11-year-old service (8at8.com) can purchase a package of five dinner parties ($700), where straight singles are carefully matched in groups of eight at a restaurant (four men and four women, with new ones each time). The fee only covers only a drink, but once a hostess makes introductions, dinners usually produce at least one couple. Members range in age from 23 to 55, but, says founder Sarah Kathryn Smith, “Our sweet spot is helping people in their thirties and forties.”

Celebrity Matchmaking for Kim Kardashian

If you’ve been out of the country for the past few months then you may have missed this celebrity gossip: Kim Kardashian got married to-and has separated from-her husband of only 72 days, Kris Humphries. Although this is not the shortest celebrity marriage, it’s obvious that these two were not compatible from the start. There were no signs of cheating or any questionable behavior because the couple’s marriage did not last long enough for any scandal to ensue. In the opinion of our seasoned matchmaker: “Kim and Kris were just not right for each other.”

Since celebrities love free stuff, we thought we’d offer a sort-of-condolence gift: advice. Sorry Kris, but Kim’s the bigger celebrity and harder to match. (Anyway, we bet you’ll just settle down with a sweet and pretty girl from your home state… wherever that was again. Did we mention that she’ll probably be blonde?)

But who should Kim date next? She’s a powerful businesswoman and loves being in the spotlight. Kim needs a partner who can support her high-profile lifestyle. Here are our suggestions:

Guy Richie- He’s mature, artistic, successful, and could handle dating Madonna.

Ryan Reynolds- He’s funny, attractive, and has three older brothers (which would make great TV). He’s been married before so he’s been through a similar experience, and he’s not afraid of commitment.

Tyler Perry- He’s an entrepreneur like Kim and very well connected. He’s family oriented and seems like he’s ready to settle down.

Prince Amedeo- He’s a member of the Belgian royal family and lives in New York City where he works for Deloitte. Kim would not only be connected across the country, but also cross the Atlantic. He’s very athletic and has even run the NYC Marathon.

We hope Kim will take our advice when she's ready to date again.