Grand being the operative word, might I suggest the following restaurants then?

Blogger note: You have got to have dough more than the average joe. Teehee.

Top 10 of the World’s Most Expensive Restaurants

1. Aragawa in Tokyo, Japan
2. Arpege in Paris, France
3. Eigensinn Farm in Toronto, Canada
4. Sketch – The Lecture Room and Library in London, England
5. Petermann’s Kunststuben in Zurich, Switzerland
6. Tetsuya’s Restaurant in Sydney, Australia
7. Vitrum in Berlin, Germany
8. Steirereck in Vienna, Austria
9. Yamazato in Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. Zalacain in Madrid, Spain

There are other restaurants in the list that are found in Brussels, Milan, Rome, Dubai, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, etc.

I know this may require an additional travelling expense but, hey, she sure can’t say you’re a cheapskate, huh?

This grand date idea is courtesy of Forbes.com.

Post from: Blisstree

Restaurant Ideas for that Uber-grand Date

I’ve been a Skype user for quite a while now. Though, I’ve never considered it as a medium to meet the man of my dreams just for the reason that I only use it for personal [family & friends] and work reasons.

When I came across this article at the LA Times and read the dating stories that Skype helped bridge, I’m amazed at the possibilities and with such positive results, too!

“Software like Skype is creating a world of online dating that enables relationships between people who live all over the globe, some of whom may never meet in person. By allowing free phone calls between those who share a common language and a high-speed Internet hookup, Skype has spawned love connections between Belgians and Japanese, Germans and Israelis, Americans and Egyptians and even a Guatemalan nail technician and a Canadian member of the Raelians, a group that advocates human cloning.” — LA Times

Another plus about using this alternative is getting to see and talk to the other person even if you’re thousand of miles apart. You’re no longer limited to chatting and emails. Hearing the other person’s voice creates a different feel to the relationship that the two of you are having. Plus you can actually create interesting online dates like what the couple shared in the article, watching a movie together over Skype!

So, if you want to try something new or not go through the typical dating sites, perhaps, this idea may provide you with an opportunity to meet Mr. or Miss Right. Just download the software at Skype.com and set your status to Skype Me or even join the Skype Me forums to let them interested suitors into your life online. Best bit — it’s free.

Post from: Blisstree

Using Skype in Dating Online

This certainly brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, “dating around” and kicks the idea of personal ads up a notch. Hehehe.

I actually spent a considerable amount of time perusing the blog. I’m surprised at how interesting he made his dates sound. [Not that's it's NOT possible, okay?] Properly documented by photos and videos. But, of course, I have to note that these were done with consent from his dates, otherwise, he would respect their privacy. Yes. He’s a real gentleman about this whole thing because he’s actually serious with his intentions.

So far, it has been 10 dates from different parts of the world and he’s heading to Spain for his next one. Cool, eh?

You can check his Bio, FAQs [be sure to watch the video!] and perhaps the Offers? And as for the Rules? Allan said that there’s none! Teehee.

This method is certainly not new to me since I read the book, Around the World in 80 Dates by Jennifer Cox. However, this time it’s from a male’s point of view.

Hmmm. I wonder if I should jump in the bandwagon and start a blog of my own? Or perhaps I could just ask Allan out. Hahaha. What would he think of dating a blogger? Would he find it interesting enough to go halfway across the globe and date lil’ ol’ me? What d’ya think? Teehee.

Anyone else interested to give him a go? Go ask him out. Teehee.

Post from: Blisstree

Are You My Wife?

Yes? Well, if you’ve decided to go ahead and see the other person again, check out Jeff Cohen’s Date #2 Rule of Thumb. I totally agree that interactive dates are a better bet than movie dates!

Who is Jeff Cohen you ask? Well, I also asked myself that question when I came across his Dating Weblog over at Creative Weblogging. His name was so familiar! No, silly. I certainly did not go out with him. He’s married for crying out loud! Heh.

Anyway, Jeff happens to be an About Guide on Dating. I then remembered applying to be a guest blogger there before I became a Dating Dame. Yea, sadly, it didn’t work out. Ah, well — I’m a good sport, though. Hahaha.

It’s nice to have crossed paths again, Jeff!

Post from: Blisstree

And now for the second date…

“His stinginess could stem from a bad past experience, like an ex-girlfriend who used him for his money or a childhood marked by poverty.” — George Weinberg Ph.D., Why Men Won’t Commit

If you’re one of those people who’s dating a stingy person [not that I'm limiting this trait to men, okay], there are a number of ways to handle it without resorting to something extreme as breaking up. It’s not all that bad, really. It’s annoying but is actually workable. Here are a few tips:

To reassure him that you’re not after his money rather it’s his company that you value, you can suggest the following low-cost trysts:

• 1. Go old school and have a Drive-in date
• 2. Rent DVDs and snuggle on the couch
• 3. Wine & Cheese picnics will never go out of style.
• 4. Bowling, perhaps?

Avoid letting him shoulder all the date expenses or living expenses if you’re in a domestic partnership. Paying the bills can be really stressful.

If and when he does spend money on you or on the relationship, be uber-appreciative so he’ll be inclined to be more generous in the future. Please don’t keep tabs.

If he refuses to budge, communicate. Let him know that dating a scrooge can be a real drag but be sure to be clear on one point, that you simply don’t want finances to get in the way of a fun time. Keep in mind that this is only to get the whinging to stop.

But if after trying all these things and he’s still reluctant to spend money on you, be wary. Especially when you can see that he isn’t low on cash or frugal with himself, it can mean that not only is he stingy, money-wise, but also he’s stingy with his emotions, too.

Post from: Blisstree

Dating Mr. Cheap

You’re given a certain amount of time to get to know an X number of guy or girl participants and make a decision if you’d be interested to see them again.

Based from experience, I was only given 5 minutes each and there were 25 guys, so do the math! Since it was my first time, I thought there wasn’t enough time to make a proper decision so it turned out a disastrous experience for me. However, I’ve learned that if you make use of the right questions to aid you in making the right decision then it won’t be as terrible as mine was.

Apart from getting the name, top 5 questions that I’ll be asking are [not in particular order]:

• 1. If you are to go out with friends or on a date, where will you go?

  I want to establish whether if he’s an extrovert or an introvert. I want to know if he’d hang out in places where I like to hang out. And it somehow tells me just how secure he is with himself. Don’t you find a guy who’s an individual so attractive?

• 2. What are your hobbies or what do you do for fun?

  I like someone who has a life. I want to know whether I can learn something new with this person if I am to see him again. I’m sure you’d agree that it’s no fun to date a boring person, right?

• 3. Have you traveled much? If yes, where? If not, do you plan to?

  I love traveling and if I am to date a guy, he has to share the same passion for adventure. The relationship will not work if I keep flying off to exotic locations and he gets left behind, now will it?

• 4. I’ll ask a leading question that can determine his relationship with his parents and the rest of his family. This will depend on the flow of the conversation.

  What can I say? Personally, I believe that a guy’s relationship with his family reflects his true character. Family is important, don’t you agree?

• 5. What’s your reason for participating?

  Of course, I don’t want to hook up with someone who’s desperate, they tend to be the stalker-type. Ha. And I’m curious to know, is all. Hahaha. Wouldn’t you be?

I’ve chosen these questions because it can provide me with important traits of the individual and weigh it with mine, to come up with a decision. I’ve limited the questions to 5, granted that it can be answered in less than a minute each since he needs to ask me a few himself.

Now, it’s your turn. If you’re in the position to go on a Speed Dating event, what will your questions be?

You can check our previously featured Speed Dating service.

Post from: Blisstree

Top Speed Date Questions

Tone down the mush factor.

If you zone in on the parts that are guy-friendly, like describing it a comedy with a twist rather than highlighting how it is a romance, he’s more likely to take the bait.

Strike a deal.

Think of it as a compromise. Relating is after all give and take. The idea that he’ll be getting a reward for it creates a considerable interest in him.

Bring it home.

I reckon they’re more tolerable of watching chick flicks when he’s lounging on his own couch or yours. Plus the chances of selecting the movie to rent that you’ll both enjoy is relatively higher.

I don’t mind watching action films, really. But I am so hooked on romantic comedies so there will be occasions wherein I would want to watch them with him [whoever he may be ]. Well, making use of these tips isn’t a crime now, is it?

Post from: Blisstree

How To Get Him To Watch A Chick Flick

Ever dated someone because you have “lots of things in common?” Well, what about because you’re both passionate about art? Astronomy? Baseball – or the Boston Red Sox, in particular?

You guessed it, I am going to talk about this particular sport, Baseball. Uh, not really about the sport, acutally, I’ll be talking about something for the fans — a dating idea for the fans, that is.

I came across an article that featured a site that matches singles with a common passion for the major league baseball team. It’s MatchingSox.com.

It’s quite similar to the other dating sites in existence only it’s main demographic are the male and female fans of the team. It’s primary aim was to bring together fans for a bit of trivia and web interaction but the founder of the dating site thought it a good idea to explore the prospect of dating other fans after being a fan has caused issues in past relationships.

So, are you a Red Sox fan? Go try your luck at MatchingSox.com!

Post from: Blisstree

Are you a Red Sox fan?

Let me share a few of the things that I practice in the years that I’ve been in the dating scene.

• When it comes to Blind Dates, I’m pretty open-minded about it. It’s not a major no-no in my book but with certain conditions like he should be a friend of a friend and not merely an acquaintance. And I apply other “practices” that I’ll be enumerating.
• It’s mandatory that I talk to the guy a couple of times prior the date.
• I don’t disclose my address or home phone number until at least the third date. He’ll just have to settle for my mobile number.
• For initial dates, I prefer not to be picked up. I’ll bring my own car, thank you very much!
• It’s going to be dutch. But if he insists that he pays for everything then I’ll let him just to be polite.
• When it comes to the “kiss” — err. I reckon my stand will be it will depend on the chemistry. But usually I’m really picky. It’s a big deal for me. I’m even very sensitive about being touched! Ha.
• If we’re to talk about the callbacks like the topic, which Gayla brought up, I’m not really a snob but I believe that men are the initiators so I often wait for him to get in touch with me again even when I did have a great time on the date. Don’t get me wrong. I’m pretty accommodating once he does call.

Now, it’s your turn to share your own dating practices. I’d appreciate it if you do let me know about them. I’m interested to know if I should be updating mine. Hahaha.

Post from: Blisstree

Dating Practices

I was just checking my personal blog’s stats earlier when I came across it in the popular search terms list. Ha. Does it mean that if you type in “dating an opinionated person” on Google search, you’ll pull up my blog? Gah. Am I opinionated?! Fine. Stupid question. Heh.

Let’s say I am an opinionated person, granted that I’ve always got something to say about something and everything, but there is a difference between being opinionated and tactlessly expressing an opinion, right?

Anyway, I’m not going to further rationalise this so I’m just going to move on and ask you guys the questions that’ve been bugging me, how do you feel about dating an opinionated person? Is it a turn-off or a turn-on? I know it depends on the other person but I just want to know what exactly you guys think.

Personally, I prefer dating a person who can form an opinion but not to the point of him being crass and arrogant. My thinking is I love conversations so if he can offer something on the table, then it can be quite something — even be surprisingly interesting. Well, that’s just me.

Post from: Blisstree

Dating an Opinionated Person