Watch the Age Range on Your Search Criteria
Men typically will put an age range of “18- their age” on their profile. While it might be legally okay that you want to date an 18-year old, if you’re a bit too old for that sort of thing women will use this to judge you. They have to. They haven’t met you and know nothing else about you. Give your search criteria the once over before posting it to make sure it’s what you really want.

Skip the Income Info
Income is one of those ultra personal things that people probably shouldn’t share until they know you well. While many sites invite you to post your income level, it might be best to skip it.

Body Issues
Men have a very different way of looking at their bodies than women do. That’s okay, except that in the online dating world you’ve got to take it all with a grain of salt. You might work out and feel really great, but is your body type really “muscular”?

Also, women tend to be more critical about their bodies, and will sometimes indicate that they need to lose a few pounds even when they don’t. Take this into consideration when looking through profiles.

No Cropped Photos
Men also like to use a photo with someone cropped out. Got one of you and your ex? Don’t use it. Women can see you’ve cropped her out and wonder why you chose that picture instead of one of you alone. Online dating is all about subtleties and these types of details can make or break your experience.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Online Dating Profiles For Guys

Sky Diving
This can be a good date if both of you are truly into it. If one is doing it only to please the other, it can cause tension and negative feelings down the road. If one of you is really into sky diving, it might be something your date has always wanted to try. Be sure to schedule some time to grab a stiff drink after your experience so you can talk about it! Chatting about it later might just be the part that helps bonds you two together.

Tattoos
While I wouldn’t recommend getting a tattoo just because your date wants you too, this could be a fun date if you both have been wanting to get one. Just don’t do something cute like get your date’s name tattooed on your arm!

Mountain Biking
This is something anyone can do depending on their level of fitness. Someone more experienced can take a fit guy or gal along and show them the ropes.

Go Cart Riding
Well I had to have something on this list that I might actually do! This is the kind of date that can give you a thrill and get the sparks flying, but is also one that basically any level of fitness or experience can try.

Skiing
If you’re both really ambitious, try downhill skiing and challenge yourself. In a warm climate? Try water skiing – then you can show off your bods while also getting in some exercise. For those that want the joy of being outdoors without being too much of a daredevil, try cross country skiing.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Daredevil Date Ideas

She Talked Too Much About Celebrity Junk
A few minutes of the current talk of the day is fine, but going on and on and on about the lives of Brangelina, Jlo, or Ms. Spears? Men just don’t care. Ladies should do a quick scan of the news before she leaves for her date to give herself some new material.

She Mentioned the Future
Women sometimes forget that first dates are about getting to know each other, not sizing a guy up for marriage. Rather than asking about his future plans, girls should simply see if she likes the guy enough to want to see him again.

She Was So Quiet
Guys can sometimes monopolize a conversation, especially when the gal is on the quiet side. To combat this, women should make an effort to get a few words in, even interrupting the guy if he prattles on too long. A guy that talks about himself all night will go home feeling that the girl he was with was boring. Women need to show a guy that she’s interesting and fabulous, and one way to do that is by being sure to get some vocal time the conversation.

She Didn’t Offer to Pay
Even though guys usually pay for a first date, it’s nice of the girl to at least offer. This lets the guy know you appreciate his effort, but you don’t expect it.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Gals First Date Flubs

He Yakked About His Ex
Guys seem to believe that staying friends with an ex is a bonus for them when it comes to the next girl. While ending a relationship on good terms is a positive thing, girls don’t always take kindly to a guy stating that he is pals with his ex. It has absolutely nothing to do with jealousy, rather, a girl may feel like the guy isn’t going to focus on her and their new relationship. If he continually talks about hanging with his ex, or the things he and the ex used to do, she may feel that he still has feeling for his ex and will just move on to the next guy.

He Didn’t Pay
Some girls believe that a guy should pay on a first date. Even if the first date is a coffee date, he should at the very least offer. If he doesn’t, and she didn’t like something else he did on the date, this will work against him.

He Checked Out Other Women
Men have to be careful of the “gawker” factor when it comes to first dates. Checking out other women, subtly or not, might leave a poor impression.

He Talked About Himself Too Much
Men and women communicate differently, and this is one area where men can get a little aggressive without even realizing it. To avoid the pitfall of talking about yourself too much, be sure to ask your gal lots of great questions.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Guys First Date Flubs

The best relationships have a balance of independent decisions and listening to input from your partner.  You shouldn’t always do exactly what your boyfriend wants you to do.  He should trust you to make decisions that are best for you and the relationship without putting pressure on you to do what he wants.

Image: sxc.hu

Controlling boyfriends usually have deep underlying insecurities, which they subconsciously solve by pairing with a partner who they can control.  They feel powerful and falsely confident when they know that their girlfriend is doing exactly what they want them to do.  They feel good knowing that they “own” someone and the relationship can quickly sour if the girlfriend attempts to express any independence.

It’s important to be aware of the signs that you are in a controlling relationship because it is a serious relationship that can quickly get out of hand.  Here are important boyfriend behaviors to look for:

• Constant phonecalls and text messages
• Unnecessary and expensive gifts
• Checks your phone and reads your email
• Questioning you about your whereabouts
• Not allowing you to see certain people or go certain places
• Not trusting your decision-making abilities
• Encouraging activities that involve just the two of you
• Encouraging you to cut off relationships with other people
• Not allowing you to express your opinions/emotions
• Anger when questioned about his motives

If you notice that your boyfriend is engaging in these behaviors and you feel uncomfortable with the situation, then it is extremely important that you address it as soon as possible.  If he gets into a habit of thinking that he can control your life and tell you how to act, then it will be extremely difficult for him to change and for the relationship to transform into a healthy one.

It’s extremely important to remember that you are a person outside of your relationship.  You have needs and wants, and you also make mistakes sometimes. You don’t need your boyfriend to make decisions for you or decide who you are.  You need to decide for yourself.  Regardless of how much he loves, he is not there to control your life.  He is there to be a healthy and supportive part of your life while you move forward with independent goals and values.

Post from: Blisstree

My Boyfriend is Protective & Controlling

Be forewarned, however, that geeks (like anyone) do not appreciate someone pretending to be someone they are not just to grab a guy or girl. So if you sign up for one of these sites, do it because you are genuinely interested in getting to know more about gaming, or better yet, or totally into it already.

Gaming Passions
Gaming Passions is a free online dating and social networking site specifically for video game lovers. No matter what type of games you enjoy, you’ll be able to meet new people, chat about gaming, send messages and emails, and perhaps even meet the guy or gal of your dreams.

Date Craft
Date Craft began as a spot for World of Warcraft fans to gather and meet, but it’s now expanded to all different kinds of gaming fans. The site bills itself as a “seriously-funny (and funnily-serious) way for those that call themselves “gamer” to meet others that share the very same interest. Browse gamers profiles, blog, chat, join in the lively forum discussions, post pictures, and more!”

Gamer Dating Network
Another free dating site that lets you connect with other gamers. This one also allows you to “smile” at members as well.

Gorgeous Gamers
A social networking site that says “if you’re a gamer, you’re gorgeous.” Contains blogs, contest info, and gamer forums.

Peer 2 Peer – Networking for Geeks
Personals website for geeks that has everything from platonic pen pal listings, events, and online profiles.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Dating Sites for Gamers

You Arrived Late
Leaving someone waiting, especially on a first date, can evoke plenty of negative feelings. The whole time the person is waiting for you they might wonder if you really didn’t like them, if you are going to stand them up, if they aren’t attractive enough….

So even if the date went okay, being tardy could be enough to change their mind to “no” when you ask them for a second date.

You Talked About Your Ex Too Much
Chatting about your ex can give off lots of negative vibes, but it can also make someone wonder if you’re over your previous girlfriend or boyfriend. No one wants to be with someone who has a foot in a another relationship or even in the memory of one. Think back over your date, and if you started a few too many sentences with, “My ex thought” or “My ex always…” then be sure to watch it the next time you’re on a first date.

There Just Wasn’t Any Chemistry
It’s true, there has to be something that “clicks” between the two of you. Some people have it instantly, and some just don’t. If you lacked chemistry with someone, never take it personally.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Reasons Why You’re Not Getting a 2nd Date

Talk About It
It can be difficult to bring up the idea of presents, but if you’ve been dating a few months it can help ease an awkward situation later. A good way to approach the subject is to say, “I was wondering about gifts. What were you thinking? Would you like to exchange? Skip it? What are your thoughts?”
When you ask this, be open to whatever your date may say. Use this as a starting off point so the two of you can reach some middle ground.

Watch the Message the Gift Might Send
If you’re too shy to talk about gifts ahead of time, it’s always a good idea to have something ready in case your date gives you a present. Then, you can easily return the favor. When you’re newly dating, it’s a good idea to purchase a thoughtful gift that isn’t too expensive or personal. You want the message of the gift to be that you appreciate the person and care about them, but not that you love them.

Make it Personal
If you’ve dated a while and find that the two of you are serious, of course, go ahead and put some more effort into your gift. Presents don’t have to be expensive, however. A homemade gift (personalized scrapbook of your favorite dating moments, binder with your emails, photo album of your special events) are all appropriate.

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Avoiding Gift Snafus While Dating

If you’re looking for some date ideas for this month, here are a few to help you out.

Get Outside and Enjoy the Cold
If you live in a cooler climate, take advantage of the weather! Get out and enjoy some ice skating or sledding, followed, of course, by some yummy hot chocolate. What’s that you say? You haven’t skated since you were a kid? All the better. Remember, your date doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be fun. Hold on to your date if you’re wobbly!

Museums
If you’re into it, museums have a lot of great specials in the winter months.

Movies
Seeing a film is still a great date idea. The key to making a movie work for your date is to plan some time before or after for conversation. Perhaps you could meet at the movie and grab a soda and chat in the lounge before the flick. Or, you could arrange to grab a quick bit after the show and talk about the movie, life, or anything else. But sitting next to someone in a dark theater? Still very romantic, and December is a really great time to see the latest movies.

Indoor Sports
If you live in a part of the country where the weather is nice, of course, you can still golf, play tennis, or go for a bike ride outside. But if you’re in a colder climate, why not do some indoor rock climbing or racquet ball?

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

December Date Ideas

Image: Flickr applescruff

If you and an ex have decided that you want to try dating again, I want to recommend some important ideas to think about.  I can’t tell if you if getting back together is a good or bad decision, but I can tell you to think about and discuss these topics very seriously to avoid putting yourself in another painful situation.

• Remember why you broke up. It might sound obvious, but think about what caused you to break up and figure out if you have solved any of the serious issues.  Couple who still love each other break up because there is an unresolvable situation that keeps them from moving forward together.  If the situation is still unresolved, that is a serious problem.

• Loving each other is not enough.  A brief break-up and then jumping back into a relationship usually occurs because the two involved miss each other and don’t want to deal with the pain of separating.  Two people can be madly in love and miss each other every second they are apart, but still be unable to make a relationship work.  Love is important (obviously) but it’s not everything.  Make sure you address the other issues that exist in your relationship.

• It’s extremely difficult, but okay, to be alone.  Don’t let yourself fall back into a failed relationship because you don’t like being alone.  We all know that life is MUCH harder when you are out there on your own without a loving partner to come home to every night, but being alone is healthy and strengthening.  I have to admit that I have fallen into this trap many times and I only wish that I would have taken the time to notice it before the situation got out of control.

• You might not meet someone else right away.  Don’t go back to an old boyfriend because you “couldn’t find anyone else.”  There are a million fish in the sea and it takes a long time to sort through all of the fish.  Also, if you just got out of this relationship then you probably weren’t in a position to properly evaluate your new prospects.

• Be honest with yourself about your decision. Get in touch with your insecurities and your desires and try to figure out the real reason why you’re getting back together.  It might be extremely hard to figure this out when you’re so deep in the situation, so talk to the people in your life who know and love you and ask for their honest opinions.

I am definitely not saying that getting back together with a serious boyfriend of the past is an impossible situation, but I am saying that it is tricky and it’s good to be aware of potential problems before they occur.  Breaking up with someone you love is extremely hard the first time, and could be even more difficult the second time.  Take care of yourself by being careful not to put yourself in a situation that could cause more pain than long term happiness.

Post from: Blisstree

How To Be Smart When Getting Back Together