The Best Dating Advice

For anything of significance that has been achieved by humankind, there has been a plan. From the pyramids in Egypt, through the various wars that pepper our history books, to the individual need to outwit, outplay and outlast, there has been a blueprint or strategy for getting the job done.

Why would it be any different in your love life?

Yet, so many men and women have decided that it’s not under their control and chalk it up to fate. How many times have your friends or family members said, “It’ll just happen… when the time is right”? Or “If it’s meant to be….it’ll happen”. Would you travel to a new city without getting directions and proclaim that you’ll get there “If it’s meant to be”?

Fate may be the weight of circumstance, but shouldn’t you align those circumstances in your favour? I do agree that “Things Happen For A Reason”, but that reason is largely influenced by your actions or inactions. Sitting at home and watching TV while waiting for your ideal mate to find you is kinda like playing “Hide & Seek” by hopping the next plane to Europe.

There’s a better way.

Here’s your 3 step Action Plan:

1) Realize that if it’s going to happen, you need to become a creative force is making it happen. This one makes a lot of people uneasy, because it requires moving out of your “comfort zone”

2) Decide exactly what the person you are looking for will look like, their personality, their likes and dislikes, level of education, attitude towards life, even the type of watch they wear. Details are key.

3) Take action everyday to meet this person. Where would they go? Go there. Where do they shop? Shop there. Put yourself in their way. That’s how they will find you.

Try it. You’ll like it.

…and why you should too!

Whether it’s eleven pipers piping, Shriners on mini-bikes or the majesty of a well-crafted float, the atmosphere at a St-Patrick’s Day parade sparkles with wonder and anticipation. The pride wells up from inside and burns through your chest as you survey the spectacle about you. Or maybe, that’s just too many Irish whiskeys and Guinness on an empty stomach.

Either way, it’s an easy bet that everyone who has come out to partake in the festivities is friendly and there to have a good time, so it’s awesome an opportunity to meet new people. If you do it right, these strangers can become lifelong friends and/or lovers. I knew a girl who wound up meeting her future husband. And more than a few guys, their girlfriends. It’s makes you wonder if the day isn’t under some Celtic spell. For I have seen even the shyest, most awkward, drunken ramblers whose patter is less charming and coherent than the raving lunatics in the asylums come away with dates.

Here’s your action plan to make the most of parade day:

1) Breakfast: Unless you’ve been out ’til four in the morning the night before (and even if you have), set the right tone for parade day by inviting all your friends and acquaintances over for a pot-luck breakfast. Gauge how many guests you’ll have and give each one an item to be responsible for.

2) Paparazz-ize: Be sure to capture all the fun and excitement, including the riske or outrageous moments, on your digital camera. This will come in handy when you’re meeting people at the parade or bars.

3) Pick Your Spot: If your plan does not include a pre-parade top-up of Irish or Bailey’s coffee, get to the route early an stake your claim on the spot of land where you and your friends will be hanging out. Consider sight-lines and proximity to the nearest washroom.

4) Dress appropriately: I covered this in the last post. Showing your St. Patrick’s Day colours is a great way to bond with strangers (Read: have that hottie realize at a subconscious level that you are safe and someone they can be comfortable around).

5) Remember the kids: How you act around children, especially if they are not your own, says a lot to a potential mate about the kind of person you are. Breakout the stickers and cheap candies you picked up at the Dollar Store earlier in the week, and distribute them liberally.

6) Post-Parade agenda: You want to have the after-parade party all planned out. If you can, send a few friends ahead of you to reserve tables at whichever bar you’ve chosen. You’ve been meeting people all morning, demonstrating how popular, fun, friendly and stable you are. You are ready to take it to the next level.

Invite each and every one of them to party with you at the bar. If you’ve followed the action plan so far, this should be a “no-brainer”.

Congratulations: You’ve made friends and influenced people. You have successfully laid the groundwork for a wealth of potential dates. Stay on track and don’t let the alcohol get away from you. Slainte!

Every March, many a young man and woman throughout the land head out from the safety of their homes to embark on an epic adventure. For some it will be a treacherous journey from sobriety through many twists, turns and Irish whiskey into the very bowels of debauchery. Others, may fare better keeping an even keel at the helm of some hops and barley. Whichever path you choose, to get the most out of your day or night you will need to bring along two essentials: your best friend and a stomach of steel.

Here is some of the best Irish Pub advice for meeting members of the opposite (or even same) sex and having an awesome St. Patty’s Day:

1.) Know your beers. There are only three beers you want to be concerned with on this day:
Harp, Smithwicks (pronounced Smit-iks) and Guinness. Sorry, but putting green dye in a Budweiser does not make it Irish.

2.) Wear something Green. Dress up for it, just like you would a costume party. It lets everyone know you’re in the spirit of the day and not just some oblivious drunk. The Dollar Store is a great place to pick up disposable accessories. The official shade of green for this day is Kelly Green.

3.) Tattoos. Everybody wants to show their Irish pride on St. Patrick’s Day and there’s no better way to get to know your neighbours (especially the cute ones) than putting temporary tattoos of beer pints and leprechauns on their faces.

4.) Know your music. Take a few minutes to memorize an old Irish tune and be willing to sing it, badly. There’s a wealth of music out there to choose from. But the classic with great appeal that is still fresh has to be “Dirty Old Town”. Stay away from “Danny Boy”, unless you’re hoping to attract a lot of old men.

The most important thing to remember is it’s all about having fun. If you bring a lot of high energy, any group you approach will be receptive to receiving you. Don’t linger too long, meet other people and check back with them. Create intrigue and create an atmosphere of “play” with whomever you run into. Now, that is very attractive.

Slainte!

You see them everywhere; walking down the street, dancing at the club, even shopping at the GAP. Some are funny. Some are bold. Some say things that inspiring and some say things that are crude. But what’s most important is what they are saying about you behind your back.

Initially we buy them for the funny, clever or inspirational saying splashed across the chest or back, because, somehow we identify with the message. It speaks to a sacred aspect of our ego. And it also speaks to all the people we encounter when we’re out in public.

Make no mistake, your t-shirt is busily telling the world what you are all about as you go through your day. Maybe you though it was cool that your new shirt says “Cocaine” using the Coca-Cola font. But, is the rest of the world treating you like you snort eight balls between classes? And is it really baffling why no one seems to take you seriously when you’re at the club bursting out of a fitted-t that reads “Bimbo” in large block letters?

Is it possible? Do too many of us have a “set it and forget it” mentality when it comes to the t-shirts we wear? Your t-shirt, after all, is more than just something to cover up your naked flesh and keep you warm. Add a silkscreen or some embroidery and it becomes a conversation piece; an ice-breaker; an excuse for people you don’t know to approach you.

How comfortable complete strangers are around you and how they treat you will ALWAYS come down to the subtle messages you are sending out. We covered this concept at some length in “7 Tips for A Killer First Date” (click here to get this valuable $27 resource for free). It’s a complex communication with a lot of moving parts. And while the collection of letters strung across your chest may not be a large part of that communication, there is no denying it has some influence.

Something to think about when you’re vibing with that hottie behind the stage, between music acts, on National T-Shirt Day.