So many rules so little time. Why do we fall prey to societies fear tactics? What will actually happen if you call your date before the 3 day “benchmark”? Oh, I know…she might actually know you’re interested! The “don’t call for 3 days” rule is such an old-school, has been, cheesy form of play. Why waste time, drop her a text immediately following your date. Let her know you enjoyed your time together (only if you in fact did!) and compliment her on something specific she said, did, her appearance, or for bonus points – all of the above!

Details go a long way. Those of the female persuasion are constantly taking in a myriad of information, so if you can remember three details about your time together, you’ll make her feel that perfect amount of “special”. And that’s key gentlemen…all women want to feel special! There’s a little bit of princess in all of us no matter how much we feign equality. Take away the pretence and you’ll find a teeny tiny tiara hidden in there somewhere!

A word of caution: don’t go overboard and come off as a stalker, keep it light, fresh and cute…if she responds likewise, you’ll have the green light to proceed. Showing you’re interested is sweet, however coming across as an obsessed “must have you now!” is creepy…so find that line and don’t cross it.

There has to be an element of “hard to get”, but again, you can be coy without being cocky, distant or seemingly disinterested. Everyone likes a chase, but no one likes a marathon.
In short: all rules are meant to be broken on some level…have fun, play safe, show interest and then let it flow…

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When it comes to fashion and style, a lot of men think that if they just show up … as long as they’ve showered and shaved (and sometimes even THAT is a stretch!) …that they’ll get a pass. You don’t know how many ladies I’ve heard complain about the lack of effort they see men making on the first date. Call me lame – but if you fail to try, you’re trying to fail (insert Charlie Brown “wah wah” sound clip here!).

If you’re not naturally gifted with the “gay gene” find someone (such as myself *wink wink nudge nudge*) to give you a version of the brutal truth. Sometimes if just takes a fresh perspective to get out of your cocoon of “this is me, take it or leave it”.

You may think you have a great sense of style, but if your version of style is being critiqued by the ladies in the Vancouver dating scene who are often Louis Vuitton clutching, perfectly proportioned True Religion wearing, D-cup contemplating, well manicured “hotties”, you had better come prepared.

Now before you jump down my throat on that one, let me say this…guys complain about women being too fake and wanting the “natural” beauty in yet drool over the latest issue of Maxim wishing they had a chance to simply stand next to the (albeit photo shopped) bombshell laid out before them. The truth about looking “natural” (for most), is that it takes a lot of work and prep time.

Again, this is not about being fake and succumbing to the typical Vancouver singles scene, rather its about seeing and meeting your full potential….coming into the game as a dating professional, not a dating dilemma.

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So I can understand how this “economic downturn” has made even the most generous gent turn into penny-pinching popper, and inevitably this will effect the dating life. Seriously, no one is impressed with a Mc’Happy Meal and a tour through Stanley Park unless we’re talking about a play date with your sisters little munchkins. So how do you impress without fully undressing your dwindling bank account?

Events Dating: find a high roller event and try to get on the guest list. Vancouver magazine puts on many events throughout the year (www.vanmag.com) such as the Restaurant Awards, Power 50, Big Night…ticket prices are fairly low, and you’ll be able to sip cocktails and dine on tasty tapas for a good portion of the day/evening. Western Living magazine also hosts “Designers of the Year” (www.westernlivingmagazine.com/CE/events), which is another dress to impress event.

The Vancouver club scene has a hefty calendar stacked with events and abounding with late night adventures. It’s not the “ideal” first date, but could be a fun cap to the evening if you’re both feeling the grove. Get on the guestlist and roll in with style. http://www.clubzone.com/g1/vip/vancouver-guest-list.html It’s a great way to look fly while still flying under the financially strained radar.

Fun for the whole family! Even if you and your date don’t have kids, getting out and acting like one is the best form of free fun goin! Nothing will have more of an “awwwwwww!” factor then a day filled with “kid-like” activities. Check out: http://www.findfamilyfun.com/eventthismonth.htm for a heap o’ events going on each and every month.

Get out and play! What better way to bring out the competitive energy of your date then to go for a good round of pitch and putt, or the driving range, batting cage, bowling etc. These simple activities will have you teasing and taunting each other within the first 20 minutes. Bring a thermos with some hot chocolate for a little chocolaty treat post-game!

Take a ride on the wild side! If you’ve never gone down the river in an inner tube you haven’t lived. This is a splash of fun your date won’t soon forget. Granted you’ll have to make your way out of the city to find a river worthy of such an adventure, so perhaps wait until date 2 to bring out this golden nugget.

Give back. Surprise her with a charity event or a soup kitchen, this will not only gain you brownie points, but also allow for some real-life interaction…both with the less fortunate as well as your date.

Events dating can be a fun and nearly-free way of making an impression while still leaving you with a few bills in your pocket. You’re welcome!

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Technorati Tags: dating professionals, events and activities, events dating, vancouver date