Even the single person who is thoroughly committed to finding a mate has some trouble getting out and about during the cold winter months. But, don’t let snow and ice deter you from your dating pursuits. Granted, most of your dates will take place indoors this time of year, but don’t use that as an excuse to stay home alone.

This is a great time of year for speed dating events, many of which will likely be held in a warm coffee shop. And, even if you don’t meet anyone special, these can be a great way to get yourself out of the house when you normally wouldn’t.

This is also a great time of year to enjoy less expensive dates, too, like cooking a pot of chili at home and watching a movie or just sitting in front of a cozy fire. Plenty of time to talk and get to know each other can be a good thing when you’ve found someone you think might really be a good match.

So, don’t get the winter blues about your dating life. Enjoy the down time to talk and figure out the new match in your life. Spring will be here soon, along with plenty of opportunities to get outside. Just be sure that by the time the weather warms, you’ve done your best to see that your heart is warmed to someone who’ll enjoy the spring flowers with you.

Dating Essentials Date Ideas, Speed Dating, Winter

Ok, so I’m a sucker for Valentine’s Day. I have one of those sappy stories that will make the perpetually single person nauseous. My hubby proposed to me on Valentine’s Day, even though I was deathly ill with the flu and in my flannel pajamas.

However, before I found my soulmate, I spent many a year dreading Valentine’s Day and all the romantic hoopla that went along with it. You see, when you’re unattached and you want to be attached, Valentine’s Day is the loneliest day of the year. (New Year’s Eve comes in a close second.)

So, if you love Valentine’s Day, you obviously have a reason to love it – likely a person who makes you love it, and you don’t need my encouragement. But, if you hate Valentine’s Day, here’s my advice on how to get through the day without hating all of your attached friends.

• Make plans. Sitting at home on Valentine’s Day only makes it worse. This year, the date falls on a weekday, which makes it a little easier to tolerate, however. But, you should still make it a point to go out and have some fun with a friend. Skip the romantic restaurants that will be filled with couples, and opt for a fun bar, see a movie, go ice skating or go bowling.
• Eat chocolate. If you love those beautiful heart shaped boxes filled with delicious candies, buy one for yourself. There’s no reason you should miss out on your favorite treats just because you’re single.
• Be thankful for your life. You’ll never attract someone for next Valentine’s Day if it is your sole focus in life. Enjoy the life you have and be grateful for it. That makes you much more attractive to other people.

Tips and Ideas Date Ideas, Proposal, Valentine's Day

Thanksgiving is upon us, and this time of year can be a little tricky if you’re seeing someone new. Some people tend to avoid inviting their new flame to any personal or family events for fear of overwhelming them or of implying an intimacy that they may not yet feel. Yet, even at the earliest stages of dating, it’s hard to let Thanksgiving pass by unremarked. Here are some ways to enjoy November even if you’re not ready to take your new flame to a huge Thanksgiving celebration.

• Cook a traditional dinner before or after the holiday. If you’re a whiz in the kitchen, whip up a holiday dinner before or after the holiday to share with your new love interest. You may not choose to include all the fixings, and you may not even choose to cook a turkey. But a nice home cooked dinner together as your own Thanksgiving celebration is nice. It might be fun to cook it together, too.
• Consider a more laid back “fall” date. Enjoy a drive in the country to take in the fall color or go on a fall hayride with a group.
• Build a fire in the fireplace and watch a great classic movie together, complete with some pumpkin pie and apple cider.
• Eat Thanksgiving dinner together with a group of friends. If neither of you are planning to visit relatives for Thanksgiving, spending the day together is far less stressful. Consider hosting or attending a Thanksgiving dinner for friends instead with your new love interest. If no one wants to host, remember that lots of restaurants offer a traditional Thanksgiving buffet that requires no work at all.

There’s no reason to be stressed out about how to appropriately share the holidays with a new flame. Just take some time to plan ahead and you’re sure to both enjoy the holidays stress free.

Family Date Ideas, Food, Holidays, Thanksgiving