Now that we’re entering the sweltering days of summer, it’s time to rethink your current dating plans.

After all, it’s a little too hot for the beach and even hotter for that long romantic walk you had planned. So, it’s time to go to Plan B, C, D, E….

There are plenty of ways to stay cool and have a great time on a date.

• Go to the movies – Try heading to your local movie theatre for some back to back flicks. Each of you can choose one movie to see and hang out in their air conditioned rec area between the show times.
• Head to the bookstore – Since bookstores often have much more than just books these days, why not take a date there. Split up to look at things you might want to buy and then find one of those comfy couches to read until the sun goes down.
• Try the museum – If you’re looking for a little culture, head to the museum. It’s generally free for the regular exhibits and it’s always cool. They also tend to have great eating spaces where you can discuss your favorite artists.
• Go for a drive – If you one of you owns a convertible or isn’t opposed to renting one for a day, take a drive around the town or to any nearby tourist areas. Sure, gas is pricey these days, but one day on the road might be just the right way to start a relationship. And that’s worth it.

  Dating in the heat doesn’t have to make you sweat!

  Dating Essentials, Tips and Ideas Date Ideas, Holidays, Movies, Summer

When you turn on the news these days, the headlines aren’t just about the latest crime spree or about the hottest celebrity, it’s all about the money woes of the world. Salaries are shrinking and prices are rising. Things are just getting depressing all around.

Who can even think about love at a time like this?

But what some companies have found is that online dating services are booming. Since online dating does help you save money in the long run, this is the one place where people can still look for love, even as their wallets grow thinner.

Online dating…

• Is cheaper than going out to bars or clubs.
• Lets you scout out prospects before you go out with them.
• Lets you talk at length with people before you meet for drinks.

Since you’re not heading to places to (hopefully) find a date, you get to stay at home with your cheap frozen dinners until you find the right person to take you out.

You might also want to make sure that first date is free or just really inexpensive. Go to a coffee shop or to a bookstore to get to know each other before you pull out your wallet.

Tough times call for drastic measures, but just because the economy is in a slump doesn’t mean your love life needs to be too.

Dating Essentials Cheap, Date Ideas, Money

Nerves. They all get us from time to time. And if you haven’t been out on a date in a while for any reason, you might be a little more anxious than you’d like.

Instead of calling to cancel your dinner and movies meetup, you just need to learn how to relax a little and even use your nervousness to your advantage.

First of all, everyone gets nervous on a date – even if it’s their 100th date of the week. For a brief moment, everyone worries if their breath smells, if they just said something stupid, etc. So, realize that you’re human and that your date is going to be just as nervous.

So say something. That’s right, just say that you’re nervous. It’s a great ice breaker, and it helps you both get that elephant in the room under control.

Next, don’t analyze anything that you say or do from that moment on. Okay, you can play back your date when you get home, but when you’re out on the town, do NOT think about what you’re doing and how good/horrible it is. Just relax and be yourself. They’re going to make mistakes too.

When you approach dating in this way – online or in person – you’re not going to come off as a stiff person that doesn’t know how to have a good time. Revel in your human-ness and start dating more.

After a while, those nerves aren’t going to bother you at all.

Dating Essentials, Self Confidence, Tips and Ideas Date Ideas, Nerves, Relaxation