Most of the time I write about the positives in dating, but today I’m going to talk about the negative. You know, those dates you never should have gone on in the first place. Here are the top five worst reasons to date somebody.

• Looks. Ok, we’ve all done this. And, sometimes it works out well because, as luck would have it, we find we have lots in common with the walking Ken or Barbie. But, when that happens, it is just that: luck. Beauty fades quickly when you find you have nothing in common.
• They seemed just like your ex – This one will disappoint you every time. Get over your ex – don’t try to replace him or her.
• They are your best friend’s ex – Ok, so maybe you’re not going out with them because they’re your best friend’s ex, but your friend has said that they don’t care. Unless they dated this person years ago and have gone on to find the love of their life since then, they don’t mean it when they say it’s ok. You’re risking a friendship on this one.
• Dating your boss – In many companies, it’s against policy and will get you fired. But, even if it isn’t technically against the rules; it’s a bad idea. You’ll make enemies of your coworkers, and be in a very bad spot if it doesn’t work out.
• Dating a subordinate – Just like dating your boss, dating someone who reports to you at work is asking for trouble. And, if you break up with them, and they happen to be vindictive; you could be looking at a sexual harassment charge.

Dating Essentials Beauty, Boss, Exes, Work

It’s never easy to be a single parent. Along with all of the difficult issues that come with parenting alone (or sharing responsibilities with an ex), add in the challenges of getting back into the dating scene and you start to get an idea of the uphill battle so many single parents face.

Online dating sites (especially those targeted squarely for single parents) have taken a lot of the stress and difficulty out of dating for this unique group of singles. Finding someone to go out with who understands what it’s like to deal with single parenthood every day can be a huge thing; it gives you common ground to talk about and a common set of responsibilities to keep in mind when planning your dating activities.

What’s more, when you choose an online dating site for single parents you’re going to connect with others who don’t mind the fact that you have children – something that you cannot say for sure with other more general dating sites! And because many single parents also face financial challenges, dating sites for single parents typically make it relatively easy and affordable to get back into dating without breaking the bank.

Some of the top rated dating sites for single parents include:

• SingleParentsMingle.com
• SingleParentMatch.com
• SingleParentMeet.com
• SingleParentLove.com

If you’d prefer to stick with a dating site that is broader (eHarmony.com, Match.com, etc.) be sure to choose one that offers you the option of noting that you’re a single parent and allows you to focus on other single parents as your potential matches. With a bit of research and effort, every single parent can find the right online dating site to meet their unique needs!

Family Exes, Kids, Parents

Why didn’t he/she call? You seemed to really hit it off, there was playful banter, even some touching and canoodling. So, why didn’t you get that call for a second date?

First of all, it’s probably not your fault. You just didn’t know the ‘rules.’ (No, not those other rules.)

Rule #1 – Don’t get too personal

While you might want to profess your entire life story to this new person, it’s not generally the best idea. So, leave the stories about your exes at home and try to talk about them instead.

Rule #2 – Don’t be rude

Always bring enough money to pay, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, don’t talk with your mouth open, etc. All of those manners that your mother tried to teach you? Use them. And don’t even think about arguing that ‘Well, this is just the way I am.’ It’s still rude and it’s certainly not going to win you any points.

Rule #3 – Don’t try to be crazy

Somewhere along the line, the idea that quirky = good got passed along to singles around the world. So, people began to try to be overly funny or weird as they thought it might appeal to a prospective partner.

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Being odd, if that’s a part of your personality, is fine, but being weird for the sake of being weird – not so great. Leave your singing of the names on the menu and rhyming everything that you say at home, locked far away from sunlight.

Be yourself!

Breaking Up, Rejection, Tips and Ideas Be Yourself, Crazy, Dump, Exes, Rules, Weird