Top Dating Tips Blog

Blogging our expert tips, tricks and collective wisdom on dating

If you're looking for something a bit more original than the typical "dinner and a movie," more power to you. As a female, I can tell you that guys get major brownie points for coming up with and planning creative dates that prove they did more than open a newspaper.  Read More »

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Coming up with the perfect Christmas present for your significant other can be daunting, especially when you've been dating such a short time that you're not quite familiar with the eccentricities of his or her music taste but you still want to impress with an unexpectedly thoughtful and insightful gift that will buy you a few more weeks, at least.  Read More »

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I've said this before and I'll say it again: You have to start being yourself by at least the second date. This is no truer than when pets come into the picture. It's all too easy to "ooh" and "ahh" and pal around with some hottie's Chihuahua to get her to like you when all you really want to do is drop-kick Fido and score a field goal.  Read More »

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How to survive digital rejection with your dignity intact
That headline seems ridiculous, right? I mean, what is dating if not extremely, completely, horrendously, desperately personal? How can you go about searching for the one person that makes your heart feel whole without getting at least a little bit personal? It seems weird, but when it comes to looking for love online, you need to remember that it's not about you -- at least not for awhile.  Read More »

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So I've got this friend. Well, OK, it's technically my girl's friend, but we still kick it. She is now in her fourth "super serious" relationship of the year. My lady keeps reporting to me that Ms. Decisive is sure this one is definitely "The One.  Read More »

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Maybe they don't have this problem in places like New York and L.A., but mine is a small city by many standards, and it seems like every single person here is dabbling in online dating. On the surface, this is great -- it ostensibly ups your chances for love if there are tons of people to choose from.  Read More »

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We've all heard a lot about Tiger Woods' "transgressions" since the now-infamous accident and hospital visit around Thanksgiving. He recently announced his comeback to the tour, but in between, he was "rehabilitated" in a sex addiction clinic.  Read More »

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What kind of money-savvy do you look for in a significant other? If you're baffled by the question, it's time to get wise. In tough economic times like these (heck, in any times at all), money and how the person you might want to eventually marry handles, thinks about and spends their greenbacks can have a massive impact on your would-be relationship (not to mention whether your future kids go to college or work at Burger King).  Read More »

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So my lady says to me the other day, "I love you just the way you are." How sweet, right? Well, hang on, it's not that simple. Let me give you the history of the conversation ... We had just sat down for a pasta dinner.  Read More »

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We women understand that just the thought of February 14 has the power to inspire pure panic in most men. We get it -- Valentine's Day is the one 24-hour period when the likelihood of a potential misstep that negates all the work you've put in trying to think up "sensitive" questions to ask us and pretend you're not a mouth breather increases exponentially.  Read More »

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Yes, it's more than a month away, but since I know you all are already starting to think about Valentine's Day -- and how could you not, with all the massive, pink in-store displays and huge, sappy hearts starting to pop up everywhere? -- let's get one thing straight.  Read More »

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Well, I hope everyone had a festive holiday season. Just one more to go, with New Years Eve right around the corner, bringing the promise of a new year and a new you, resolutions and -- you guessed it -- one big party.  Read More »

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The holidays are a time of sharing, joy, company parties and the sharing of joyful beverages at company parties. If you've had your eye on that sweet honey in the office for a while now, this is the time to act.  Read More »

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Ahh, Thanksgiving -- a time of celebration, fun and family. Now, the question is: Just how much of that family do you want your lady to meet (and vice versa)? Here are some key indicators. You're hanging out after getting back to your place, and she turns to you to discuss .  Read More »

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Think you're too old for Halloween? Think again, my single friends. This is probably the best dating tip I can give you. Halloween is a gold mine for meeting ladies. Whether you take a date or pick one up at the party, this may be your best shot to find love … or at least a second date with a superhero.  Read More »

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Girls can be so jealous. Don't believe me? Keep an eye out for it next time you're at a party, park, bar or game. It's not just the crazy ones, either. Something the other day reminded me of when I first started dating my lady, how jealous she and my kinda-ex were.  Read More »

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Breaking up is such an important topic that movies, songs and TV commercials have all contributed to the cause. Most people still fail to grasp what an art it truly is. Just think about how many relationships drag on for months or years because of the fear breaking up inspires.  Read More »

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If your girl is a total sports nut, I suggest you suck it up and propose now. Otherwise, I have a few suggestions for you to help balance sports and date time. I took the lady out for dinner and drinks the other day.  Read More »

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So I just got back from Vegas. It had been a while since my last adventure into Sin City, and boy how I had forgotten. Apparently, there is something in the air there that causes girls to wear about 25% of their normal clothing, and I'm not just talking about the ones who are paid to do so.  Read More »

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The conventional online dating wisdom for profiles is to be yourself, use pictures that aren't from 5 years back when you looked like a totally different person and describe who you are openly and honestly.  Read More »

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Whether you're at a bar, a game, the school, a park or anywhere in between, you should always be ready to act, should a girl catch your eye. 'Cause failing to prepare is preparing to fail, right? Here are some different approaches to suit different personalities.  Read More »

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Single parents need love too, but the truth of the matter is that -- while you adore your kids and all -- it's hard to get close to someone new when you can't spend time alone. But who should you trust to make sure the rug rats don't burn the house down while you're on a date with that cutie you met online? And how much will it cost you? Once again, the Internets have provided a solution.  Read More »

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I made an interesting observation this morning as I went about my normal routine. As usual, I woke up and crawled out of bed, then diligently assembled the rows and rows of throw pillows in coordinating designs, alternating colors and assorted shapes that even Martha Stewart would be proud of.  Read More »

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Many couples sign a prenuptial agreement before entering into the sacred vows of marriage. Why? 'Cause who knows what's going to happen? You need to protect your awesome earning potential, your vintage Corvette and your stake in the Arena Football League (as if you actually have such things).  Read More »

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Looking for someone to invade your personal space? If your summer just won't be complete without a spark or two, check out our Yahoo! Personals Free Trial, which will let you check out over 10 million other Yahoo! members who're looking to find love before the cold winter months arrive.  Read More »

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We all make mistakes. We forget birthdays. We have a few too many beers with the guys and throw up in a hamper. Some of us might even -- on occasion -- check out other girls. (The nerve! Who would do such a thing?!) Keystone Light recognized this and even has an ad campaign dedicated to male slip ups.  Read More »

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Taking the first vacation with your lady is a big step in any relationship, even if it is just overnight in the next town. It can take your relationship to the next level or send it spiraling down in a fiery crash.  Read More »

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Bummed about the prospect of hitting the books without a boyfriend (or girlfriend)? We know it sucks to 'fess up to the fact that you spent your sad summer vacation alone … again. But there's still time to find someone worth bragging to your friends about before you head back to your alma mater.  Read More »

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In the best-case scenario, your date or girlfriend gets along great with your buds. She's "one of the guys," or at least that "awesome chick" your friends enjoy being around. If you find it weird to hang out with your friends and your lady at the same time, you might be in for problems.  Read More »

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If your girl is a sports nut, played on four intercollegiate teams and knows what the blue line is, you can stop reading now. For the rest of you, here are some tips for bringing your girl up to speed on sports and making a date at the game or all-day TV bash more enjoyable for the both of you: First of all, take it slow.  Read More »

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If you're at all like me, you spend most of the day in front of a computer. The Internet plays a huge part in your life, both professionally and personally. You're connected to the Web in many ways, and you feel totally comfortable with that.  Read More »

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Today, I thought I'd write a little something for the ladies. A handbook, if you will, on what us guys think. It might just help you avoid a nasty argument with your man. First of all, the jokes you hear about guys being dumb jocks who only care about sex, beer and TV (and the games on TV) are true.  Read More »

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Are you a "relationship person"? Do you get so excited at the prospect of a new romantic interest that you're tempted to spend all your time with the new flame? Do your friends joke about your willingness to "play house"? If this sounds like you -- and if you find yourself sadly single -- stop waiting around for something good and make it happen for yourself with an eHarmony free trial! There's nothing wrong with being in a tizzy over a new love -- heck, we'd be worried if you weren't! But there's also something to be said for enjoying the ride.  Read More »

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Wingman -- wing·man (wĭng'mən): Your trusted sidekick at the bar Many people think the history of the wingman dates back to the 1986 film Top Gun; to the '96 flick Swingers, in which the role was glorified; or even to the Coors Light commercial featuring the song "Ode to the Wingman.  Read More »

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Looking for someone to get cozy with? Need a little romance injected into your life? Sure you do. You probably have a few friends who've found someone special online … heck, maybe you've even tried it out yourself.  Read More »

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My lady, whom I shall refer to as "Legally Blonde" (take that how you wish -- and no, she doesn't know I'm calling her that -- and yes, she would be none too happy about it), were sitting on the couch the other night when she whispered, "I love you," in my ear.  Read More »

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Summer is here, and that means it's time to flip on the grill, strip down (to your bathing suit, at least) and heat things up. If spending the next 3 months celebrating alone sounds like no fun, why not find someone to play in the pool with? We know it's easier said than done, which is why the No.  Read More »

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Texting has quickly become an incredibly popular form of communication, and it's easy to understand why. It is direct, no-nonsense, instantaneous, and it eliminates the awkward conversation-fillers that sometimes hinder the main point of a call and make you feel funny.  Read More »

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There are tons of things to remember now that you've decided you're officially on the prowl: Make sure to get your money's worth out of that gym membership, bring out your old button-up shirts because plaid is back in style, go out and have fun with your buddies regularly and drink plenty of water.  Read More »

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So you're ready to dive into online dating, but you're still not sure where you fit in? We've compiled a list of the top 5 best dating Websites to help you find a singles community where you feel at home so you can get down to the business of finding someone to take home.  Read More »

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Orchestrating a night out with the guys is like changing your own oil: It should be easy, but something always goes wrong; it gets messy; and you end up wishing someone else had just taken care of it. The frustrating part is that 90% of the time, she's all for you hanging out with the guys.  Read More »

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Everyone knows the jokes about the in-laws. Many of us have experienced the horror, humiliation and hilarity of meeting and hanging out with our girl's fam. "How in the world did she turn out so well?" you wonder quietly, to yourself.  Read More »

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As a guy who's been in a relationship for a few years now, and as the only guy in my group of friends who isn't single, I'm often looked to as the relationship guru. My guys come to me with all sorts of questions, and as a guy who actually managed to catch a great girl, I usually can help.  Read More »

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Online dating is supposed to be anonymous, at least in the beginning, but when you live in the same city as the people in your dating pool -- and let's hope you do -- you're bound to have locked eyes with at least a few of your potential matches in real life.  Read More »

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With the ever-increasing popularity of online dating, more and more singles are searching for their soul mates in the vast series of tubes affectionately known as the Interweb. What makes us think true love might hiding there? Statistics.  Read More »

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According to a new study by UCI researchers, a lot of online daters single out specific races to date -- and these choices often reflect negative cultural stereotypes about black women and Asian men. The data, which was collected from Yahoo! Personals users in 2004-05, shows that white men tend to look for Asian and Latino dating partners over African-Americans, while white women often exclude Asian males.  Read More »

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Now that the dreaded tax day has come and gone and you're surfing on the momentum of getting your financial paperwork in order and another year of tax-paying behind you, it's time to use all that positive energy to improve other areas of your life.  Read More »

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With the economy taking its toll on your pocketbook and Uncle Sam sucking up what little savings you had left on tax day, you're probably in prime money-saving mode right about now, with not a penny to spare.  Read More »

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Most standard dating advice -- passed down for centuries from consoling friend to heartbroken breakup victim -- goes something like this: Don't play games, be honest, just be yourself. And while that's all well and good, much like IRL dating, the world of online romance involves some major shades of gray.  Read More »

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It's a classic dating mistake: You meet someone new, you get excited about him and then you proceed to promise each other the moon, spend every waking moment together and ignore all obligations and responsibilities (read: your friends and family).  Read More »

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What you say in your online profile is arguably the most important aspect -- not to mention the determining factor -- of your online dating experience. A profile is supposed to communicate who (and how hot) you are, give potential dates a taste of your stunning personality, let people know important things about you and indicate the basics about who you're looking for.  Read More »

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For a picky girl, online dating unearths many frustrating anxieties -- namely, the same major concern as regular dating: the fear of dying sad and alone. Before you scoff at the evils society has perpetrated on my hope for the future, hear me out.  Read More »

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Online dating is supposed to make rejection easier, right? Maybe I was misinformed, but I'm pretty sure that's one of the alleged perks. And yet, I find myself rethinking rejection from both sides as I butt heads with the reality that the people on these dating sites -- despite their cheesy headlines, canned photos and borderline offensive pickup lines -- still feel real to me.  Read More »

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I don’t usually misread The Spark. In fact, I'm almost always spot on. I mean, how hard is it to figure out? He "winks" at you from across the … uhm, Website … and it turns out you're passionate about the same things, you've got that sexy, witty banter going, you both have cats to whom you have assigned quirky personalities that you're fond of explaining and elaborating on in front of complete strangers … If it's true that, "What really matters is what you like, not what you are like," we were a virtual match made in heaven.  Read More »

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