Dating Tips
Do read and use our dating tips, as doing so will give you a better chance of finding your ideal partner! As in the real world, it is always good to use your common sense, and trust your instinct if you arrange to meet someone for the first time through Introductions Ireland, or any other way we have gathered some useful dating tips to help you:
Introductions Ireland Online Dating Tips
Make
the first move! Don't just sit and wait for members to send you a message. Making the first move will show you are a go-getter and will improve your chances a lot. Always try to reply fast to emails you have received, don't worry about looking too keen, replying fast shows good manners.
Online
dating tips / internet dating
Many
members will only respond to profiles with photos, add one to your profile. Make your photo a good clear 'head and shoulders' shot that shows you looking happy and you will be a more successful member. You can upload your photo directly from the site, email them to us, or you can post us your photo via our address and we will add your photo free, our research has shown members with a picture of them selves get ten times more replies!
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Profiles
should be correct, your description accurate so that it sounds genuine, sincere and interesting. Read over your profile, put yourself in the shoes of a person reading it, would you be interested? You can edit your profile anytime when you login form the "members" page.
Before
sending emails spend some time writing your email in a word processor program such as "Word" or "Notepad", you can then easily cut and paste it into the email box saving you time typing it out again and again. Also it helps to ensure you spell words correct.
Look
at what you've written, would you would want to reply if you had received it, consider improving.
Do
not just come straight out with one-liners "You sound good, want to meet up?" Tell them about you, your hobbies and interests, make yourself sound interesting, don't just say "I have a great sense of humour and like a laugh", write something funny, showing them you really do like to laugh.
Read
the person of interest's profile, what are their hobbies etc? Show that you could enjoy the same things.
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Be
honest, lying will get you nowhere, you may be found and will probably loose any chance of a relationship.
Don't
mention sex or imply you are just looking for sex that is a big turn off and will make a lot of people steer clear of you!
Don't
send out to many emails all at once, send out a few at first and if you don't get the response you would like, take another look at what you are sending and your profile - rewrite if necessary.
Dating Tips
If
someone appears to be too good to be true, do exercise caution. Like anything in life, a rational decision usually produces the best results. If you feel someone is lying or they are not the person they say they are, make sure to use your common sense.
When
you choose to meet someone offline, be sensible - meet up for a quick drink or cup of coffee rather than commit yourself to spending a whole evening with someone who may not be your ideal partner.
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Always
remember to tell someone where you are going - Let a friend know whom you are meeting, where you are going and when you expect to return. Never arrange for a date to pick you up at home. Make sure you arrive separately - always provide your own transportation throughout the entire date.
Remember
to meet in public. Select a public place at a time of day when there are other people around, to ensure you are in a safe environment. This will provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for you both.
Watch
out for any displays of emotion, such as anger or pressure. Be weary of your date if they present inconsistent information about themselves or won't provide answers to questions you ask. Again, remember to exercise caution and always trust your instinct.
Be
Be polite if you decide you don't want to meet up again. It's much nicer to say 'I've had a really nice evening but feel that we're not suited for a long term relationship' than to promise you'll ring and have no intention of doing so.
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Meeting
someone for the first time can be very daunting, but never do anything you feel unsure about. If you feel in anyway afraid or intimidated by your date, use your best judgement and get out of there. If you feel you are in danger, remember to call friends or the police, if necessary.
Try
not to talk endlessly about any failed relationships or spend the evening putting you down, as this can be off-putting! Remember to be positive about yourself - a cheerful attitude to life is much more appealing than a negative one. Always be yourself - don't pretend to be somebody you're not!
Don't forget Saint Valentines Day Monday 14th February 2007, a time to remember those you care about.
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Facts of life:
- At least 5 people in this world, love you so much they would die for you.
- At least 15 people in this world love you, in some way.
- The only reason anyone would ever hate you, is because they want to be just like you.
- A smile from you, can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
- Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
- You mean the world to someone.
- Without you, someone may not be living.
- You are special and unique, in your own way.
- Someone that you don't know even exists, loves you.
- When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
- When you think the world has turned it's back on you, take a look, you most likely turned your back on the world.
- When you think you have no chance at getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, you probably sooner or later will get it.
- Always remember complements you received, forget about the rude remarks.
- Always tell someone how you feel, then they'll know.
- If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they're great.
- You must be a great friend, because someone gave this too you. If you care about them, send it back.
Top Dating Tips From Our Dating Geru
- Try to be on time, there is no such thing as being fashionably late for a date.
- Make sure you wear something you feel comfortable in but look good in as well.
- Nice smelling breath is essential, even if you dont get up close and personal, its important to keep mint, fresh breath. So have a pack of mints or gum handy.
- Conversation should be natural, don't give your date the Spanish inquisition but remember to be interested in them to.
- Some well-chosen background music can be a nice feature and can create a good atmosphere. Try to ensure that the music isn't too loud, it should add to the occasion but not to the extent where you can't hear what your date is saying!
- Cooking a romantic meal is always a classical date, try to find out what type of food your date enjoys beforehand, give yourself plenty of time to prepare it then you won't feel under pressure and of course keep a good eye on it so you don't have to get a takeout instead.
- A splash of perfume or aftershave is always a good touch though wearing half the bottle could be a bit of a turn off.
- Perhaps you might decide on watching a nice DVD or video with your date. Check beforehand though that they have something to play it on!
- Try to remember what your date says for example, what age their children are, likes and dislikes etc.
- Pay your date a compliment. Everyone likes to be complimented, even just saying that you like the way they have done their hair or the smell of their perfume/aftershave. Giving positive vibes will help to ensure some are reciprocated.
- Give you're date a chance, don't look for flaws in their looks or personality, the tall, dark stranger from your horoscopes may not be sitting in front of you but that doesn't mean that they wont prove to be every bit as interesting.
- Of course most important of all is making sure you give the best impression of yourself. Don't put on an act, your date will see through that straight away, and after all they want to get to know the real you!
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Presents:
This can be tricky. What to buy? How much to spend? There's no doubt that presents or even just a card can be difficult to choose. So here are some tips to help you make your mind up!
- First of all, take note of your girlfriend or boyfriend's birthday no one likes it if you forget.
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If your really forgetful you should make a note of important dates like Valentines, Christmas etc so they don't creep up on you unexpectedly.
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Give yourself plenty of time for present buying. There's nothing worse than heading to the shops on Christmas Eve to discover there is none of that perfume she likes left or that CD he wanted is all sold out.
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Do a bit of investigating before you head out to the shops. What's their favourite colour? What type of music do they like? Is there anything they really don't like? Be subtle about this!
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Don't go over board. There's nothing worse than buying your girlfriend or boyfriend a present which makes theirs look bad.
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Remember the length of time you've been seeing the person. If it is only a few weeks they aren't going to expect a weekend in Paris.
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Sometimes a really well chosen card can be a lovely thought. When purchasing, it's always a good idea to read the message inside. A few personal touches like your own compliments could turn a cheesy poem into something special.
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Flowers are traditional but still a winner every time. Only a few health warnings1! Check your date doesn't suffer hay fever or they'll not be able to enjoy your gift. Pick a nice bunch; don't just buy them because there the only thing left.
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For those of you who have been going out for a while then something more than cards are needed.
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Ideas for Presents:
Perfume/aftershave: try to get the one that your girl/guy wears but if that's not possible then may be take some advice from those selling it or simply get something you think they will like
Jewellery; something that looks nice, it doesn't have to cost the earth but go for something that will bring out your lady's best features. Check what jewellery she wears for example, silver or gold, bracelets or necklaces etc. This will help not to double up on stuff she already has. For men, perhaps a good watch, cuff lings etc.
Music
Its essential to find out what she/he likes here. Her favourite band or singer's new album or perhaps a good compilation disk. Look out for these compilations disks around Christmas or Valentines for example, Irish country music album or greatest love songs.
If you really want to spoil your girl/guy then see if their favourite band/artist is coming to a venue near you anytime soon. This will be a fantastic present and allow you both a good night out in each other's company.
Vouchers: you can get these for almost anything nowadays, from meals to beauty treatments, clothes, music and the list goes on and on! There are only a few things you need to bear in mind if you are going to purchase a voucher for your girl/guy. Make sure it's a reasonable amount for them to buy something with for example; a £10 voucher for a clothes store will not be practical. At the same time don't go mad and get a voucher that will ensure a lifetimes beauty treatments! Try not to buy a voucher for every occasion. This type of gift has its merits in the fact that your girl/guy can choose something they really like. However, some people find vouchers slightly thoughtless because you can just walk in and get one without really thinking about what your girl/guy wants.
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Other ideas could include:
- A weekend away for you and your girl/guy, make it flexible, or check beforehand with them so that they will be off work or free from other responsibilities.
- Men can be difficult to buy for after a while, so consider whether your man would enjoy something different for example, flying lessons, paragliding, assailing, parachuting, rock climbing, Go-karting or water sports etc
- Remember no matter what you buy them it's the thought that counts.
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Appreciate all the good things about yourself and try not to focus on the bad, as a low self-esteem will only make you less attractive to the opposite sex.
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Take time to ensure you look your best before heading out on a date or even just your normal day-to-day activities.
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Try to smile as often as you can, you will appear more relaxed with yourself and in the company of others if you do.
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Respect others, their choices in life etc. You don't necessarily have to agree but lecturing them on what you would have done is not a road anyone wants to go down especially on a date.
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Attention, make sure you give yours to whoever is speaking to you. There's nothing worse than telling someone something and realising half way through they haven't listened to a word you said.
Talking about your life experiences and sharing funny stories can be a winner. Its good to be able to laugh at yourself now and again,
Initiative, everyone has one so use it! This could range from doing something different on a date to going somewhere different on your lunch break.
Vanity is not a good look! You should learn to love yourself but not to the extent where there is no room left for anyone else.
Embarrassing moments can sometimes happen but if you take control and laugh them off, this will show that you are comfortable with yourself.
Answer the following questions to find out what type of date you are!
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Q1. Who would you take on a date?
- Famous actor like George Clooney or Cameron Diaz
- The girl/guy in work you've been wanting to ask out for ages,
- Anyone at all, your not that bothered as long as you don't have to ask them.
Q2. What would you write at the end of your text message?
- You would write two lines of kisses and hugs
- Add a love heart occasionally
- Nothing you find those sorts of things meaningless.
Q3. Where would you go on a date?
- The most expensive restaurant around, you like your date to know how much you like them.
- You would order in a pizza and get a DVD out that both of you would enjoy
- You would head to the cinema and watch whatever your date picked
Q4. What would you talk about?
- How good looking your date was and how much you liked their car
- You would listen to them more and concern yourself with any problems they had
- You would talk a lot about yourself and get distracted when your date was speaking
Q5. What would you have to take with you if you were stranded on a desert island with your girl/guy?
- Your BMW
- Your photograph albums
- Play station, you couldn't live without it
Q6. Valentines Day has arrived, what do you buy?
- The biggest card you can find, a dozen roses or tickets to the concert of their favourite band.
- An average sized card with your own personalised greeting perhaps a box of chocolate or dinner at the restaurant you both like.
- You rush out at the last minute as you have forgotten and buy the first thing you see on the card stand.
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A. If you got mostly A's.
Then you're the type of person who would be very conscious about who they are seen with on a date. Unless your date's got bags of cash and looks like someone of the TV then you're happy. However, if you date someone they are in for a treat, because you will spoil them at every available opportunity with their favourite things. On a date your more likely to head to the nearest French or Italian restaurant. Some advice might be tried to slow down think about the person and not their wallet. Everyone has something different to offer so it's up to you to figure out what that is. Spoiling people from time to time is good but don't go overboard as this will make romantic gestures less spontaneous and meaningful.
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B. If you got mostly B's
then you're the type of person who is not completely focused on looks. You like to look good yourself but realise this is not the be all and end all. On a date, you're likely to be charming and sweet and very attentive. Some advice though, your not big on romantic gestures like flowers or cards. No one says you have to turn up with a bunch to every date but now and again is a nice idea. You are a great listener but sometimes this stops you from showing the other sides of your personality.
C. Mostly C's,
If you got mostly C's then you're the type of person who likes to take the backseat on a date. You have a very relaxed approach, which is a good attribute to a certain extent. You're not really concerned with looks but you tend to be a little self-important. Some advice might be to make more of an effort. Don't always expect to be chased after by perspective partners. The odd romantic gesture now and again can show that you care. Finally try to listen to others, as what they say matters too.
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IDEAS FOR DATES; - Where to go - ? What to do?
- For first dates the best idea is to meet up for a drink or coffee etc. This will be long enough to establish some decent conversation. Go somewhere that's not too busy or doesn't play really loud music initially so that you can chat and get to know the person your with.
- Never go anywhere on a date that makes you feel uncomfortable. If you don't like your surroundings then you will become up tight and your date will notice.
- Talk about your next date for example the time and place. At least then you won't be hanging around for an hour beforehand waiting on your date to arrive or going to the cinema when you were meant to meet at the pub.
- Achieving a balance is important. You might be able to make a date for 7.30 pm but remember that other people have different commitments. Work together to arrange a time and place that will ensure both of you turn up without resenting the other person for making you meet them at an inconvenient time.
- Naturally there are some places that you will like to go that your date may not be that enthusiastic about. In this case compromise and go to your favourite places as well as those of your dates.
- Watching a film can be a good way to spend time together, either at home or in the cinema check out what's on and get the time right so you don't wind up missing half the film. Going to later showings of the film can help you avoid the bigger crowds and less packed cinema can make you feel more intimate with your date.
- Hiring a film out, then make sure its something you will both enjoy. Perhaps bring some popcorn or a bottle of wine as well.
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Some good romantic flicks you could consider are :
- Love Actually
- When Harry Met Sally
- Casa Blanca
- Gone With the Wind
- The Quiet Man
- My Best Friend's Wedding
- Sleepless In Seattle
- Meet the Parents
- Meet the Fockers
- About A Boy
- Titanic
- Spider Man Two
- Pretty Woman
- How To Losse A Guy In Ten Days
- Maid In Manhatan
- Bridgit Jone's Diary
- Four Weddings And A Funeral
- Sweet Home Alabama
- Pride and Prejudice
- The Body-Guard
- The Wedding Singer
- A
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Meal -this is a classic date and sometimes people can be quite nervous about going out for a meal with their date. Agree on somewhere that both of you will enjoy the food. Order what you like and don't just take a salad if that's not what you really want.
There are no set rules on dating. You don't have to go for a drink first, then the movies and finally a meal. Each couple must decide the pace of their own dating and the pattern it takes.
Alternative things to do
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Head to a concert, for example, get tickets for the next Robbie Williams or Hugo Duncan concert for your date.
- May be visiting local landmarks, museums, theatres, the ice rink, bowling alley, the beach or a nice picnic if the weather permits.
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Keep your eyes open for anything, which is happening in your area for example, music festival.
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Even a nice walk together is another way to enjoy the company of your date.
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Fashion tips for the dating game:
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If you are going to wear your 4 or 5-inch heels, then make sure you'll feel comfortable in them. Otherwise you'll spend more time thinking about your sore feet than how interesting your date is.
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Find out wear you are going on the date beforehand and dress accordingly. For example, a casual first date over a coffee will not require your best outfit.
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Stripes are quite fashionable at the minute. Remember that wider, horizontal stripes tend to make you look bigger.
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When choosing what to wear on a date, go for something that flatters your figure, tight or clingy material can accentuate those areas that you don't want attention to be paid to.
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If you've got a flatter chest, the best idea is tops with ruffles near that chest area. This will give the illusion of a bigger bust.
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If you're a bit on the short side, then heels will give you that little bit more height. If you're not keen on heels then stick to trousers that don't have big turn-ups, as this will only make you look shorter. The idea is to create as few lines as possible so that you will appear taller.
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Do make an effort. Try to look your best. This will help you to feel good about the way you look and in turn rub off on your date.
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If you want to draw attention to certain areas then this can be subtlety done. For example, a necklace will bring attention to your neckline.
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When buying clothes don't just take the smaller size because it makes you feel better. Take the size you really need and cut the labels out. This will be a much better solution in the long run.
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If you've got certain parts that you want to flaunt then do! For example, if you've got nice legs then wear a skirt or a good bum then don't be afraid of tight trousers.