Dates...

I know that some time ago I promised a blog about dates. I apologize for the delay. Aside from being overwhelmed with the election, PTA, and parties at the kids' schools, decorating and
un-decorating for the holidays, and so on, I really don't know what to say about dates (not the kind you eat...those, I love), because I haven't been on one in ages!

So, more than answers, I have questions about dating;


*What ideas do you have for fun and interesting dates with your partner?

*Do the types of dates you go on while in a committed relationship, let's say marriage, differ from the types of dates you have when dating someone new? I guess another way to pose this question is, are your dates as a single person more wild and adventurous than your dates as a married (with children or not) person?

*If you are dating someone for the first time, do you think you should click right away or do you feel you need more than one date to know if it is worth your time to continue to date this person?

*Is it ok for married couples to talk about their kids while on a date?

Here are some of my random thoughts...

Always be nice to your date, even if things aren't going well. Why? Well, aside from being the right thing to do, you never know who your date knows. Maybe your date doesn't see any future with you because your interests just don't jive. However, he/she has a friend who, like you, enjoys tofu at every meal, Zydeco music, and reruns of I Love Lucy. If you are super-duper nice,
I'm betting that your date would be willing to play match maker.

Don't go to a movie for you first - or even the second or third -date. Movies are great, don't get me wrong, but they aren't conducive to getting to know someone. Plus, isn't there something fun that you could do that would cost a week's worth of pay?

Be yourself!

Don't force it! If it's not working, it's ok. Don't get sad, depressed, or desperate! Harping on or getting wrapped up in a siutation that isn't going anywhere just keeps you from finding the right situation. As I used to like to say, "Next!"

You can take your self on a date! When I was single, I used to go out by myself (GASP!) and it was great. I'd take myself to restuarants, to fancy-shmancy bars, on day trips, to the book store for a new book and coffee (yes, I consider that a date) and to museums. Going out by yourself goes a long way in helping you build confidence. Plus, while I don't know that too many dates came out of my solitary excursions, I did meet a variety of characters!