Top 10 Dating Tips

Dating Tips

Initial meetings are normally best kept short - a coffee or early evening drink is probably best at a location that is convenient for both of you.

Our top 10 tips for first dates:

1.  Be Honest and Be Yourself: Nothing will turn someone off faster than a person who misleads.

2.  Look your best - first impressions count and you only get one chance at making them.

3.  Put yourself and your date at ease:  A date is not an interview.  Encourage casual conversation and banish nerves by admitting to them.  Your date is likely to feel the same.

4.  Listen actively: show interest in what your date is saying and offer your opinion on it.  Allow your date the chance to respond.  Don't do all the talking.

5.  Leave baggage behind: Don't talk about your ex or past disappointments too much.  Focus on the present and the possibilities your date offers.

6.  Only take yourself on the date:  Your family and job are important to you, but don't let them dominate your date.

7.  Be courteous:  Always treat others as you would wish them to treat you.  Do not be afraid to accept or offer praise.  A simple thank you will go a long way.  Turn off your phone during the date!

8.  Send clear signals:  If you do not want to meet again say so firmly but diplomatically.  If you do want to meet again do not be afraid to say so.  Never wait passively for your date to take the initiative.  Leave the option of calling open both ways then, if your date doesn't phone you can phone them.  But beware of seeming too keen.

9.  Don't drink too much!

10.  Most importantly: Have fun:  Enjoy the experience, even if this date is not the one for you look for positives.  People who are comfortable in their own skin and who enjoy their lives are truly irresistible and attract others who share this outlook.

What's new in the Arts world

What's new in the Arts world

Rowan Atkinson to make his "straight play" debut as the lead in Richard Eyre's West End revival of Quartermaine's Terms by Simon Gray.  Previews at Theatre Royal, Brighton (Jan 8-12) and Theatre Royal, Bath (Jan 14-19), then at the Wyndham's Theatre (Jan 23 to April 13).  Tickets 0844 382 5120.

Royal Opera House Live Cinema Season - see productions such as The Nutcracker, La Boheme, Eugene Onegin, Nabucco broadcast live from Covent Garden at cinemas around the country.   www.roh.org.uk

Birmingham Royal Ballet - David Bintley's lavish production of Cinderella returns to the Birmingham Hippodrome in December - www.brb.org.uk

Carmen at the London Coliseum - Calixto Bieito returns to London to stage his much-travelled production of Bizet's classic opera, with Ruxandra Donose in the title role.  www.eno.org

Tate Modern's current exhibition - "A Bigger Splash: Painting after Performance" - is a sprawling survey of painting and peformance art, including works by Jackson Pollock, David Hockney and Yves Klein.  Runs until 1 April 2013.  www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Royal Academy's exhibition "Bronze", bringing together more than 150 bronze sculptures from all over the world, demonstrating the versatility and quasi-magical properties of a medium that has bewitched artists since the fourth millennium BC.  Until 9 December.  www.royalacademy.org.uk/

Hay Festival of Arts and Literature - dates announced for 2013 - 23 May - 2 June.  See www.hayfesvital.com/wales

Classical Partners Music Lovers: Great evening on the South Bank

http://www.classicalpartners.co.uk/blog/2012/02/24/159/

Classical Partners Music Lovers: Great evening on the South Bank

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Classical Partners Music Lovers: Great evening on the South Bank

wwwhttp://www.classicalpartners.co.uk/blog/2012/02/24/159/

Great evening on the South Bank

Classical Partners Music Lovers: Great evening on the South Bank

Great evening on the South Bank

Last Saturday we enjoyed a superb concert at the Royal Festival Hall, preceded by delicious meal at The Archduke Restaurant, so conveniently situated between Waterloo Station and the concert hall. The concert merited only a 3-star rating from the Times critic – I suppose the critics have to be ultra-critical - but those in our group definitely found it a 4/5 star concert. We readily joined in with the standing ovation (quite rare amongst British audiences!) for Jan Pascal Tortelier and the LPO’s second half performance of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony.

Prior to the Tchaikovsky we were treated to a thrilling performance by Chinese pianist Hong Xu of Beethoven’s 1st Piano Concerto. Even the Times critic describes Hong as “a name to watch” – his performance a combination of virtuosity, boldness and sensitivity. Our next classical concert will be a trip to the Barbican for Bernard Haitink conducting the LSO in a lovely Mozart and Schubert programme. Before that we meet for social drinks and a theatre evening. See http://www.classicalpartners.co.uk/Events.html Do come along and join us if you’re interested in exploring the Arts and meeting interesting people.