<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Smart Divas Online Dating &#187; Dating 101</title>
	<atom:link href="http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/category/dating-101/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com</link>
	<description>Dating for Smart Women</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:04:32 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0</generator>
		<item>
		<title>The next level &#8211; phone chat online!</title>
		<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/17/the-next-level-phone-chat-online/</link>
		<comments>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/17/the-next-level-phone-chat-online/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:04:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SugarPrincess</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dating 101]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/2007/12/17/the-next-level-phone-chat-online/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are moments that we feel lonely at night without someone to talk with. The first thing that comes to mind is calling a friend but its not all the time that they can be there to the rescue. They also have their own lives like us. You donâ€™t have to be frustrated and share [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are moments that we feel lonely at night without someone to talk with.  The first thing that comes to mind is calling a friend but its not all the time that they can be there to the rescue.  They also have their own lives like us.  You donâ€™t have to be frustrated and share your time with just yourself thinking about stuffs, there are many ways you can consider doing, like <a href="http://www.talk121.com/">phone chat</a>.  </p>
<p>Life has never been the same since the internet was invented.  You can do almost every thing from surfing, doing your transactions and most especially meeting new people.  There are countless <a href="http://www.talk121.com/">free chat</a> companies on the web, which enables you to meet people of all sorts.  Now talk121.com is pushing the idea of chatting to the next level.  Instead of typing, you can now enjoy doing phone chat.  Talk to different types of people, make new friends, and maybe even a long-term partner.  </p>
<p>Talk121.com is the online place where singles meet and chat.  You can use their <a href="http://www.talk121.com/">chat lines</a> or phone chat to connect to potential friends and partners.  Chat lines are free and if you prefer phone chat, you can use it at very affordable cost.  This might be your chance to find that one person you ought to be with the rest of your life.  </p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/17/the-next-level-phone-chat-online/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>10 Ways to Meet New People Without Even Trying</title>
		<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/17/10-ways-to-meet-new-people-without-even-trying/</link>
		<comments>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/17/10-ways-to-meet-new-people-without-even-trying/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:23:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SugarPrincess</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dating 101]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/2007/12/17/10-ways-to-meet-new-people-without-even-trying/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Meeting new people doesnâ€™t have to involve a conscious effort.Â Just participating in activities you enjoy or running daily errands can lead to meeting new people without even trying.Â Of course, if your favorite activity is watching television it is unlikely that this will lead you to meeting new people unless you watch television in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Meeting new people doesnâ€™t have to involve a conscious effort.Â  Just participating in activities you enjoy or running daily errands can lead to meeting new people without even trying.Â  Of course, if your favorite activity is watching television it is unlikely that this will lead you to meeting new people unless you watch television in a public place instead of your home.Â  Anytime you are out in public you are bound to meet new people without even trying.Â </p>
<p>A weekly grocery shopping trip can lead to meeting new people without even trying.Â  Even this mundane chore gives you the opportunity to meet new people.Â  Even if you shop in the middle of the night you are likely to not be the only person in the store and can wind up meeting someone new.Â  You may be the only customer in the store but surely there will be store employees present.Â  The cashier may strike up a casual relationship while they are ringing up your order and this could lead to the effortless start of a relationship with someone new.Â </p>
<p><span id="more-69"></span></p>
<p>Another errand that may result in you meeting new people without even trying is taking a trip to a bank.Â  You will most likely encounter long lines and a significant wait.Â  Rather than keeping to yourself, speak to those around you and you may find yourself meeting new people without even trying.Â  While many people may be annoyed by the long lines, many others will be thankful for your starting a conversation because it offers them a distraction and a way to pass the time.Â </p>
<p>Participating in group exercise classes at a gym can also help you meet new people without trying.Â  You are unlikely to meet someone new if you put on your headphones and hop onto an individual cardio machine but if you join a group class you will probably end up meeting some new people without even trying.Â  The class automatically gives you something in common and if you canâ€™t find anything else to talk about, griping about the intensity of the class is always a good ice breaker.Â </p>
<p>Those with children can find themselves meeting new people all the time without even trying.Â  Children are incredibly social and often befriend most if not all of the kids in your neighborhood.Â  While you may have not yet met all the neighbors you may find that your child has.Â  If they have been making friends with other kids in the neighborhood, invite some of the other parents and children over for a play group and you will have the opportunity to meet the other adults while the kids play.Â </p>
<p>If your child is into sports, you can consider coaching a team that they are a member of in order to meet new people.Â  The parents of the other kids will most likely attend games and practices and as the coach you will get the chance to meet all the parents at these games and practices.Â  While your focus will be on the kids, the natural level of parental involvement will result in you meeting new people without really trying.Â </p>
<p>Taking a job where you interact with people such as customer service or retail is another way to meet people without even trying.Â  Your job will put you in contact with many different people each day and each new person gives you the opportunity to strike up a conversation that may blossom into a relationship.Â </p>
<p>Attending religious services is another way to meet new people without even trying.Â  At the start of many religious services the attendees are invited to greet those sitting around them.Â  Most people simply offer a friendly hello but you are certainly welcome to introduce yourself and offer some basic information about yourself.Â  If your neighbor responds affirmatively and offers additional information you can take this as an indication that they may be willing to begin a relationship.Â  You may wait until the conclusion of the service and then ask the person if they would like to continue the conversation you started over a cup of coffee.Â </p>
<p>Still another way to meet new people without even trying is to volunteer for a charitable cause that you support.Â  Your volunteer effort will put you in contact with like minded individuals who share your passion for the cause.Â  As anyone who has ever volunteered can attest, it is virtually impossible to not be pulled into many aspects of the volunteer effort.Â  As you become more involved you will likely end up serving on different committees and meeting new people without even trying.Â </p>
<p>Joining a club is another way to meet people without even trying.Â  If you enjoy biking, try joining a club that meets for weekly cycling rides.Â  There may be regulars on these rides and getting involved will lead to you meeting these people.Â  Additionally there will probably be at least a few new people every week so you will be meeting new people just about every week.Â </p>
<p>If you take a class related to one of your interests, you may find yourself meeting new people who share your interest without even trying.Â  A classroom setting gives students a chance to mingle before and after class and sometimes to interact during class.Â  You will already have a common interest so use the class to form a bond with other members of the class.Â  Either commiserating about the difficulty level of the class or raving about the interesting aspects of the class are both adequate ways to meet the other class members without trying.Â </p>
<p>Just going about your everyday activities may result in you meeting new people without even trying.Â  Most of the activities, including errands that you normally engage in are wonderful opportunities for meeting new people.Â  The key though is to be approachable or you may wind up missing these opportunities.Â  Sometimes, all it may take is a hello to get a conversation started and sometimes you may need to dig a little deeper and ask some thought provoking questions of yourself and the other person to really form a relationship.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/17/10-ways-to-meet-new-people-without-even-trying/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>10 Incredibly Nice Things to Do For Her</title>
		<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/12/10-incredibly-nice-things-to-do-for-her/</link>
		<comments>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/12/10-incredibly-nice-things-to-do-for-her/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:26:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SugarPrincess</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dating 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/2007/12/12/10-incredibly-nice-things-to-do-for-her/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You can demonstrate your love for the special woman in your life in a number of small ways.Â Flowers and candy on special occasions are always nice but you can also surprise a woman by offering smaller gestures on a daily basis.Â She will appreciate your thoughtfulness and understand that you are trying to show [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You can demonstrate your love for the special woman in your life in a number of small ways.Â  Flowers and candy on special occasions are always nice but you can also surprise a woman by offering smaller gestures on a daily basis.Â  She will appreciate your thoughtfulness and understand that you are trying to show her how much she means to you.Â </p>
<p>One incredibly nice thing to do for her is simply to ask her how her day was and listen intently to her answer.Â  Women enjoy talking about their personal issues and expressing an interest in her career or other areas of interest will be greatly appreciated.Â  Listening carefully to her will let her know that you are interested in her thoughts and care about her feelings.Â<br />
<span id="more-60"></span></p>
<p>Cooking for a woman is another incredibly nice thing that you can do for her.Â  Most women are the primary cooks in the relationship and giving her a night off from her usual kitchen duties is always a welcomed gesture.Â  Donâ€™t worry if you donâ€™t know how to cook, itâ€™s really not that hard.Â  There are many cook books and Internet sites that offer a wide variety or recipes.Â  Pick one that sounds interesting and follow the instructions carefully.</p>
<p>Remembering and celebrating a small occasion is another nice gesture that women appreciate.Â  Itâ€™s always nice to celebrate on big occasions but if you remember the anniversary of another special day the woman in your life will be completely caught by surprise.Â  For example celebrate the anniversary of the day you brought home your new puppy with a trip to a dog park.Â </p>
<p>Another incredibly nice thing to do for a woman is to give her compliments when they are unexpected.Â  Women expect compliments when they put a lot of effort into their appearance but letting her know you think she is beautiful while sheâ€™s running errands, demonstrates that you see her inner beauty shining through at all times.Â  Compliments donâ€™t always have to be about physical characteristics either.Â  You could compliment her on her career accomplishments and let her know that you appreciate how hard she works.Â </p>
<p>Handing over the remote control is another incredibly nice thing you can do for a woman.Â  You may not want to sit through another episode of a home decorating show but allowing the woman in your life to indulge in this without complaining about her choice will show her that you are not belittling her interests.Â </p>
<p>If you want to do something really nice for the special woman in your life, get to know her family and friends.Â  Woman value their relationships and she will be pleased about the fact that you take an interest in and get to know the other special people in her life.Â  Caring about those that she loves shows her that you love her.Â </p>
<p>Still another incredibly nice thing to do for a woman is to write her a love letter and send it in the mail.Â  Sure she sees you every day and you may even exchange emails and phone calls on a daily basis but a love letter is something that she can save in a special place and will cherish.Â  Expressing your love in a letter is a special way to tell a woman that you care deeply about her.Â </p>
<p>Planning a trip for your woman is another incredibly nice thing you can do for her.Â  A vacation is always nice but when you take the initiative and plan out all the details ahead of time, it shows that you want her to have the enjoyable experience of the trip but that you are willing to take care of all the planning.Â  Women tend to take the lead in making travel arrangements and verifying the logistics of trips but if you take care of that ahead of time, the woman is free to just focus on packing for the trip.Â </p>
<p>Another incredibly nice thing to do for a woman is to surprise her at work by showing up for a lunch date.Â  Woman always love to be surprised and your lunch date will give her the opportunity to get out of the office for a little while and enjoy some time with you.Â  Many women skip lunch or work straight through it but giving her the opportunity to break away from her desk for even a half hour will give her a welcomed chance to relax a little bit.Â </p>
<p>Finally if you want to do something really nice for the woman in your life, it could be as simple as opening the car door for her when you go out.Â  Women enjoy being independent but small chivalrous gestures are always appreciated.Â  If you normally rush to the driverâ€™s side of the car and hop in, stop once in awhile to open her door first.Â  It will show her that you want to protect and care for her and will make her feel well loved.Â </p>
<p>There are many ways you can show your love for the special woman in your life.Â  Many of the items listed above may be seemingly small, inconsequential things but it is these little things that really show a woman that you care.Â  Doing nice things for a woman demonstrate that you want to go out of your way to make sure that she is happy.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/12/10-incredibly-nice-things-to-do-for-her/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How To Determine if Date is Losing Interest</title>
		<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/12/how-to-determine-if-date-is-losing-interest/</link>
		<comments>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/12/how-to-determine-if-date-is-losing-interest/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:25:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SugarPrincess</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dating 101]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/2007/12/12/how-to-determine-if-date-is-losing-interest/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is a problem brewing if you or your date, while still seeing each other, have disagreements about such things as the frequency of dates, where to go and what to do. Those disagreements may be a signal that your dating experience may be on the path to fizzling, dying or ending. You need to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is a problem brewing if you or your date, while still seeing each other, have disagreements about such things as the frequency of dates, where to go and what to do. Those disagreements may be a signal that your dating experience may be on the path to fizzling, dying or ending. You need to know what signs to look for or to know about to help you to identify when your dating experience may be heading for trouble, before it gets really bad and ends.</p>
<p>Â A sure sign that you and your date may not be seeing each other for much longer is if you are finding that you spend a lot of time arguing. It could mean that both your personalities donâ€™t blend or that you both have very strong personalities and are both seeking control in your own ways.<br />
<span id="more-121"></span></p>
<p>Â If thatâ€™s the case and any of those scenarios describe what is happening, the important thing is to recognize it, acknowledge the problem and then find ways to compromise. If the cause of the problem â€“ whatever is causing the constant arguments â€“ is not identified, then you both will continue to be verbally at each otherâ€™s throat. That situation will not be healthy as it will take away from having any fun and enjoyment. It also will be a distraction from truly knowing each other. You both will simply have negative feelings about each other based on the heated arguments.</p>
<p>Â Another sign that there is a loss of interest in dating by your date is if your phone calls, emails and other messages are not being returned. Or, they may be returned but, for example, your date calls when he or she knows that you are unavailable and may or may not leave a message</p>
<p>Â Those actions all indicate that your date is trying to avoid you. Your date may even want to get you annoyed, frustrated and angry to justify you taking some action such as saying you arenâ€™t interested in seeing the person anymore. That way your date would have made you angry so that you are the one who eventually takes some drastic action, a tactic that lets your date off the hook and avoids blame for the end result of not dating anymore.</p>
<p>Â Another avoidance behavior that shows there may be loss of interest in dating is when dates are made, but they are consistently being cancelled, postponed repeatedly or put off indefinitely. Again, this shows that your date doesnâ€™t have a great desire in seeing and spending time with you. If your date doesnâ€™t want to be with you, then there is no point to trying to date the person. It will be a futile attempt, even if you do go on a date, because the individual will likely be distracted and not show any enthusiasm.</p>
<p>Â If you also know havenâ€™t been invited to meet your dateâ€™s family and friends after a significant period of time dating, it likely means that you arenâ€™t thought of in a serious manner by your date. If a dating relationship is to go to the next level, at some point you have to be introduced to your dateâ€™s friends and family members.</p>
<p>Â You could have met some friends and family however, even be invited to family gatherings and still there could be trouble brewing for the quality of your dates. The danger signs are in the reactions of family and friends when you are around. You have to observe how comfortable they seem with you around. You need to assess if their conversations are guarded or if they speak openly and freely when you are present.</p>
<p>Â Thatâ€™s because your date, who isnâ€™t so interested in you anymore, could tip them off that you will be coming to a family event but that the dating relationship is headed downhill nevertheless.</p>
<p>Â If you see signs of a loss of interest from your date, tell him or her exactly what you think and ask for honesty about the issue. That way you can hear exactly what the situation is and even if itâ€™s not what you want to hear, you can nevertheless move on with certainty.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/12/12/how-to-determine-if-date-is-losing-interest/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Tell if Dating is Worth Continuing</title>
		<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/11/27/how-to-tell-if-dating-is-worth-continuing/</link>
		<comments>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/11/27/how-to-tell-if-dating-is-worth-continuing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:08:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SugarPrincess</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dating 101]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/2007/11/27/how-to-tell-if-dating-is-worth-continuing/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After a period of dating, you have to assess and determine the status of what is going on. You will have to make such an assessment to determine what to do and where your dating relationship is going. Is there progress toward being serious, is it about to fall apart or is it just at [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>After a period of dating, you have to assess and determine the status of what is going on. You will have to make such an assessment to determine what to do and where your dating relationship is going. Is there progress toward being serious, is it about to fall apart or is it just at a standstill. Several factors can be considered to help you to find out if itâ€™s worth it to continue to date the person you are seeing.</p>
<p>Â One factor to examine is if there is compatibility. Compatibility means that there is general agreement and similarities between you and your date. It means that you both have certain shared interests or, where there are different interests, it is understood and appreciated by the other. When there is compatibility in dating, it means that you and your date can discuss issues and reach a consensus. Whenever agreements are reached, you and your date will also feel satisfied and happy with the end result.</p>
<p><span id="more-140"></span></p>
<p>Â The opposite of this, in situations where there isnâ€™t compatibility, you and your date will constantly be arguing and both or at least one of you will often feel dissatisfied and unhappy with the end result or supposed agreement that was reached. Instead of being able to move forward happily and freely, both or one of you will instead have underlying discontent and suppressed anger. That in turn will lead to even more disagreements and arguments with your date, which can then cause the bond or dating experience to go downhill.</p>
<p>Â Another factor that relates to compatibility is if you and your date have some similar interests, values and you both are willing to share. While each individual is different and will have different traits and qualities, there must be some similar ground that you and your date can share. If you both are so different and have likes for such different things, then maybe you both can be mutual friends but not be involved in dating. While being friends is a part of dating, the total experience goes beyond being mutual friends. You both must be able to have some similar things that you enjoy and must be willing to share in each otherâ€™s world in a close and intimate way for it to be worth your time to continue to date.</p>
<p>Â It will also be right or worth it to continue dating if you and your date find that you have a certain passion for each other and that there is some magic between the two of you. If there is any progress in your dating toward being serious, you both would have become closer and that involves the emotion. While you need more than just emotions or warm, fuzzy feelings of love to sustain a good relationship and a serious dating affair, the presence of strong and intense affection for the other person is an indication that you both share something deep and meaningful. Having a fair amount of passion and feeling magic in the air when you both are together is therefore a strong indicator that it is worth it to continue to date the individual.</p>
<p>Â If you have been dating for a while and you find that you also like and are fond of the person, that you both enjoy a close friendship but share a bond which goes beyond just being friends, then you also likely have something special from your dating affair that makes it right. Again, it is important for you to feel an emotion such as fondness for your date because it plays an important role of helping to sustain the relationship when a problem or crisis arises. And that eventually will happen.</p>
<p>Â Should you find the above-mentioned factors or qualities part of your dating experience, then you are quite fortunate because you would have found a date with whom you can quite possibly enjoy a happy future.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/11/27/how-to-tell-if-dating-is-worth-continuing/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>10 Tips For a More Exciting Relationship</title>
		<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/11/20/10-tips-for-a-more-exciting-relationship/</link>
		<comments>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/11/20/10-tips-for-a-more-exciting-relationship/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:07:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SugarPrincess</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dating 101]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/2007/11/20/10-tips-for-a-more-exciting-relationship/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most relationships are very exciting in the beginning but if you have been in your current relationship for awhile already you may have noticed that the initial excitement you experienced is starting to waiver and you and your partner may be settling into a dull routine.Â As a relationship progresses one or both partners may [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Most relationships are very exciting in the beginning but if you have been in your current relationship for awhile already you may have noticed that the initial excitement you experienced is starting to waiver and you and your partner may be settling into a dull routine.Â  As a relationship progresses one or both partners may be guilty of settling into complacency and may not strive to keep the element of excitement in their relationship.Â  The following are a few tips for ensuring that your relationship stays as exciting as it was in the beginning.Â </p>
<p>Never underestimate the value of spontaneity in a relationship.Â  Too often relationships lose their excitement because the mates fall into a routine that becomes boring as time goes by.Â  Donâ€™t be afraid to suggest new activities in your relationship or to try new things on a whim.Â  Being spontaneous doesnâ€™t have to involve big decisions it can be as simple as picking up something new at the grocery store and trying a new recipe for dinner.Â </p>
<p><span id="more-67"></span>Â </p>
<p>Whatever you do, just let your instincts take over for a minute instead of relying on rationality.Â  Anything you do that is spontaneous may not work out as well as if you had planned out every last detail but just go with the flow and youâ€™ll find your relationship taking a turn for the better.Â </p>
<p>Exploring a new location together is another way to bring the excitement back into your relationship.Â  Whether you plan an elaborate trip to an exotic location or just take the bus to a nearby city that you have never visited your adventure together will help spice up your romance.Â  Take your time exploring the new location and enjoy the foods and atmosphere that the new place has to offer.Â  Exploring new cities can help bring the thrill back to your relationship.Â </p>
<p>Still another way to spice up a waning relationship is to sign up for an instructional class together such as a cooking, dancing or pottery class.Â  Working together to learn a new skill will draw the two of you closer as you strive to accomplish a goal together.Â  A class will enable you and your partner to interact in a new way.Â  This new interaction will help to pull you out of a rut.</p>
<p>Spending a night at a hotel is another way to restore the excitement in your relationship.Â  Intimacy is very important in a relationship and if you and your partner have found that this aspect of your relationship has lost itâ€™s spice, itâ€™s time to shake things up a bit.Â  Choose a romantic hotel, preferably one with a cozy restaurant.Â  Begin by having a wonderful candlelight dinner in the restaurant and then proceed to the room that you have reserved.Â  Setting the mood with candles and dim lighting is also suggested.Â  A night in a different location such as a romantic hotel will go a long way towards rekindling your intimate relationship.</p>
<p>Another way to bring the excitement back into your relationship is to set up a date night.Â  While you may see each other daily and even go out to dinner every Friday night, setting up a date night outside of your usual schedule will enhance your relationship.Â  Donâ€™t just schedule a night to go out to dinner but treat each of these date nights as if they were first dates.Â  Go all out getting yourself dressed up and take special care in your appearance.Â  Prepare for your date night as if you were really trying to make a good first impression.Â  Going out of your way to have at least one night of fun and romance a week will help add a little zing to your relationship.Â </p>
<p>Giving your mate gifts for no reason at all is another way to get your relationship back on track.Â  You may have lavished gifts on your partner early in the relationship but as the relationship progressed you may not have done so as frequently.Â  Small, meaningful gifts given just to make your partner happy will let them know that they are still always on your mind just as they were in the beginning of the relationship.Â </p>
<p>The simple act of holding hands can also add excitement back into a relationship.Â  This intimate gesture conveys a sense of security but it also lets your partner know that you want to be close to them at all times.Â  Many couples hold hands everywhere they go early in a relationship but donâ€™t do so later on.Â  Try grabbing your partners hand as you are out running errands together.Â  They will be touched by the sentiment and will be happy to be sharing a sense of closeness with you again.Â </p>
<p>A kiss is still another way to bring the excitement back into your relationship.Â  You may have gotten into the habit of giving your mate a kiss on the cheek or a quick peck on the lips when you see them after a long day of work.Â  Trying kissing them with passion the next time you see them to catch them by surprise and really let you know not only how much you love them but how attractive you find them as well.Â </p>
<p>Having a common interest can also promote excitement in a relationship.Â  If there is an activity that you both enjoy doing, make it something that the two of you do together often.Â  For example if you both enjoy hiking make plans to go hiking every Saturday morning and each time you go out make it a little different by exploring a new location or setting new goals for yourselves.Â  This will give the two of you a chance to reconnect while enjoying each otherâ€™s company.Â  Having a ritualistic activity that you and your partner enjoy together creates closeness and intimacy that can help put the excitement back into your relationship.Â </p>
<p>Offering your partner a massage when they are worn out and tired can also bring the excitement back to your relationship.Â  A massage can be a very sensual and intimate experience.Â  Additionally offering a massage lets your partner know that you can see that they are stressed out and exhausted.Â  They will appreciate your putting them first in the relationship and this will help bring back the excitement in your relationship.Â </p>
<p>Over time a relationship may lose some of the excitement that it had in the very beginning.Â  While this may be troublesome it is also completely normal and also reversible.Â  Noticing the lack of excitement in your relationship is the first step to restoring that excitement.Â  It may take a little work but with a few simple actions you can be on your way to an exciting relationship.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/11/20/10-tips-for-a-more-exciting-relationship/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Dealing with Adversity while Dating</title>
		<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/11/06/dealing-with-adversity-while-dating/</link>
		<comments>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/11/06/dealing-with-adversity-while-dating/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:04:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SugarPrincess</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dating 101]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/2007/11/06/dealing-with-adversity-while-dating/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So, you are describing the status of your date to a friend and you talk about the relationship being very â€˜seriousâ€™ with your date. If your date is at a point where you can call it serious, you will feel like you are in a â€˜sweet spot.â€™ But thereâ€™s certain to be a time when [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So, you are describing the status of your date to a friend and you talk about the relationship being very â€˜seriousâ€™ with your date. If your date is at a point where you can call it serious, you will feel like you are in a â€˜sweet spot.â€™ But thereâ€™s certain to be a time when a big disagreement arises and has to be dealt with.</p>
<p>Â The first step to take toward resolving the issue is to explore what caused the disagreement. The nature of the issue, whether it is big or small, has to be discussed. If an open and honest discussion does not occur, then lingering anger will remain and indirectly lead to other problems and disagreements.</p>
<p><span id="more-123"></span></p>
<p>Â Any problems that arenâ€™t resolved to the satisfaction of you and your date, will eventually affect the relationship in some way. The worst case scenario happens when unresolved issues get to a stage that they threaten the existence of whatever bond has been formed.</p>
<p>Â When problems pop up, you and your date have to be careful about the attitude you both have, and the behavior you display, in dealing with the issue. You both have to â€˜fight fairly,â€™ which means giving each other room to voice your feelings, to say exactly what you think about the issue.</p>
<p>Â In discussing or talking about the issue, you and your date have to try to avoid being bitter. That means you both should be very careful about the words you use and your tone. Itâ€™s very easy during an argument to lose control to anger and speak hurtful words, or, do things out of spite and revenge. Such actions will only prolong the problem and heighten the state of adversity for your dating experience.</p>
<p>Â The extent of how challenging the problem is will be evident by whether or not you are still involved in seeing your date. If you both are still going out and are able to do do some things together, then it means there isnâ€™t an underlying feeling that the relationship is coming apart. Instead, you both realize that the issue has to be dealt with, but you also have a strong bond which is important and which you both will work extremely hard to keep.</p>
<p>Â The difficulty of the problem and the extent to which it is affect your dating relationship can also be indicated by the status of any plans that were previously made. Again, if you both have formed a strong friendship that is highly valued, you will both not want that damaged. So while prior plans may be postponed, there is still the thought that they will be executed after the issue is resolved.</p>
<p>Â If the feeling or action is, however, that those plans are dead, so that either or both you and your date have no desire to carry them out anymore, then the adverse situation is definitely tearing your dating experience apart. Your dating had gotten serious but not to the point where it can withstand the test of still being intact when a problem arises.</p>
<p>Â In the latter situation, you both will need to assess how you feel about each other and if you have something from dating that you want to keep and want to grow. If that is the case, then you and your date have to put the focus on each other and what you have, and realize that problems are inevitable in life and simply need to be worked out.</p>
<p>Â By putting the focus on each other and what you have developed from dating, you and your date will test the true strength of the bond or friendship that you have. In doing so, you can identify where there is any weakness and work to strengthen it. You also may for the first time truly realize what you both have and develop a deeper appreciation for each other. Consequently, what started off as a bad or adverse situation can eventually serve a big positive purpose.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/11/06/dealing-with-adversity-while-dating/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Safe Sex Tips</title>
		<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/10/23/safe-sex-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/10/23/safe-sex-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:01:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SugarPrincess</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dating 101]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/2007/10/23/safe-sex-tips/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Practicing safe sex greatly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.Â While no methods of safe sex, with the exception of abstinence, are 100% effective if you do engage it sexual activity, it is better to use protection because doing so is definitely much safer than not using any form of protection.Â [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Practicing safe sex greatly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.Â  While no methods of safe sex, with the exception of abstinence, are 100% effective if you do engage it sexual activity, it is better to use protection because doing so is definitely much safer than not using any form of protection.Â  While various forms of protection are not foolproof, using them will greatly reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or an unwanted pregnancy.Â  While there are a multitude of safe sex methods available this article will outline only a fraction of these methods including, abstinence and monogamy, both male and female condoms, and oral contraception.Â </p>
<p>The only truly safe method of preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases is abstinence.Â  This is the only safe sex method that is 100% effective against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease.Â  While abstinence may be a completely foolproof safe sex method, it is also not the chosen safe sex method for very many people.Â </p>
<p><span id="more-95"></span></p>
<p>If you are unwilling to engage in abstinence as a safe sex method, it is highly recommended that you at least only engage in sexual activities with a monogamous partner.Â  Monogamy means that neither you nor your partner are engaging in sexual activity with anyone else besides each other.Â  Monogamy is not an effective method of birth control but it is effective at preventing sexually transmitted diseases.Â  As long as you and your partner are free of diseases, you will remain that way for at least as long as you remain monogamous.Â  Abstinence and monogamy are both highly effective safe sex methods.Â  Abstinence is effective at preventing both pregnancy and diseases while monogamy helps to prevent diseases only.Â </p>
<p>In terms of avoiding sexually transmitted diseases, the condom is one the only truly effective methods available.Â  If used properly condoms can be very effective in preventing not only sexually transmitted diseases but also unwanted pregnancies.Â  Male condoms are relatively inexpensive and are readily available in drug stores, grocery stores and even vending machines.Â  Condoms are also available in both male and female versions.Â  The male condom is the one most often used.Â  The male condom is a thin sheath, usually made of latex that fits over the penis and acts as a barrier to the exchange of bodily fluids during intercourse.Â  If used correctly every time the male condom is 97%-98% effective against preventing pregnancy and is also highly effective in terms of preventing sexually transmitted diseases.Â  Even if they are not used correctly condemns are still 88%-90% effective in terms of preventing pregnancy.Â  While condoms, if used correctly, are highly effective birth control methods as well as sexually transmitted disease deterrents, they are still not 100% reliable and you should understand that you still run the risk of pregnancy or disease even if you are using a condom.Â  The female condom is a polyurethane sheath that lines the entire vagina.Â  The closed end is inserted into the vagina and the open end remains outside the body.Â  The female condom has only been available since the 1990s and its high cost and scarce availability contribute to it not being used widely as a safe sex method.Â  Both male and female condoms are effective methods for both avoiding pregnancy and preventing sexually transmitted diseases.Â </p>
<p>Use of oral contraception such as birth control pills is highly effective for preventing pregnancy but is not useful in preventing sexually transmitted diseases.Â  Oral contraception is a pill that is taken daily and utilizes hormonal supplements to prevent pregnancy by creating an environment that is not conducive to fertilization.Â  When used correctly the pill is 97%-99 effective in preventing pregnancy but does absolutely nothing to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.Â  There are many side effects to using the pill but most of these side effects are relatively mild.Â  Some side effects include weight changes, nausea, irritability and breast tenderness.Â  Although none of these side effects are severe, fortunately, many of them can also be avoided all together.Â  There are a variety of pills available on the market today and these pills vary in the amount of hormones that they contain.Â  If you are experiencing unwanted side effects with one version of the pill, speak to your doctor about your discomfort and they will probably be able to recommend another brand that will eliminate or diminish these side effects.Â  While oral contraception is easy to use, free of severe side effects and highly effective against preventing pregnancy, it is not at all effective against preventing sexually transmitted diseases and if you are not positive that your partner is free of disease, you should always use another safe sex method to prevent these diseases.Â </p>
<p>Practicing safe sex can involve taking measures to avoid pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases or both.Â  While abstinence is the only safe sex method that is 100% effective against pregnancy and sexually transmitted there are other highly effective options for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.Â  Monogamy with a disease free partner and condoms can help to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.Â  Condoms along with birth control pills are also effective in terms of preventing pregnancy.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/10/23/safe-sex-tips/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Uncertain Issues Related to Dating</title>
		<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/09/04/uncertain-issues-related-to-dating/</link>
		<comments>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/09/04/uncertain-issues-related-to-dating/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:52:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SugarPrincess</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dating 101]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/2007/09/04/uncertain-issues-related-to-dating/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Given the nature of dating, that you both are new to each other and therefore donâ€™t know much about each other, there are certain gray areas that will arise. There will be situations in which it may not be clear what the proper protocol or action should be. In those cases, it may be best [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Given the nature of dating, that you both are new to each other and therefore donâ€™t know much about each other, there are certain gray areas that will arise. There will be situations in which it may not be clear what the proper protocol or action should be. In those cases, it may be best to be honest and to talk it over with the date.</p>
<p>Â One of those uncertain areas maybe who pays for the cost of the date. In bygone days when society was more chauvinistic, and when men had a clear and far superior role in the working world, there was no question that the cost of a date would be paid for by the male partner.</p>
<p><span id="more-119"></span></p>
<p>Â But times have changed. Though they may not totally enjoy equality in all aspects, nevertheless women are just as dominant as men in the workforce and they also have jobs that pay well. Despite that, in most situations there is still the expectation that, especially for the first date, the man will take care of the bill. If the woman insists on also paying, then the suggestion can be made that she pay an incidental cost such as the tip, parking etc. Following the first date or the first few dates, the woman can then cover the cost if she so chooses.</p>
<p>Â Other options to take care of the cost issue can be explored as the dating experience continues. Both of you can agree to pay for alternate dates, or, you both can each contribute to the cost as necessary. You can also go with the traditional method of having the man cover the cost if he is comfortable and able to do that. As you continue to date, the important thing is to be aware of each otherâ€™s financial status and to be considerate. That way, neither you or your date will feel any strain or feel financially pinched in any way, which is a situation you want to avoid as it takes away from completely enjoying the date.</p>
<p>Â Another situation that causes uncertainty is how to make the first contact when you see someone you like and whom you are interested in dating. Itâ€™s usually assumed that such attraction occurs with a man and so he has to summon up the courage to ask for that first date.</p>
<p>Â But many times women also see a male in whom they have an interest and would like to date. Although there are a brave few who will feel and have no fear in approaching a man for that first date, most wonâ€™t do so.</p>
<p>Â Regardless of the gender of the person who has that first interest in making contact for a first date, there are ways to arrange that first meeting without any awkward moments occurring. One way is to do so by minor manipulation. If you know a friend, colleague or anyone else who knows the person youâ€™d like to date, then you simply have to find a way to have that person arrange a chance meeting.</p>
<p>Â And thereâ€™s also the chance that there will be a third party who independently knows both you and your date and who can arrange a meeting without either of you knowing. This usually happens when the mutual friend knows that you both like each other.</p>
<p>Â Another situation that can create a dilemma is when dates seem to be going okay but you know that you donâ€™t want them to continue because you donâ€™t want to continue seeing the person. You may have seen someone else you like more, you may have discovered something about the person or there may just be an intangible reason â€“ something you canâ€™t really identify â€“ but you know that you arenâ€™t as excited about the person and the date as you want to be.</p>
<p>Â Youâ€™ll need to communicate your feeling without causing hurt or disappointment. You can decrease the frequencies and length of dates for example. You could also say why you canâ€™t continue seeing the person, such as you need time to sort out certain personal affairs. The important thing is to stop the dating process in a thoughtful and considerate way.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/09/04/uncertain-issues-related-to-dating/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Read Romantic Body Language</title>
		<link>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/08/28/how-to-read-romantic-body-language/</link>
		<comments>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/08/28/how-to-read-romantic-body-language/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:42:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>SugarPrincess</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dating 101]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/2007/08/28/how-to-read-romantic-body-language/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Being able to read body language can give your clues as to whether someone has a romantic interest in you or not.Â By accurately reading their body language you will be able to determine whether or not the other person is feeling comfortable around you and eager to get to know you better.Â Understanding body [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Being able to read body language can give your clues as to whether someone has a romantic interest in you or not.Â  By accurately reading their body language you will be able to determine whether or not the other person is feeling comfortable around you and eager to get to know you better.Â  Understanding body language is also significant because it can ensure that you are not unintentionally sending the wrong messages out to other people.Â  Body language can often be both subtle and subconscious but if you are aware of your body language you can make a conscious effort to make sure that you are sending an accurate message to others with your own body language.Â  The art of reading body language really isnâ€™t difficult and once you are familiar with a few guidelines you will come to realize that understanding body language is very intuitive.Â  Correctly reading body language will ensure that you donâ€™t miss out on approaching potential partners who are sending you signs that they are interested in pursuing a romance with you.</p>
<p><span id="more-85"></span></p>
<p>How close a person stands to you can be one of the most important body language clues to whether someone is interested in you romantically or not.Â  Their proximity to you can be directly proportional to their romantic interest in you. In other words the closer they stand to you the more interested they are in you romantically and the farther they stand away from you the less interested they are in pursuing a romance with you.Â  In general the two foot rule applies.Â  This means that if a person does not get closer than two feet to you, they arenâ€™t interested in a romance with you.Â  This distance is significant because a length of two feet is approximately an arms length and standing this far from you makes the other person feel safe that you will not reach out and physically touch them.Â  This subtle use of body language to avoid closeness with you is a clear sign of a lack of romantic interest.Â  Conversely, if the person stands closer to you and within arms reach they are not apprehensive about being touched by you and are sending you a signal that they are interested in you.Â  The intimacy of standing close to someone is a clear body language indication that you have a romantic interest in that person.</p>
<p>Another body language clue that someone is interested in you is that they begin to copy your own body language.Â  This often happens subconsciously but if you notice someone mimicking your behaviors it is a clear sign that they are interested in you.Â  This mimicking behavior can begin almost immediately and is very easy to read or pick up on.Â  If you notice this behavior, you may initially feel upset as though the other person is mocking you by copying you but this is not the case.Â  In fact the behavior should be flattering because it is an indication that the other person admires you and is trying to become more like you in subtle ways.Â  More often than not the other person isnâ€™t even aware of what they are doing but there is a natural instinct to try to imitate those that we admire to draw ourselves closer to them.Â  Mimicking is pretty easy to notice and it is also a clear body language indication of romantic interest.Â </p>
<p>Body positioning can also be a form of body language that can either convey romantic interest or disinterest.Â  When speaking to someone, if their body and particularly their torso is turned towards you and leaning closer to you this is an indication of romantic interest.Â  This body positioning leaves you unguarded and vulnerable which indicates trust in the other person.Â  If this trust were not in existence you would not put yourself in such a vulnerable position and would be more likely to stand with your body turned slightly away from the other person and leaning away from them.Â  Standing in a way that positions your body in an open position towards another person is a clear example of body language that expresses a romantic interest.</p>
<p>Your eyes often send body language messages to those around you letting them know whether or not you are interested in them. When you have a romantic interest in someone you make eye contact and also blink often.Â  Both of these signals let the other person know that you are attracted to them by conveying the message that you are interested in what they have to say.Â  Avoiding eye contact lets a person know that you are not comfortable with them and that you do not have a romantic interest in them.Â  If you are uncomfortable looking someone directly in the eye and avoid eye contact, you are trying to send the message that you are not interested in further contact with them.Â  Itâ€™s often said that the eyes are the windows to the soul and this may be true as your eyes can certainly send quite a message.</p>
<p>Although body language is often subtle and subconscious it can also send a clear message regarding romantic interest.Â  Perhaps the fact that body language is subconscious is what also makes it such an accurate indication or romantic language.Â  Since body language is done without thought it allows the person to send messages that they would be uncomfortable conveying verbally.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://online-dating.smartdivas.com/index.php/2007/08/28/how-to-read-romantic-body-language/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

