← PlanJam.comArchived blog, 2006–2008

Category: First Dates

First Date Conversation Cues that Appeal to Women

by Karen Talavera

While keeping a relationship going is certainly tough, I think people who are in steady relationships too-easily forget how hard it is for people without relationship. They (okay, "we" - I do it, too) look back and only remember that dating is fun, and forget how hard it is to go on a first date. We forget about that first-date pressure to fill all the awkward silences. The frantic need to prove that we're charming while also showing that we're interested in our date. How is it possible to forget how difficult all that is?

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4 Steps to Being a Good Listener on a Date

by Karen Talavera

None of us like it when we're not listened to...in fact, it pisses us off. Even if what you're trying to say isn't of urgent importance (or any real importance at all), when somebody doesn't listen to you, they're telling you that they don't care about what you have to say. They're telling you, basically, that they don't respect you. And it probably makes you want to hit the non-listener over the head with a heavy skillet. Maybe one full of messy, half-scrambled eggs.

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Is This Just a Friendly Outing, or a Hot Date?

by Karen Talavera

Most of the time, it’s pretty clear when you’re being asked out for a date. The guy or girl in question is pink-cheeked and nervous, and the situation makes it clear that this is about romance...not finding a new buddy who likes Star Wars as much as you do. But occasionally you can go out with somebody who either hasn’t made it clear whether or not this is a date...or, even worse, doesn’t seem to realize that you asked him or her out on a date instead of just a friendly outing.

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Establishing an Attraction vs. Making a Connection

by Karen Talavera

Ever been in a relationship where, even though the physical side of things was great (hey, even mind-blowing), you just didn’t click with your partner on a non-physical level? Of course you have – we all have (haven’t we?). This is the kind of relationship that results from letting a physical attraction take its course...and ignoring the fact that there’s no real connection. And, hey, it’s a lot of fun. Even if it’s temporary.

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So What Can You Eat?

by Lori Dake

So your date says she's a vegetarian, and you're a meat and potatoes kind of guy. Just hearing that term has all these images of boring iceberg lettuce salads and weird chunks of tofu swimming through your head, like some kind of bad 50's horror movie. To make matters worse, you have already reserved at booth at the fanciest steak house in town! Oh no! What now? So, feeling rather sullen, you breathe a heavy sigh, and you blurt out the most obvious question that comes to mind:
"So what can you eat?"

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How to tell when it's time to end a date

by Denise Shively

I've had my fair share of horrible dates – who hasn't? Before, I'd usually suffer through them in silence, making small talk and pretending to laugh at their less-than-humorous jokes.

Eventually, I started to realize that not only was I making myself miserable; I was leading the poor sap on! I can't tell you how many times guys have called me after a first date, only to realize after the 17th call I had no desire to go out with them again…

But, I digress.

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Chivalrous Men and Independent Women

by Ron Zvagelsky

Chivalrous Men and Independent WomenToday, many women are reaching levels of independence that previous times have never seen before. The ideas that were prominent in the past regarding a woman’s role in society has not only progressed, they have radically changed. Many women do not prepare themselves to finish high school, marry, and begin raising a family, as was customary for many generations. Today's woman is career minded as well as goal oriented, and she may not begin to feel ready to rear children until she reaches forty, an age previously believed to be the end of childbearing.

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Tips For Planning Perfect Dates

by Ron Zvagelsky

Planning A DateIf you’ve been out of the dating scene for any length of time, you may feel uncomfortable or uneasy about planning perfect dates. However, there is no need to fear. No matter how long it’s been since you’ve been in the dating arena, planning perfect dates isn’t difficult at all. By following a few key elements, you can be certain that both you and your partner will have a wonderful time.

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First Date Mistakes To Avoid (Tips For Men)

by Ron Zvagelsky

First Date MistakesWhen a man goes on a first date with a woman, he may be nervous, anxious, and on edge. There may be many mistakes or awkward moments that he finds himself in the middle of, however there are certain mistakes that should always be avoided, whether on the first date or early in a dating relationship. Realizing these mistakes can help men increase their chances of having long meaningful relationships with the woman that they care about and will help bridge the gap from dating to a serious relationship.

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