Write Your Own Dating Rules by Jenni Trent-Hughes, the relationship expert

relationshipsJenni Trent-Hughes, the relationship expert from eHarmony tells Frost Magazine readers to rip up the rule book.

Eighteen years ago the dating world was introduced to a book called ‘The Rules’ that we were meant to follow in order to guarantee a perfect love life. In those days, before online dating there were rules like: Don’t ask a man on a date! Don’t ask him to dance first! Don’t call him first! Don’t accept a date for Saturday if he asks you after Wednesday!

If you’ve found that ‘’not accepting a date for Saturday if they asked you after Wednesday’ worked for you, then I’m not going to tell you any different.  However as you’re here reading this in 2013, I suspect that you have realised that there is no magic secret; but I’m glad to say there is one tip that will help to bring you success or at the very least, remove some of the obstacles you may have stumbled over in the past.

Rules are like walls and sometimes walls need to be demolished to let the light in. Step outside your comfort zone and see what happens – be the dater you want to be not the one you’ve been told to be.

My one tip is this: Write your own rules! No one knows you better than you know yourself. You know what you’re capable of. You know what your parameters are. What you will be brave enough to do and what is going to be totally against your character, and you know what feels right.

I’m not going to tell you what not to do! You can figure that out yourself. I’ll just remind you of some things to do to help increase your chances of success when dating online.

1.    Reach out: If you see a profile that you like the look or sound of then make contact. There is no point spending weeks peeking at each other through cyberspace – say hello.

2.    Step outside your regular boundaries: Online dating is a golden opportunity to interact with people you might not originally have considered. Remember the first time against your better judgement you chose coconut ice cream and now it’s your favourite? That person who is a little older, a bit younger, that you’re attracted to but doesn’t match up to your usual ‘type’. That might just be The One.

3.    If you want to ask them out – just do it: Man or woman, we are in the 21st Century and we can do things that are new without the roof caving in. Traditionally men might have been the first to initiate a date, however things have evolved and it’s flattering to be asked out whatever your sex.

4. Be honest: Be yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Forget mind games, just be yourself and eventually you will find someone who is exactly the person you are looking for and you to them.

5. Learn to let go: We all have baggage, but when it comes to dating try and leave any hang ups at the door. Negative experiences in the past can affect the way you approach a new relationship, and although it’s good to be cautious, it’s also good to go in with a fresh new slate. Have fun and let your true self be at the forefront.

Valentine’s Day For Dummies | Book Review

Valentine’s Day is, by far, the most romantically anticipated day of the year, but there is no need to panic! For those in search of a potential partner, to those wanting to get their relationship back on track For Dummies has published a number of guides which will help make this Valentine’s Day a great success. Frost Magazine’s writers got their head in a book to review the guides. Check out what they thought below.

Flirting For Dummies

Elizabeth Clark

Our writer says:

“I have never been good at flirting. I just do not know how to do it and envy people who can. I read the book as soon as it arrives and I started putting it into practice when I could. I have been single for nearly a year and was dreading Valentine’s Day.

The first chapter is about the making of a successful flirt. It teaches you the fundamentals, spotting signals and avoiding pitfalls. I immediately start to realise what I am doing wrong.

Chapter three moves into overcoming a fear of rejection. Something that has become a problem. I had quite a bad break up and the thought of another man hurting me was hard to cope with.

After finishing the book I do become much better at flirting. I find it easier to start dating when I have the tools and knowledge to know how to flirt. I have started dating again and I am very positive about my flirting future. I also love the ten ways unwanted admirers can strike in the back. This is a fun, witty book.

£12.99

There is still time for the unlucky in love to brush up on their flirting skills and bag themselves a date this Valentine’s day. Flirting For Dummies provides readers with the know-how and confidence to getting it right when it comes to flirting effectively and without embarrassment.  Exploring key areas including listening and communication skills, body language and self-image, Flirting For Dummies has all the tools needed to boost self-confidence and engage with people in a natural and charming way.

 

 Body Language For Dummies

Elizabeth Kuhnke

Our writer says:

“I love body language. I think it is very underrated and I have read a few books on the subject. Sometimes it can be hard to read the opposite sex so I was hoping this book would help.

This book covers all aspects of body language. It has handy pictures and is very easy to read. As all of the Dummies guide are.  It tells you all about body language and how to use your own to get what you want. I noticed that sometime when I say things people take it the wrong way, now I put the tips in the book into practice and it has made a difference. I really liked this book. It is a great body language book. I even use it with my partner. Good book. ”

 

£15.99

Having an insight into body language can be a great asset when trying to interpret the signals of the opposite sex.  This title explains how the body reveals what people really mean guiding readers on how it can be used to make a positive impact and explaining why we give off certain signals.  Elizabeth Kuhnke explains how to read the most common expressions and use body language to transform both personal and professional relationships.

 

Confidence For Dummies

Kate Burton & Brinley N. Platts

Our writer says:

“I was not sure how someone could write an entire book on confidence until I opened the book. Generally I thought confidence was something that some people has in abundance that could not really be placed, but pardon my ignorance, I was completely wrong. This book has let me know that confidence is something that is manageable and attainable. Sometimes confidence is  just taking things one step at a time, knowing that it will all be okay in the end.

This book lets you recognise your strengths and believe in yourself. When I started reading it I could not put it down. I have been single for a while and have found it hard to put myself out there, but this book has let me know that I actually do have it within me to put myself out there.

I love the techniques and the exercises too. I feel that I know myself a lot better after reading this book. I know this sounds like I am being over enthusiastic, but I already feel it has improved my life.”

£12.99

Self-confidence is important in all areas of life particularly when it comes to dating and relationships.  Lack of confidence is common amongst those who are unlucky in love.    This guide identifies the wide range of strengths, skills, abilities and strategies readers can utilise, providing tips and techniques to build on these and gain extra confidence.

 

Dating For Dummies (3rd Edition)

Joy Browne

Our writer says:

“Dating is hard. Really hard. Sometimes I feel like I find it harder than everyone else. But I really want to start dating again and get better at it. Dating for Dummies suits me perfectly.

This book tackles even the most modern parts of dating, like social networking and online dating. It helps you figure out what you want in a partner and how to break up with people. It really does cover every aspect of dating and even covers age differences. It really is a brilliant book that covers everything and it is impossible not to find helpful information. I just finished the book, but I reckon it will improve my love life dramatically. I already feel more comfortable.

£15.99

Dating For Dummies guides readers on how to meet potential romantic partners for life, how to avoid common dating mistakes, overcome disappointments, deal with difference and how to date safely in the social media world.  Joy Browne gives readers the confidence boost they need to help meet, date and start a relationship as well as prepare for dates and have a great time. Whatever the dating dilemma Dating For Dummies has it covered.

 

 

Improving Your Relationship For Dummies

Paula Hall

Our writer says:

“I have been with my boyfriend for two years now. I love him, but sometimes I find the relationship hard. Or we get into a negative arguing cycle and never resolve the main problem. I felt at a loss about what to do so I was very eager to review this book. I have heard of Paula Hall and have read some of the articles she has written.

The book itself is broken down into handy sections and goes over everything from sex to boosting your relationship, knowing when to break up and how to break an arguing cycle. The latter of which I was very interested in.

I found this book to be a bit of a revelation. I just had not thought of a lot of the tips and advice. Some of it in hindsight seems obvious, but you just never think of it. The advice on communication is excellent and the idea of treating your relationship like a bank is very smart – basically you have to put effort and love into your relationship and not just take things out of it.

All in all I found the book helpful. I have even got my boyfriend involved and he even want to read it now I have finished. I recommend this book for anyone in a relationship, is has just really done what it says on the cover: improves your relationship.

 

£15.99

Valentine’s Day can be a time when couples take stock of their relationship and make effective changes for the future.    Paula Hall offers expert advice for those who want to work through tiresome niggles, address potential issues before taking the next step, cope with serious problems or simply strengthen a partnership. An essential guide for anyone wanting to improve their relationship, covering issues including cohabitation, overcoming anger and jealousy, trust, dealing with an affair, managing change and reigniting passion.

 

Emotional Healing For Dummies

David Beales and Helen Whitten

Our writer says:

“I think in life we do not pay enough attention to our emotions, and I know I have run into trouble because of it. We really do not take enough care of our emotional health. Everything in life affects us in some ways. I was already thinking that I had to pay more attention and care more about my emotional health.

The thing I liked most about this book is that it tells you about the connection between emotion and health, and emotion and food. It has ways to boost your immune system against stress and fatigue. It also has tips on enhancing emotional intelligence.

This book would be amazing for anyone who has been through anything traumatic. You really understand emotion healing, emotions. You learn how to deal with your emotions and be happier. I loved this book and I can really recommend it. This book reminded me of the saying that you have to love yourself before anyone else will. This book will help. ”

£15.99

For those who are suffering from a broken heart this Valentine’s Day Emotional Healing For Dummies can help ease the pain.  We’re a nation that bottles things up, dismissing anger, frustration, hatred and guilt as largely insignificant to our minds and bodies. But powerful emotions like these do affect us in a long-term way, not only mentally but also physically, and it’s important to know how to get them under control.   This easy to follow guide provides a toolkit of strategies to help heal emotional upset so that readers begin to feel like themselves once again after a difficult breakup.

 

For Dummies guides are available where all books and e-books are sold. Including Amazon UK, WH Smith and Selfridges.

 

 

5 Tips for getting a New Year Date

5 Tips for getting a New Year Date by eHarmony.co.uk’s relationship expert, Jenni Trent Hughes

 

Whew! You’ve successfully navigated your way through the Christmas office parties and endless array of pre and post Christmas gatherings with your dignity intact. Now we must face the next social hurdle – the dreaded ‘New Year No Date’ scenario. We are told this is the most important date night of all, the one in which we must have a kiss on the stroke of midnight to welcome in 2013 or….. Luckily we have plenty of time to take action to avoid a kiss less end to 2012. Here eharmony.co.uk provides five great tips to help you on your way.

 

Have you made plans yet for your New Year’s Eve? Will you be heading to your local pub with friends? Or maybe you’re going to a big party, glitz, glamour and all? Whatever you’re doing, if you’re single you might be wondering if you’ll be getting a kiss at midnight. Now is not the time for procrastination – if you’re set on getting a New Year’s date, it’s time to take action! Here are some tried and tested tips that should help you welcome the New Year with someone on your arm:

 

1.    Become the person you’d want to date

The post-Christmas blues can leave you feeling deflated, dejected and just not in the right frame of mind for dating. But if your goal is to get a date for that New Year’s bash, then it’s time to give yourself a kick up the behind. Pick out a great outfit, have your hair done or simply draw up your New Year’s resolutions to get yourself energised about the year ahead. If you’re feeling really ambitious make concrete plans to do try something new in the coming months such as booking yourself on a climbing course, or planning a holiday to somewhere you’ve never been. By heading to that party with a spring in your step and an air of confidence you’ll hugely increase your chances of getting a kiss at midnight.

 

2.    Get online – or get better online

You might need to get a move on with this, but dating online unlocks a whole world of potential partners – and New Year dates!

 

If you’ve already got an online dating profile, it might be time to refresh it a little. Take a look at the photos you’ve uploaded and what you’ve written, asking yourself these questions:

 

•    Are my photos varied, and do I look happy and relaxed in them?

•    Do I sound happy and positive?

•    Do I convey the kind of person I’m truly looking for?

•    Is this the best possible representation of me?

•    Does my profile stand out from the crowd?

 

3.    Get set up

Your friendship network is a powerful tool for meeting new people. Perhaps the old theory about there just being six degrees of separation in the world isn’t necessarily true, but your friends know people, who know people. This is no time to be shy – put yourself out there, and ask if they know any suitable singles. They might know someone looking for a New Year date too. One caveat, meet them first, just to make sure you can stand them for more than 5 minutes!

 

4.    Throw your own party

As long as you’ve got the space (and perhaps lots of coasters) why not throw your own party? Open up your doors, and ensure that friends are actively encouraged to bring along people they know (who are hopefully also single). The thing about being single is that you have to grab every opportunity to meet new people, expand your network and hopefully line up dates. Sitting on your sofa hoping the dates will come to you just won’t cut it.

 

 

5.    Go it alone

Feeling brave? In a mood to grasp 2013 with both hands? Start the year as you mean to go on and go to an organised New Year event alone. There are hundreds of events across the UK especially for single people to celebrate the New Year, and it certainly is a great way to meet a ton of new people very quickly. Going alone will be daunting  but it will force you to speak to new people and hopefully meet someone new. And if you’ve not feeling quite so brave you can always take a friend, but just remember the point of the evening is to meet new people, not to chat to your friend in a corner!

 

Whichever of these options you choose keep one thing in mind – 2013 is about YOU and working on making your life the life that you really want to live. Design your New Year’s celebration to reflect your hopes and positive attitudes for 2013. If it feels good then do it. Start the year in the way you mean to continue, onward and upward!

A Nation Of Pinocchio Daters?

Brits are lying their way through the virtual world of

online dating to find a partner

 

·       Almost two thirds (57%) of online daters lie on their profiles

·       Almost half of Brits (47%) tell porkies about their body shape in their profiles

·       Nearly a third (28%) of us use profile pictures that are three years old or more

·       17% of supposed singletons on dating websites are actually in relationships

·       Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) lie about their profession and seniority at work to impress potential partners

·       13% of online daters don’t write their own profiles

·       For 64% of people, their biggest concern is that the actual dating sites themselves lie – using fake profiles,good looking people who aren’t actually signed up to the site.

 

Research today reveals that almost two thirds (57%) of online daters lie in their quest to find a partner. Commissioned by new dating website Would Like To Meet, the report reveals that a quarter (25%) of Brits lie at least four times on their dating profiles and nearly a third (28%) of us use profile pictures that are three years old or more. Even more alarming is that almost one in ten (9%) use profile pictures which are at least ten years out of date, with men being the worst culprits.

 

Mirror Mirror…

 

Even though pictures say a thousand words, over a fifth (21%) of Brits also lie about their age to go alongside their youthful photos, with men being twice as likely to subtract a few years.

 

When it comes to size, our computer screens really do shed a few pounds with almost half (47%) of Brits revealing that they lie about their dress size on their profile. Women are the biggest culprits with 10% also treating themselves to a virtual breast job by exaggerating the size of their bust by two cup sizes. Men take a different tact and prefer to add a few inches with a third (32%) lying about their height.

 

I Am A Millionaire…sort of….

 

It isn’t just physical attributes that Brits lie about; we also bend the truth when it comes to their professional status. Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) admit to lying about their job and seniority at work to impress potential partners. Surprising given the current economic climate, almost a quarter (24%) of online daters say they work in finance when they don’t.  The second most popular wish-list profession is in TV and music (18%), followed closely by a respectable career in law (17%).  Nearly 10% of us also give ourselves an imaginary PA in the hope of impressing the opposite sex. But why do so many online daters succumb to lying when there is such a high risk of getting caught out in the end?

 

 “Many people regard online dating as if it were a fishing expedition, and they want to cast their line into the pool with the best ‘bait’”explains psychologist Donna Dawson.“The bait is the qualities that they think will attract best potential partners – and if this means adding inches to their height, reducing a dress size, or pretending to be more senior at work, then they will do just that.Their hope is to make such a strong impression on the first meeting that any lies, will be overlooked. The trouble is that they rarely succeed, as the very first, ‘first impression’ will reveal them to be dishonest.”

 

Donna also suggests that the 13% of online daters who don’t write their own profiles, should start – or at least think carefully before choosing their ghost writer.

 

 

Marital Status Unknown

 

Although you’d imagine that all members on dating sites are single, an outstanding 17% of supposed singletons are actually in relationships. Furthermore, nearly a quarter (25%) lie about their marital status to cover up being separated or divorced – a habit which men are 10% more likely to adopt.

 

With all this lying at the touch of a keypad, the study reveals that rightly so, we are a nation of suspicious minds with over a quarter of online daters (26%) having suspected that a potential suitor was actually married or in a relationship.

 

 

You Only Want Me For My Money

 

Beyond the world of white lies – nearly two fifths (39%) of online daters have also been subjected to a financial scam or know someone who has. These scams are often carried out by other ‘members’ who trick fellow daters into giving them or ‘lending’ them money that they will never see again.

 

Although meeting Pinnochio partners is a worry, our biggest concern (for 64% of people) is that the actual dating sites themselves lie – using fake profiles, good looking people who aren’t actually signed up to the site, to boost numbers and entice people in.

 

“From experience, it is clear that honesty and belief is the most important ingredient when it comes to online dating and this research confirms that most people feel the same,” says founder of Would Like To Meet, Eden Blackman. “With this in mind, I wanted to create a site without fake profiles, only real verified pictures allowed where members know the people they see are the people behind the profile. I have always worked on the ethic that if you hide behind a fake profile picture what else are you hiding.”

 

The Ghost of Relationships Past


The old phrase ‘lesson learnt’ is never truer than after the end of a relationship. With each heart break we experience we take something different from it. But do we ever truly move on if we keep repeating the mistakes of our past relationships?

Relationship expert for online match maker eHarmony.co.uk, Dr Gian Gonzaga says “sometimes people lose faith in finding love because they seem to be continually attracted to the ‘wrong’ type of people”.  According to Gonzaga, at times it can seem as though no matter how hard we try we end up with the same problems but with different people, like magnets that attract the same situation over and over again.  It’s time we examine where we are going wrong and eradicate the real issue, to really be able to move on and find lasting love.

So excavate the past to create a different future for yourself:

The common denominator

Look at all your past relationships, write them down if it helps, and ask yourself these questions about each one. What attracted you to the person in the first place? What caused the relationship to end? Were there signs early on in the relationship that there were problems but you ignored them?

Old relationships are never wasted, they are a rich source of information which you can go back over to discover what you could do differently in the future. Be really honest with yourself and try to look at the relationship from an outsider’s point of view. What you are looking for is the similarities between them to see if there is a pattern.

Is the thing that attracts the thing that destroys?

Are you attracted to creative, emotionally unavailable men and then the relationship ends because you don’t get enough attention? Or are you drawn to bright, bubbly women but then fail to get very far because you feel threatened when she flirts with your mates?

Look at the people who have qualities that you find attractive – not just the ones you have had relationships with but also people in the media, friends etc. What is it in them that you find attractive? Then look at yourself and develop those qualities in yourself rather than waiting for someone else to come and make you feel that way.

Don’t fall for someone’s potential

This is the most common mistake that people make in relationships. They meet someone and they fall in love with what they ‘could be’ rather than what they ‘are’ today. They believe that if they love this person enough; give them lots of encouragement, support and everything they need in order to blossom that they will have a wonderful relationship together. Although this often comes from a loving place it is starting a relationship from the basis of wanting to change the other person rather than accepting and loving them as they are. It is a great feeling to be the hero or heroine in another person’s life but it is rarely going to lead to a healthy relationship because the basis of the relationship isn’t equal.

Look in the mirror

When a relationship ends it can be comforting to think it was all the other person’s fault but that attitude is depriving you of the opportunity of finding out what you could do differently next time. Look back through the story of your time together and look at your own behaviour. At what points could you have done something differently? Are you angry with all men/women because of things that have happened in your past? If so now might be the time to get some help if you really want things to change.

Change your mind

Just like any other area of life, relationship choices can become habitual and instinctive. We often dismiss potential matches simply because they don’t conform to an image we have in our head of ‘our type’. Open your mind and heart and start saying ‘yes’ to communication or dates with matches that you would normally dismiss out of hand, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Noone’s fate is fixed in stone, we can all change and grow and even if you have never had a healthy relationship in the past it is no reason that you never will in the future.

http://www.eharmony.co.uk/relationship-advice/start-with-you/2011/11/how-to-make-your-future-love-life-different-from-your-past

 

Why men aren’t like frogs, and dating isn’t a numbers game

By Jenni Trent Hughes. Relationship Expert at eHarmony.co.uk

 

 

There are so many myths out there about love and dating that when I talk to both singles and couples, I’m always amazed by the power these old sayings wield over us. A phrase that’s been passed on by a parent or trusted friend is often taken as gospel. And the one such myth I hear trotted out the most is that you have to kiss a rather depressing amount of frogs before you find a prince.

 

We’re certainly lucky to live in a world full of options. From takeaway coffee to sandwiches or TV channels, we’re so spoilt for choice it’s easy to think quantity is a good thing when it comes to dating too. That there’s a cornucopia of men out there, and if we dine out with enough of them we’ll hit upon that perfect needle in the haystack.

 

But as Plato very wisely said: “a good decision is based on knowledge, not on numbers”. If we know a bit about what we’re looking for then we won’t waste lots of time and energy on those so-called frogs. Here are my thoughts on dating myths I think are at best a bit silly and at worse damaging to our self-esteem and chance of finding real love:

 

“You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince”. The majority of women I meet with that attitude tend to wander the streets aimlessly kissing a heck of a lot of undesirables.  In many instances their frogs turn into lizards but almost never a prince. A prince is born a prince; he is not born a frog. So make sure you kiss princes with potential, not frogs, and if a frog should come along disguised as a prince, then learn from the experience ready for the next time.

 

“Dating is just a numbers game…”

Numbers games rely on chance. Would that then mean that finding love should be compared to roulette or poker? I think we can agree that all of those are tremendously risky activities over which you have and little control over the outcome. The idea that the more people you date the more chance you have in succeeding is misleading; laying a few pounds on which horse wins a race won’t make too much difference in your life if it goes wrong. However an overly cavalier attitude towards dating will provide less than stellar results. It’s about quality not quantity; dates with people that you have instant chemistry with, not endless dates with people because you ‘might as well’.  While it shouldn’t be approached with the precision of a military campaign it deserves more respect and attention than thinking of it as a game or a gamble.

 

“There are plenty more fish in the sea.”

We’ve most likely all heard this one before, delivered as good news from well-meaning friends when we’re emerging from a break-up or trying to get over someone. Though meant as a positive, it does seem to suggest that there are so many people out there that it’s easy to move swiftly on to the next ‘fish’. In fact, break ups or disappointments take time to get over, so don’t let yourself be rushed. Reflect on what’s best for you, and what you can learn from your relationship. Then, when the time comes to return to the dating scene, you’ll be able to use this knowledge to your advantage.

 

“Men are like parking spaces, all the good ones are taken and the others already have ‘Mother & Child’ painted on them” Absolute nonsense. This sort of self-defeatist attitude means that you are crying over the end of the movie before you’ve even bought your ticket. There are just as many wonderful available men out there as there are women. You just need to know where to look and probably even more importantly how to look.

 

“I can’t go on any more bad dates. I would rather be home alone than out with some guy who sells socks on the internet” Never give up. Your next date might turn out be your last ‘date’ because he might be The One. Don’t stop dating, just start dating differently. Don’t go out on any old date just because you’ve been asked. Accept or initiate dates only when you genuinely believe there is an opportunity for an enjoyable time. If you think there is little or no chance that you will have a good date then don’t go in the first place, what’s the point? Find the middle ground where you’re giving a person a chance just be sure they’re worth it in the first place.

 

We should never stop sharing beliefs and thoughts with our friends as we help them along that road, but let’s just make sure these are helpful and positive pearls of wisdom that will keep us enthused and optimistic on that journey.

Found! The most tight-fisted male daters in the UK

Frost exposes the most tight-fisted male daters in the UK

Male daters from Bolton are less willing to splash the cash in the search for love, according to FlirtFinder

Mobile dating service FlirtFinder.mobi, has revealed that Bolton boys are the most stingy when it comes to romance. According to the results, they are only happy to pay to respond to one in four messages implying that they would rather keep their wallets tightly sealed.

Based on the 1.2 million conversations that have been initiated by the female members of FlirtFinder, the results revealed that the lads of Llandridnod in Wales reply to over half of the messages that they receive from women, suggesting that they are happy to invest a few pennies in the search for their perfect partner.

 

Tightest daters in UK Most generous daters in UK
1)    Bolton 1)    Llandrindod Wells
2)    Ilford 2)    Telford
3)    Torquay 3)    Halifax
4)    Twickenham 4)    Carisle
5)    Sutton 5)    Dumfries
6)    Harrow 6)    Inverness
7)    Truro 7)    Worcester
8)    Huddersfield 8)    Gloucester
9)    Durham 9)    Taunton
10) Portsmouth 10) Reading

 

Justin Battell, managing director of FlirtFinder says, “When we looked at the differences in how our members use FlirtFinder, we found the areas where the men are most receptive bears no relationship to how affluent that region is.”

“There also doesn’t appear to be any evidence of a north and south divide, or any truth in commonly cited regional stereotypes, as the tightest and most generous areas include towns from all over the UK.”

The results are based on the probability of male members buying a message credit and replying to a woman who has contacted them directly.

FlirtFinder is a pay as you go mobile dating service where members buy credits only when they need them, rather than charging a recurring monthly subscription fee.

For more information on FlirtFinder, or to become a member, please visit: http://www.flirtfinder.mobi/

DATING’S A BORE… THIS MEANS WAR!

New dating site promises to end awkward silences with action-packed dates

First-daters are tired of awkward silences, boredom and tedious questions, but a new dating site has the answer.

‘Doing Something’ – a new dating site which takes first dates out of the restaurant and into the thick of the action – has teamed up with Twentieth Century Fox to offer singletons action-packed first dates inspired by the hit romantic comedy This Means War, starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy.

On the back of a new survey of over 1,200 Brits which reveals eight out of ten 16-24 year-old daters are tired of uncomfortable awkward silences, ‘Doing Something are encouraging singletons to sweat it out on the paintball battlefield, trapeze their way to love or take a romantic crash course on the race track, with dates mirroring This Mean’s War’s romantic action sequences.

A third of those surveyed feel that action dates help them lose their inhibitions, and by getting hot and sweaty this breaks down barriers. This increases significantly with the 16-34 age bracket, with just under half agreeing. A quarter of those surveyed feel more likely to go on a second date, having been on an action date over a traditional restaurant date.

Males seem more convinced that an action date will also lead them to enjoy a kiss, with one in every four compared to just over one in ten of females. But not everyone after an action date has just a passionate embrace on their mind, with one in ten males feeling an activity-based date is more likely to lead to sex, five times more than female respondents.

Asked which celebrity they would most want to go on an action-packed date with, the top choices for women were men of action David Beckham, Gerard Butler and Jenson Button. Meanwhile men went for Olympian Jessica Ennis and action chicks Angelia Jolie or Megan Fox.

The number one action date option was theme parks with more than one in four feeling that love is a rollercoaster, whilst one in twenty would prefer hurtling from the sky as a way to get to know someone, choosing tandem skydives.

CEO of Doing Something Matt Janes commented: “Doing Something takes the awkwardness out of dating and moves away from clinical setting of a restaurant meal to something more natural and encourages more spontaneity. Going on an action dates immediately gives those on a first date something in common and takes away the focus from each other.”

This Means War is the hilarious action comedy about a pair of spies (Tom Hardy and Chris Pine) who fall in love with the same woman (Reese Witherspoon) and take their espionage skills too far by spying on her every move to try and get the upper hand.

Using the action dates in the This Means War as inspiration, Doing Something is offering three themed dates:

* Circus Space – a trapeze date is a litmus test in its own right and a sure fire way to work out some early trust issues, just like Lauren and Tuck when they go on a circus date in the film
* Paintballing – show your ability to cope whilst under fire and like Tuck in the film dispel any doubts that this may be a safe choice
* Supercar – go for the shared adrenaline experience, picking from a choice of thoroughbred Ferraris, track inspired Porsches, iconic Caterhams and desirable Lamborghinis, mirroring the film’s final car chase

https://www.doingsomething.co.uk/we-heart-london/this-means-war/

Top 5 male and female celebrities public would take on action dates:

Guys

· David Beckham

· Gerard Butler

· Jason Statham

· Jenson Button

· Harry Styles

Females

· Jessica Ennis

· Cheryl Cole

· Tulisa Contostavlos

· Angelina Jolie

· Megan Fox