Dating in the Dark

Imagine you are blind. Now wait, it gets better. Imagine you are in your mid to late twenties inserted into the wonderful world of dating and you're blind. Now, imagine ABC tells you "Suprise, you're not blind, but we're going to insert you into a situation where you might as well be, THIS IS DATING IN THE DARK"

Three men and three women stay in a house for a few days and meet each other on a group date to get a sense of how they interact with each other. Then this experience turns into an experiment. Based on chemistry and whatever nonsensical matchy skills that ABC producers beleive might exist, they pair up the most compatible guy and girl. For the next few dates they interact with their matches in the dark. They smell each others clothes for pheromones. Talk in the dark, flirt in the dark, make-out in the dark (ooh fun!).

They're revealed to each other separately and then have to come back and decide whether or not to continue with dating. The experiment is about finding out about a person before being physically attracted to them. I completely enjoyed it.

Imagine meeting someone and finding out about how much you are attracted to them before seeing them or before them seeing you. What a fabulous challenge. There is something to be said for physical attraction. For relationships to really work, the physical needs to be there just as much as the emotional.

What's your take? Agree? Strongly object? Lovin' ABC's take on a dating experiment?

Crossing the Friend Line

Rachel put Ross in the friend zone for about a decade, but eventually found that the great guy was right there the whole time. Watts fell for her BFF Keith in Some Kind of Wonderful. Two of my close friends in fact were only friends for a long time before they were anything more. Fast forward about five years and they just celebrated their 2nd wedding anniversary.

So where and why do the lines cross? I had an incredibly insightful conversation with one of my girlfriends this past week about knowing when and who it's okay to cross this line with. Does it become a one time thing to get the attraction out? Does it become a convenient friends with benefits situation? Or does it become the happily ever after you've been hoping for?

At the end of this conversation, we agreed on one thing. No matter who the potential persons are, if they were once friends and choose to step out of the friend-zone to become something more, there is never going back. So be ready for whatever you and they have just started.

AskMen.com has some insight about this very topic. This web site has some really quirkey stories about all things girl vs. guy. When it comes to the "more than friends" topic here are a few recommendations from their post called "Friend to Flame in 5 Easy Steps":

1. Highlight the physical characteristics you possess that you know appeal to her.

2. Curb all “guy talk” in her presence.

3. Place her in an environment that will enable a shift in her perception.

4. Act chivalrous.

5. Use suggestive body language.

Check out the full post and details on these "tips" here.

I'm a sucker for a good romance story or at least hearing about the great details from a steamy affair. I say go for it.

If you know are all too familiar with this topic and want to share your success (or failed attempts on making it happen) post a comment!

All the single ladies

When you read this headline I'm sure there are a plethora of songs that pop into your head. Whether it's Beyonce shaking her hips and flipping her hand or DJ Kool droppin' a beat, us single gals need more than a shout out every now and then! Here are a few tips to remember when you're rocking the single and fabulous title!

• Go to dinner when ever possible - Though its a fuzzy economy, make the most out of it! There are a number of cities across the U.S. that host restaurant weeks or even recession pre fixe courses.
  

• Do something to pamper yourself every week - Whether it's buying a pair of fierce heels or getting manicure, make it a point to treat yourself. It's all in the attitude. If you feel good, you'll change the negative perception most people have of single gals.

• Make single friends - If your best girlfriend is not in the single-gal column anymore, I'm not saying ditch her, but make some other single friends. Believe me, getting out of your comfort zone is GOOD.

• Stay active and get involved - Joining the gym, a dance class or even attending a local MeetUp is a great way to meet people. The point is to stay active, not eat your way into prediabetes (nobody likes your fat jeans), and do something fabulous!
  

Pretty mama if you're single...

Sexy Texts: Good? Bad? Great?

Don't pretend that you have no idea what I'm talking about with this post headline.

If you've never been a recipient or sender of an inappropriate text message, then my friend, you are missing a true technology right of passage.

What's your take? Do you think sexy texts are acceptable, absolutely out of the question or as a seasoned pro, for you, this is a regular occurrence?

One of my good friends told me that, "Texting something wildly inappropriate to another person that you may be interested in, dating, or married to is a way to say something that you may not have to courage to say during a typical phone call. Embrace it. There is nothing to be embarrassed about."

Be smart. If you're not sure if the receiving party will dig this new uninhibited version of you, ease into it. Treat it just like face-to-face flirting. You'll pick-up if the vibe just isn't there.

One of my favorite sites, SheKnows.com, wrote about sexy texts back in 2008 and said "If you want more inspiration, Virgin Mobile might have you covered. A new site has been created called Let's Have Txt, which will teach you more about how to write those dirty messages that are so fun to send."

Go ahead. Enjoy the wonderful world of unlimited data plans, creative phrases and spark some enticing conversations!

I tried to check out the Virgin Mobile site, but it looks like Virgin cut the web sites life a bit short -- if you have any new destinations or tips of your own - send a comment :)

Podcasts Are A Fabulous Thing

If you're not sure what podcasts are, get ready to be introduced to a free and fun way to be filled with timely insight. For my friends that are PR players, check out some of the most influencial publications your pitching and find who's doing podcasts. It's a quickhit with high circulation numbers and almost all reporters are reqired to have a personal podcast or blog/vlog of their own.

For the rest that aren't too sure about podcasts, it's a way for a news outlet or even a celeb personality to report and get thier voice heard with out it costing the consumer (you) money. If you make a daily podcast download part of your daily routine, it'll be a great way to fill in your commute time.

Similar to blogs, podcasts come in just about every shape, shimmy and flavor. Choose your poison and you'll be pleasantly suprised. Here are a few tips on how to get started.

1 - Log into iTunes, click podcasts

2- Search for topics that might intrigue you, listen to a 30 second snippet

3 - Download to your library and be sure to sync-up your iPod or iPhone regulary for that days podcast.

Here are a few of my favorites that range from the super-techie to the super-girlie. If you want to search for certain genres of podcast check out podcast.com. Let me know what your favorite is!

• DiggNation - for the tech
• G4TV - for the gaming news
• Ask A Ninja - for more tech
• Wine Library TV - for the booze
• ZenLiving - for peace of mind
• CollegeHumor Originals - for a laugh
• RootsRock Radio Show - for some tunes

Something New

It's always refreshing to start something new. It reminds you that life can be unexpected, but it also means that there is a brand new road for you, one that you didnt expect to be on. For some crazy reason new things whether it's a new job, car or person make me feel so incredibly lucky.

On a lesser note, there are some great shopping sites where new things are quite decently priced and can make your dark jeans or simple black top feel brand new with an added detail or accessory.

Check out these sites. You might find something perfect for this weekend!

http://www.gilt.com/

http://www.bluefly.com/

http://www.shopbop.com/

A Passionate Argument

Music tends to be one of the few things that people can be passionate about. Whether it's the way a song or band makes you feel or the how a certain sound can bring back a moment or memory or even the attraction you feel towards a sexy frontman. Music provides perspective.

Enter the Dave Matthews fight.

There are bands that have fans and then there are bands that have life-long followers. Dave Matthews has both. The lifers belong to The Warehouse, see more than five shows per year and can defend and influence a conversation about their obession through a passionate argument.

On the flip-side, there are fans that appreciate the music and may even call them thier favorite, but don't see the need for the obsession.

Two friends had this conversation not long ago. One is a lifer while the other is a fan. I can see and understand both perspectives. And after laughing about it, it had me question what things I'm most passionate about. What fuels me enough to fight for my opinion a converation?

I think whether it's music or movies or even art everyone needs something to feel and be passionate about. It reminds you to remember moments of the experience, the people you're experiencing it with and how it made you feel.