Foot Pop

I recently watched "The Princess Diaries" with Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway (the movie that actually make Anne Hathaway famous) and until now, a secret guilty pleasure. It's a wonderful little flick about a 15 year old girl who finds out that she's a princess and her transformation from tomboy to princess and from girl to woman.  She coins a term in it that I love! The "foot pop" - when a kiss that's so good, your foot just naturally pops up in the air. 

Sometimes its hard to get excited to go out on dates with new people.  There's the pressure...what if we have nothing in common, what if I like him and he doesn't like me, what if she's completely insane. The list of "what ifs" of all of thie things that could go wrong is incredibly long.  So why do we keep doing it? What gets you out the door for the next one? Because there is there is the biggest "what if" of all. What if this is the last first date I ever go on?  

I would like to offer one more bit of optimism - what if, on your first kiss, your foot pops?

Flipping the Switch

Ladies this one is for you...it's about the transition from work to play.  I know many of us like to think that our same drive and passion that makes us successful professionals will make us successful in all areas of our lives.  This simply is not the case. The same tactics that make you a leader in the boardroom will not make you a leader in the bedroom for lack of a softer way of putting it.  I know your ambitious and have had to make it in a "man's world" - many of us own our companies, are successful attorneys, doctors, busy executives or any number of occupations that are not considered "traditional women's careers". But the fact of the matter is, unless you would like to date/marry a "beta man" you will have to learn to "flip the switch".  Now before I go any further there is NOTHING wrong with a beta man - typically the issue is they are not the men you are attracted to. And therefore you end up annoyed that the men you are attracting you are attracted to and vice versa. Now before I go any farther I am NOT suggesting you change who you are. I am simply suggesting that you tap into your softer side. Most of us - myself included - want the guy to be the guy.  So we need to allow him to be.  My suggestion is to figure out what relaxes you.  My best friend used to come home from work (she's a helicopter pilot in the Navy) and spend 20 minutes doing nothing. She watches Friends or flipping through a magazine until she was back to "normal".  I usually take my dog for a walk or go for a run.  I need the outside air to clear my head and hit the "reset" button.  You have to figure out what takes you back to that feminine place, your softer side, and make the time to do it.


The girl that wants to cuddle up on the sofa or hold hands walking on the beach.  I always recommend that people take a break in-between an after work date.  Maybe even meet a girlfriend for happy hour (ONE drink limit though) before heading out on a date. Decompress and become fun, flirty you again.  I also never recommend lunch dates - most of us will be tempted to answer our phones or check our blackberries.  You just won't be able to completely turn work "off".  Remember guys don't want to date their buddies or business partners. They want to date that fun, sexy girl that makes them feel like a million bucks! So make sure you are the best version of her!
happily,
kim

Generally Speaking...

Generally speaking...

...you shouldn't curse on the first date & you definitely shouldn't drop the "F" bomb.
...the guy should pay on the first date, but the girl SHOULD do the "courtesy reach" (See Rachel Greenwald's Tips)
...you should keep your first date simple & brief...if you like each other there's always the second date :).
...the guy should set up the date ("whatever you want to do" is not acceptable) & make it geographically closer to his date than himself.
...you should go into every date with an optimistic attitude - you just never know!

happily,
kim

The Habitual First Dater...

Are you a habitual first dater? Two weeks ago on the season opener of The Bachelor, Jake Pavelka, claimed to be a habitual first dater. Now to me this indicates one of two things - you are doing something wrong on these dates or you are choosing the wrong people. Either way you are making mistakes and wasting your time. I have to admit this is my first season of watching this show and I am not entirely certain how long I will last but my guess is he is probably doing both. His judgment seems a bit off but I haven't really noticed that he is all that engaging, however, could be because he has a dozen beautiful women throwing themselves at him. At any rate, my point is this...sometimes it's back to the basics. I love lists so here we go:
1) Listen
2)Do NOT have an agenda...I mean this!!! Do not focus on getting a second date or getting the other person in the sack.  Your date will pick up on these vibes and be completely turned off. Just focus on relaxing and having a good time - a much better recipe for success!
3) MEN - plan and pay for the first date.  I do not want to expand on this, it should be a given.
4) WOMEN - offer to pay. Play the game.  ALSO - be attentive and affectionate.  Offer some feedback that he should ask you out again.
5) I am a big fan of the "mini" first date - coffee, drinks or even a beach cruiser ride. You can always ask to do another activity but backing out of something is much more difficult!

And remember...part of us is still that little kid on the playground, nervous and awkard and hoping the other one likes us.

happily,
kim

First Date Convo's...

Some people LOVE first dates but they are not the majority.  I honestly can say I usually really enjoy them - I love meeting new people and learning about them. Knowing that I am in the minority I thought I would jot down a few ideas for those who might find it daunting...

I think there are a few key principles to keep in mind before I even start on my list:
a) Whatever the topic - keep it light!
b) Ask a lot of questions but this is not a job interview...show that you are genuinely interested but make sure you are also listening (I think this is the part some struggle with...).

Sample Topics -

• Travel
• Family, childhood, where you grew up
• Favorite restaurants in town (you could find a new favorite!)
• Ask about their friends and what they like to do in their free time
• Career

You can always try these unique conversation starters that make me laugh.

Dangerous Territory -

• Discussing past relationships.
• Showing too much enthusiasm with regards to marriage & children (wanting or not wanting them).
• Sharing too much information about your dysfunctional family.
• Getting into a heated discussion about politics or religion.

We all want to be a closer but fellas please...pay attention to the signals...

...happily, kim