You're no idiot, of course! You're smart, funny, and well put-together. In fact, your friends and family consider you quite the "catch." But when it comes to getting a date on Friday night, the only person calling you is Mom--who's hoping that you're not at home! Don't call it a night just yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Dating, Second Edition by renowned radio personality Dr Judy Kuriansky shows you how to make your mother proud and get the date of your dreams. In this completely revised and updated Complete Idiot's Guide, you get:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Dating
Part 1: A New View on Where to Go and Who's "the One" 1. Dating Today in the New Century and Beyond
How the dating scene is new today, including new concepts and techniques, and an overview of the help you will get in this book.
2. Unraveling the Mystery of Attraction
Demystify the mystery behind attraction, chemistry, and who makes the best mate.
3. Expanding Your Options: Diversity Dating
How your opportunities in dating can be expanded by being open to new possibilities in choosing a mate, and how to bridge the gap in your differences.
4. Get Going: Good Ideas on Where to Meet People
Where are the best places to go? Find out about new ideas that will intrigue and surprise you about where to go to find the singles you want to meet, and how to improve your chances of running into that special someone.
5. Services to Help You Search and Make a Match
From personal ads to cyberdatingthere are endless ways to find a dateand some new ones! Learn all about present low-tech and high-tech options.
6. Ineedadate.com
Here's the hottest new trend in dating: cyberdating! Learn the "ins" and "outs" of meeting in cyberspace and turning your Internet-interest into a real-life date.
Part 2: Preparing Yourself So Youand OthersLove You
7. Putting the Best You Forward
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you look confident and fun to be withoozing self-esteem? These excellent ego-boosters will make you want to spend an evening with yourselfand others will want you, too!
8. From Shy to Social Butterfly
Shyness can be charming, or get in your way when you want to be more "out there." Follow those tried-and-true tips to breaking out of your shell to show more of the wonderful you.
Part 3: Making the Approach Work
9. Breaking the Ice: Openers to Get the Gab Going
So, you tracked down someone desirablebut how do you keep him or her from slipping away? Here's how to break the ice and use opening lines to open the door to an exciting connection.
10. Come Here Often? The Art of Flirting
Turn flirting into a positive advantage. Use your voice and body to show you're interested and learn to "read" others' reactions.
11. Scoring the Date
Now that you've made the connection, how do you make the next move? Use the tips in this chapter to increase your chances of getting a "yes" and the date.
12. The First Date (How to Make Sure It's Not the Last)
From where to go to what to sayall the dating do's and dont's you'll ever need to guarantee that all goes well now, and for the next encounters.
13. The Second Date and Beyond
You made it to date #2. Congratulations! But you may feel a bit nervous or pressured now because the stakes have increased. Gain more ease about advancing to the next stage, and learn how to determine if this new relationship is going anywhere.
14. Money Matters
Dating costs money (besides energy and commitment!) and with tough financial times and changing roles these days, you need some guidelines in making decisions about who pays, for what, and when.
Part 4: Is This "It" or Do I Keep Looking?
15. Are You on the Same Wavelength?
Take a quiz to test your personality style, and that of your dates, to see if you're a good match, or to learn what you have to do to get on the same wavelength.
16. "Can We Talk?"
Talking is key to a good relationship. Here's how to understand and to accept other people's communication styles, especially if they are different from your own.
17. Men and Woman: Not Such Different Planets
Here's a new idea: Men and women are more similar than previously thought. These exercises help you understand the opposite sex's dilemmas and give new insights and behaviors to bring men and women closer together.
18. Dating Disasters and Dilemmas
He doesn't call. She's cheating on you. You've got secrets, or you're in long-distance hell. What to do? Likely you feel foolish, used, or worse yet, abused. How to avoid bad apples, and deal with dating disasters and dilemmas.
19. What's Up with This Person?
There are many types of people in this world! Here's how to understand their behavior, and to be on the outlook for personality types that could present quite a challenge.
20. Dating Time-Out: Taking a Needed Break
Sometimes you can get so pressured, you just need a break. Here's how to give yourself permission, what to do during your break, and how to get back in the dating scene.
Part 5: Start the Fires Burning
21. What Is This Thing Called Love?
Is it true love or just lust? Can love at first sight last? Know the stages of true love and test whether this is really it.
22. Cold Feet and How to Warm Them Up
It's not just men with infamous "cold feet," but women too. Learn how to recognize commitment-phobes and if you are one, learn how to turn your fears into openness, intimacy, and commitment.
23. Relationship Ruiners: Fighting and Jealousy
Arguments and jealousy can sabotage any relationship. Learn how to deal with anger and how to slay that green-eyed monster.
24. When Love and Sex Become Bedfellows
Clarify your intentions and expectations about sex, learn how to say "yes" or "no" clearly, and follow "10 commandments" to guide both of you toward making wise choices.
Part 6: Throwing Your Hat Back in the Ring
25. Handling Rejection: When to Hold or Fold
If you're getting "no," this chapter tells you how to let go and get on with life with the least amount of pain. Read the warning signs and know when, where, and how to end it.
26. Getting Back in the Saddle
You're entitled to love again. Learn how to rebuild confidence and get back in the dating scene after divorce, what to do about the kids, and how to stay in the game no matter how old you are!
Appendixes
A. Resources
B. Dating Quiz
Index