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Once the ink is dry on the decree absolute (or sometimes way before then), many of us start to think about meeting our next person. How wonderful it will be to be in love again, we decide. 

However, between now and that wonderful goal stands the dreaded dating scene. For many divorced people, dating can seem nothing less than traumatic. We worry we won’t find anybody who likes us and that we won’t find anybody we want to date. We fret about what to talk about on a date, what to wear, where to go.  And what about dating etiquette? Will we have to flirt? What are the new rules? It can all seem terrifying, especially if you have not dated in many years.

But with the right preparation, dating after divorce can be great fun and an enormous confidence boost. So, if you are thinking about dipping a toe in the dating world after divorce, there are some important questions to consider.  

When is the right time?

This is probably the most frequently asked question I hear from my divorce coaching clients and it comes in various forms. 

Am I ready? Is it too soon? Am I on the rebound? What will people say?

The thing is, there is no right answer. The right time is different for everybody, so you are ready when you are ready. Nevertheless, it’s important to think about why you are considering dating to test if you are doing it for the right reasons. Many people start dating because they don’t want to be alone, or because they want to hurt their ex and make them realise what they are missing. Clearly these are not good reasons to be putting yourself out there.

You also need to know your own worth and be prepared to ignore or walk away from people who will not value you. Divorce can leave you lacking in self-belief, so it’s best to invest the time in developing a firm belief in who you are and what you bring to the table. 

Be honest with yourself to judge if your resilience is low. No matter who you are, what you look like, how interesting you are, dating WILL involve knockbacks and confidence blows. Are you strong enough to take those right now? 

You are ready to date after divorce when you are doing it for yourself, for the right reasons. You know why you are dating and you are clear on what you are looking for. 

Why am I dating?

Some may think it’s a silly question but when I ask it of my clients, the disparate answers include:

• To meet my soul mate
• I need financial support
• For sex
• For companionship
• I don’t want to be alone forever.

Knowing your “why” is important because it will clarify what you are seeking. If you are just interested in short-term dalliances right now, then maybe similar values and interests are less important than physical appearance and proximity. Conversely, if you are only interested in a long-term relationship, then looks may take a back seat to certain personality traits.

Your “why” will also impact where you look. Casual dating is more prevalent on certain apps but if you want a long-term committed relationship, you may want to consider a professional matchmaker. Remember, your motivation for dating can, and probably will, change over time.

What do I want?

This is more tricky.

Some dating experts advocate drawing up a specific list of criteria and then deciding what is non-negotiable, and what is less important. There are many factors people use to filter their choices. Physical appearance, geographical proximity, whether they have children, occupation, education, interests, and background are just some of the things that are important to people when they are deciding who to meet. 

However, the nature of dating is that even when somebody ticks every box, you may not have any chemistry between you. Of course, without chemistry you have nothing.

So, it is a good idea to understand what is important to you because it helps you understand what to look for, and what to avoid. However, the romantic in me also believes that we should remain open-minded because who knows what the next “one” will be like?

Where? 

So you’ve decided you are ready to date, so, it’s time to get started. Depending on what you’ve decided you want to get out of your search for love, your options include online dating, local singles’ events, asking friends for introductions, joining clubs, or professional matchmaking.

Dating after divorce is like any other new experience. You need to understand it and what you want from it – and then you can see if you enjoy it. 

The very best piece of advice I heard was to remember that everybody is in the same boat. The people you are dating are just as terrified, just as unsure and just as keen to meet their person. So be brave, dive in and enjoy!

Amanda Gardiner is a Divorce Coach who runs a Facebook group offering support and advice for people experiencing separation and divorce. 

At Ignite Dating, your dedicated matchmaker is with you every step of the way, working closely with you to understand the characteristics and values that are important to you. Our experienced matchmaking team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to make your dating journey as streamlined and enjoyable as possible. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you.

Are you quick to write somebody off after a first date that didn’t lead to an instant connection? Some single people can feel dejected if an initial date did not spark instant chemistry. They can see it as a sign that it’s not worth pursuing another meet-up with this person, especially if the first date was decidedly mediocre, because they feel it won’t lead anywhere. Of course, if the first date was excruciatingly bad, it’s clear that you won’t be spending any more time together. However, there are many good reasons to give it another shot if somebody has potential, but the first date just didn’t set the world on fire. 

Firstly, it’s worth considering how nerve-wracking first dates can be. There can be a lot of pressure on that first meeting, and being nervous means people won’t relax and be themselves. Nerves can make that first encounter awkward, which is why some don’t follow up with a second date. However, the person you meet might be having a tough week or they just struggle to make an easy-going, relaxed first impression. 

While an instant spark does happen, it certainly should not be expected. Many great relationships start with a slow burn, and it can certainly take more than one date to build chemistry. The key question you need to ask is whether you think there is enough there to make it worth seeing this person again. A lot of experts agree that, unless you encounter major red flags, you should give it two more dates to see if there’s enough there for you to consider a future together. 

Here are our top tips for deciding whether it’s worth investing more time to see if you have a true connection. 

Remember, a second date can be a lot more relaxing: The first time you meet you are essentially strangers. With the second date, you can naturally be a lot more authentic as you relax and just concentrate on getting to know each other better. If your first date was grabbing a quick coffee, then consider an activity-based date to further break the ice and see how the person acts in a different situation. First dates can end up feeling like job interviews, with all the questions flying back and forward, so it does pay to try again to get a better idea of what somebody is really like. With a second date you can really show your true personality and feel a lot more like yourself. 

Think about what you enjoyed about the first meeting: While there might not have been an instant attraction, consider what you did like about the time you spent with this person. Did you have fun? Did they make you laugh? Was the conversation interesting? Then you have good foundations for seeing them again. 

Remember, instant chemistry is not necessarily a good thing: Rapid-fire romance does not necessarily translate into a happy relationship. The love-at-first-sight feeling often isn’t sustainable in the long run as you can overlook those all-important characteristics of a person when you are blindsided by your initial feelings for them. 

Make sure your date is respectful: Did they show up on time? Listen properly and ask you questions? Or did they talk non-stop about themselves and were rude to the waiting staff? It can sometimes be clear who is and isn’t worth investing more time in. 

More time can help you assess signs of compatibility: Great relationships are often built on shared values, interests, and lifestyle aspirations. The more you get to know somebody, the more likely it is you’ll grow to like them based on what you learn about them. If there are signs you may have a good chance of compatibility, then it might well be worth pursuing things further. 

While attraction might not be there from the outset, you may well like the person enough to consider meeting again. Having a couple more dates should give you a much clearer picture of whether your values align and whether a connection may grow. You might just remain friends or go your separate ways, but, without any obvious dealbreakers, it can be worthwhile to invest more time in a person who may turn out to be perfect for you. 

We would love to hear your thoughts – how many dates do you go on before you decide whether you share a romantic connection with somebody?

Are you looking for love? Why not give the experts at Ignite Dating a call today. We work hard to find you the perfect partner, using our expert mix of personality profiling, experienced matchmakers, intuition, and our extensive private network. Get in touch today to find out more!

London offers a wealth of choice for fantastic first date ideas. There is so much available it can be hard to narrow down where to head with a new love interest. Whether you are looking for something on your doorstep or you’re both up for exploring what’s on offer in a different neck of the woods, there is always something available in the capital to suit all tastes and interests.  

We’re launching a series of blogs aimed at highlighting the date venues on offer all over London. We’re starting with vibrant North London, easily accessible by train, or if you lucky enough to live elsewhere in the capital then it’s an area well worth a visit to seek out great places to explore together. 

Here are our top tips for interesting and varied venues which provide the perfect opportunity to get to know each other better: 

Stroll around Coal Drops Yard: The cobbled streets and brick arches of Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross are a foodie hotspot offering an impressive range of cuisines and dining experiences. Try the delicious gourmet doughnuts at Longboys, tasty tacos at Casa Pastor or a relaxed weekend brunch at warehouse-style restaurant Caravan. You can stroll along the canal on a nice day, as well as sitting and watching the world go by, or hit the independent shops if you both enjoy a bit of retail therapy. 

Enjoy the views: Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath offers great views of the iconic London skyline. Grab a flask of coffee on a cool day or a picnic when it’s warmer and enjoy spotting some of London’s top landmarks. There are also great views from Primrose Hill, and it can be a great spot for romantic star gazing on a clear night. Alexandra Palace is good place to watch the sunset over the London skyline once you’ve explored the 196 acres of parkland. You could also enjoy ice skating while you are there! 

Have a relaxed dinner: You are spoiled for choice when it comes to great places to eat. Trullo in Highbury is the ideal date-night spot offering tasty Italian cooking with a daily changing menu. Jolene on Newington Green also offers a daily menu and delicious baked goods if you visit in the daytime. Fancy a bit more spice? Try Sambal Shiok, a Malaysian laksa bar in Holloway Road, which offers highly rated dishes. If it’s your sweet tooth you’d like to indulge, then check out Hans and Gretel in Camden Market, a dessert venue which offers deliciously innovative sweet treats. 

Explore interesting bars: If open fires and cosy backdrops are your thing, then head to grade II listed The Holly Bush in Hampstead, a cosy gastropub which is the perfect spot for sharing a bottle of wine. Book lovers will enjoy checking out BookBar, an independent book shop and wine bar in Blackstock Road.

Do something awesome: The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks is currently showing at The Lightroom in Kings Cross. It uses powerful projection and audio technology to offer an immersive experience exploring voyages to the moon. There are a range of live music events on offer at the Jazz Café in Camden, while The Pleasance offers great comedy and theatre shows in Islington. If museums are more your thing, then there’s always something to discover at the Wellcome Collection near Euston station. 

Take a dip: Cool off on a hot day with a swim in Hampstead Heath Ponds. There is a mixed natural swimming pond alongside the Ladies’ and Men’s ponds. You can also try the Parliament Hill Lido, a 60 metre-long open-air swimming pool which is open 365 days a year! 

We’d love to hear your top tips for amazing things to do in North London, whether you are meeting somebody new or sharing a date night with your significant other. Share you suggestions over on our Facebook or Instagram page!

Ignite Dating is an elite matchmaking and introductions agency that helps busy professionals across the UK find a life partner. Our experienced matchmakers offer guidance and support to provide clients with a dating journey that leaves them feeling confident, energised, and safe. Find out more about our award-winning service and how it can help you here.

Are you meeting somebody new? These days it’s extremely likely you’ll know lots about them before you get to the stage of meeting in person. Before you officially meet it will be likely you will have chatted about all sorts of different things via text, chats and even video calls. You’ll have a snapshot of their personality from their dating profile, if you met via an app, and their Facebook status may have even let you know what they had for dinner the night before. 

It might be hard, then, to imagine a date with somebody you truly know nothing about. But that’s the idea of an old-school blind date, where you are set up by somebody else. You can even resist the temptation to reach for your laptop to Google everything publicly available about this person. Instead, you are putting your faith in well-meaning friends and family who have decided they’ve seen something in each of you which suggests you’d make a good match. A true blind date really gives you a chance to form an impression of somebody without first judging their profile and deciding to meet based on what they’ve said there. You are just given a time and date to meet, as well as a description of who you are meeting from the person who did the matchmaking. 

However, if you find dating a daunting prospect in the first place, then the idea of meeting a total stranger you’ve never communicated with before might be too much for you. You’ll need to decide how much faith you have in your friend’s matchmaking skills and judge the risk of getting stuck in a dull date you’re desperate to escape. 

We’ve weighed up the pros and cons of accepting a blind date so you can decide whether it’s a strategy you’d ever consider. 

It’s an antidote to dating apps: It can tiring chatting back and forth with multiple people on dating apps, with many conversations fizzling out to nothing. It can save a lot of legwork to ditch the apps and let your friends take your dating life into their hands. Accepting a blind date can be helpful for people with busy lifestyles who struggle to have time to find potential love interests to meet. All you need to do is summon up the courage to show up and be open to whatever comes next. 

Blind dates widen the pool of people you meet: Think about how you approach dating apps – is there a certain type of person you tend to swipe right on? Or certain things in a profile that put you off instantly? Agreeing to a blind date could expose you to people who aren’t necessarily your type, but you may well find they are great in different ways. Even if romance doesn’t blossom, you may end up becoming good friends. If you trust the person who is setting you up, then what do you have to lose meeting somebody new? 

It might be fun: You may have been dreading meeting up and been left pleasantly surprised that you enjoyed the evening. It might not work out with this person but it’s the push you need to get back into the dating world if you’ve been in a bit of rut recently. You could always consider a double date so you can be introduced to somebody in a less formal way, which takes the pressure off if things aren’t going well. 

However, it’s worth bearing in mind…

You must be sure a friend is matchmaking for the right reasons: Even well-meaning friends get it wrong sometimes. Trying to match two people just because they both happen to be single does not constitute enough to make a match. It can be worth quizzing your acquaintance on the specific reasons they think you should meet this person and hear their thoughts on why you’d get on before agreeing to anything. 

It may not go well: Nobody looks forward to an evening of long awkward pauses and stilted small talk, but sadly dating doesn’t come with any guarantees you’ll hit it off. It does pay to keep the initial date short and sweet, perhaps agreeing to meet initially for an hour. Then there’s an easy escape point and if things go well, you could always agree to meet up again. 

Don’t forget any date can be the one that introduces you to the person you go on to be in a happy, long-lasting relationship with. So don’t be afraid to agree to new things as you never know where they might lead you. And if you want more control over your dating journey, then consider teaming up with a professional matchmaker. Working closely together, your matchmaker can learn what you are looking for in a new partner and make personalised suggestions of amazing people to meet. You can sit back and relax, knowing somebody is working hard on your behalf to help you achieve your goal of a committed relationship.

Our matchmakers are available to support you and offer advice at every step of your dating journey. Matchmaking offers a personalised search for love which is stress-free and enjoyable. Call our friendly team to find out more!

In those early stages of a relationship there are lots of firsts to navigate. First holidays, meeting each other’s friends, your first big fight and the box set you first binged together. Another that looms large on the calendar is the very first Christmas you’ll share as a new couple. It can be wonderful to spend the festive season with somebody new, enjoying all the traditions you’ll share and create together. However, there can be some challenges to navigate as you merge your Christmas plans for the first time.

Expectations for achieving the perfect Christmas can cause unnecessary stress, and you might find you both have totally different expectations of what the big day should look like. You may have only been dating a short while so you might be finding it tricky to decide if it’s too much, too soon, to have a full-blown Christmas together. 

To lend a helping hand we’ve shared our top tips for navigating your first Christmas together as a new couple. 

Decide how to split the holidays: It pays to be open and honest with each other so one of you isn’t left disappointed by how Christmas pans out. Ensure you communicate about the importance to you of seeing certain people and embracing traditions that you enjoy. Be prepared to compromise as well. You can’t be in two places at once so don’t add pressure by trying to keep everybody happy. Sit down with your schedules and see what works without exhausting you both and spending a fortune. It may work better to spend Christmas Day apart with your own families, especially if they live in a different area, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Make your plans and stick to them, rather than keeping your options open and risking disappointing family members at the last minute.  

Buying a gift for a new partner: Don’t go mad on lavish gifts for each other. It’s fine to set a budget for your presents so you don’t end up going about gifting in totally different ways. Fun presents that are tailored to your partner’s interests can work well for a low pressure first gift. 

Meeting your partner’s family: It can be daunting to spend your first Christmas with your partner’s family. Chances are you’ve met already but navigating Christmas can be a different matter, as you get used to everybody’s expectations around how the day will run. Remember to relax and be yourself and don’t forget that offering a helping hand is often appreciated. Throw yourself into their plans but don’t drink too much or spend the day comparing it to your (superior) traditional family Christmas. Don’t be afraid to take some time away from crowded family settings if it gets too much, perhaps taking a walk or retreating to phone your own family to wish them a merry Christmas.  

Plan time for just the two of you: The sheer volume of activities and family time can eat into your precious time together, which can lead to you feeling frustrated and disappointed things aren’t going how you had hoped. Ensure you schedule in some time for just the two of you, whether it’s a night off in front of the fire with your favourite movies or a long hike together if you are staying with family. If you are sharing the day with just the two of you, then make your own rules. Whether you want to forgo the cooking and have pizza for lunch, go to the pub, or eat a selection box for breakfast, it’s your Christmas so please yourselves! The key is ensuring you don’t let family plans monopolise your time, so you’re left with no gaps in your schedule to enjoy time together as a couple. 

We’ve love to hear your top tips for sharing your first Christmas together – share them on our Facebook or Instagram page! 

Our dedicated matchmaking team are ready and waiting for your call to help you with your search for love. Get in touch today to find out more!

December is a fabulous time of year to seek out great date nights in the vibrant capital. People travel miles to seek out the attractions on offer at Christmas, so if you are based in London or nearby it’s the perfect time to capitalise on the wide range of entertainment on offer. It’s hard not to get swept along in the festive cheer at this time of year, so why not embrace it fully and treat the person you are interested in to a night out with a difference? 

The choice of things to get involved in is vast, but here is a selection of the best ideas that have caught our eye this festive season!

Eat tasty food 

Tuck into a tasty fondue at The Cheese Bar, a great venue that collaborates with a different restaurant every month for a twist on the traditional fondue format – though that’s available as well. Or check out Fire and Fromage, where you can enjoy 90-minutes of unlimited raclette around firepits overlooking the River Thames. You can even toast marshmallows afterwards. If you both love a good afternoon tea, there are plenty on offer with a festive twist. Biscuiteers offers a Christmas afternoon tea featuring its signature hand-iced biscuits in Belgravia and Notting Hill. Looking to really impress? Then book a table at Claridge’s for its Champagne afternoon tea, which includes Christmas pudding stirred by the whole pastry team as part of an annual festive tradition.  

Festive activities 

Outside ice skating goes hand-in-hand with the festive season but Alexandra Palace goes one step further with its themed Christmas Ice Discos. Skate to the sound of Christmas classics and experience the occasional snow shower! Cosy up for a festive movie in the stunning Battersea Arts Centre, an iconic Victorian Town Hall. You can choose from comfy sofas and beanbags if you want to make the experience even more romantic! 

Soak up the festive atmosphere

Head to London’s bustling markets to enjoy the spectacle with a mulled wine in hand. Covent Garden boasts world-famous Christmas lights in the Market Building which you can enjoy as you browse the stalls available in three different markets. Borough Market is always worth exploring, no matter what the time of year, and at Christmas it offers tasty seasonal food. South Bank’s Winter Market has traditional wooden chalets along the riverside serving drinks and tasty street food. You can also browse the Christmas gifts on offer and see the free outdoor Winter Light exhibition. Head over to Westfield to see a whole city constructed from gingerbread, built by more than 50 architects and designers. The Museum of Architecture’s The Gingerbread City exhibition features biscuit buildings decorated beautifully with icing and sweets – although nibbling is not allowed! 

See a show 

London’s theatrical offerings are guaranteed to get you in the festive mood. It doesn’t get more Christmassy than The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House or the London Coliseum.  The Old Vic has Christopher Eccleston appearing in A Christmas Carol or you can see The Snowman art the Peacock Theatre.  

‘Tis the season for festive drinks 

Before you head straight to the bar don’t forget it’s the perfect season for hot chocolate, with plenty of creations on offer that you’ll remember for a long time. Brick Lane’s Dark Sugars offers hot chocolate piled with layers of shaved chocolate, while Chin Chin tops their drinks with torched marshmallow fluff topping. One of the best things about this time of year is the twinkling rooftop bars that pop up around the city. Enjoy hot martinis on the roof terrace at Ham Yard Hotel and get comfortable with blankets and hot water bottles. The Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch has a cosy, heated wigwam, and outdoor fireplaces where you can enjoy Venetian-style food and stunning views. If you love everything to do with Christmas, The Churchill Arms in Kensington is a must-see – its exterior is adorned with around 90 Christmas trees and thousands of festive lights. 
Are you looking for somebody special who will truly understand you and share your values, life goals and aspirations? Your dedicated matchmaker is waiting to introduce you to some truly amazing individuals. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you with a safe and enjoyable search for love.

Christmas is a hectic time of year stuffed full of plans with friends, work colleagues and family. It’s such a busy period that many single people decide to put their dating plans on the backburner, waiting until the new year to pick up where they left off. 

However, a recent survey found nearly two-thirds of single people believe it is the most romantic time of year, rating it higher than Valentine’s Day. The same research found 18% feel the romance of the season sparks their desire to seek a relationship in the first place. There can be many good reasons to keep dating during the festive season, even if your schedule is jam-packed. 

While it’s important not to feel pressured into finding somebody to share the festive season with, there are plenty of benefits to dating in December. We’ve compiled five reasons why it pays to keep your search for love active rather than putting things off until the new year.  

There are more opportunities to mingle 

December is the perfect time to meet new people. Chances are you’ll be invited to various events, you’ll enjoy time off work and have a few festive nights out planned. It’s the perfect time to get chatting to new people and put yourself out there. During the winter it’s all too tempting to retreat to the sofa to snuggle under a blanket in front of the TV, but there are plenty of good reasons to get dressed up and head out in the lead up to Christmas. People can be more relaxed and cheerful as they make the most of the festive atmosphere, so it’s easier to get chatting to new people and increase your chances of a real-life meeting. 

It’s a lovely time to date 

There are also some great alternatives to the typical date ideas to make the most of the time of year.  You could get cosy under blankets at a pub enjoying mulled wine as you get to know each other better or stroll through Christmas markets. If active dates are more your thing, then try an outdoor ice rink or head to one of the numerous illuminated winter trails taking place around the country. 

It’s a good time to reassess and set goals

As the year draws to a close it is a good time to review what has worked with your dating journey and what hasn’t. Taking the time to review your dating life can help build a clearer picture of who you want to be with. As 2024 approaches it’s a good time to cut ties with people who’ve been wasting your time. You can concentrate on taking a more authentic approach to finding a partner, focusing on what you really want to get out of dating. It might involve trying a new approach, whether it’s a new app or signing up to a singles’ event. Invest some time in your dating life and you’ll feel refreshed and enthusiastic about what lies ahead. 

Keeping the momentum going 

Stay open to meeting somebody, even if you are travelling home to visit family. There are other ways to get to know somebody that don’t involve meeting up in person, including video calls and chatting via text. You may even have plans to reacquaint with a group of people you grew up with, which could open doors you weren’t expecting. If you’re in the early stages of dating somebody, avoid feeling the pressure to put a label on things too soon just because it’s Christmas. There’s no need to commit to things you’d never do at other times of year, such as meeting the family or exchanging expensive gifts, so just relax and enjoy the season at whatever pace suits you. 

You’ll start 2024 raring to go!

Rather than parking your plans for meeting somebody new, just to start again in January, it really pays to keep the momentum going throughout Christmas. You might well find somebody you are truly excited about and, if things go well, who knows where you’ll be when next Christmas rolls around! It’s also the perfect time to make an investment in your dating journey. If you are looking for a committed relationship, then working with a matchmaker can be the perfect way to achieve your goal. Our expert team at Ignite Dating specialise in headhunter matchmaking, providing you with personalised introductions to amazing people who you’ll be truly excited to meet. Joining now means you’ll start 2024 reinvigorated, knowing there is an expert working hard on your behalf to help you find the ideal person.  

Take the next steps to finding your perfect partner today – get in touch with our friendly team!

The dating world can be tricky enough to navigate but a frequent dilemma many single people face is trying to discover if somebody you like is single. It might be a cute person who you see every day on your commute to work, or somebody you get chatting to at a party. They seem lovely and friendly, but has romance crossed their mind? Are they attached and just chatting to you in a friendly way? Perhaps you are summoning up the courage to approach a stranger who has caught your eye, and you can’t bear the thought of asking them outright if they are single.  

Of course, a wedding band or an engagement ring is the obvious giveaway of somebody’s relationship status – but otherwise where do you start? A survey found 66% of singles would use covert questioning to find out if somebody was single, while only 37% would ask somebody outright. The kind of questions people are using to interrogate a potential match include asking them about their weekend plans (to see if they mention time spent with a partner) or sounding them out about their living arrangements to see if they live with somebody. But these questions still might not yield the answers you are looking for, so how can you come up with a fool proof way of sussing if somebody is single?

It’s a question that has become more relevant recently as daters move away from the apps with a desire to meet people organically. The question of how you initiate real-life encounter is something a newly launched company has attempted to address with the Pear Ring – a turquoise ring which people wear to show others they are single and happy to be approached in real life. The idea is that if somebody is subtly indicating they are single then there’s no need for awkward conversations trying to glean they are open to romance. 

There are other ways of embarking on some detective work to find out if somebody is attached or not – read our top tips below. 

Ask them about their last holiday: This is a popular trick, with the theory being the person you ask will mention who they went with when they tell you about their latest trip. If it was friends or a solo trip, chances are they aren’t part of an established couple. 

Start a conversation about being single: You don’t have to be direct in your questioning about their relationship status, but you can raise topics related to being single. It might be asking them about their dating experiences or dating apps. Questions such as “how late is too late to show up for a first date?” might help elicit discussion about the last time they dated – if it was last week, you’ve got your answer about whether they are actively looking for love. 

Do some digging: If you know each other well enough then request them as a friend on Facebook and have a look at their Instagram profile. Their recent posts can help give you an idea of whether they are seeing somebody. Lots of solo pictures or shots with friends can suggest they are single, but loved up pictures of them with a significant other will give you the information you need. Don’t go back too far though as they might have pictures of them with an ex, which could confuse things.  If you have mutual acquaintances, then you can ask around to see if anybody knows if the person you like is single.  

Just ask them: OK, it takes some guts but directly asking somebody if they are single gives you the answer you are looking for. It saves a lot of time trying to guess their relationship status. It’s not an approach that’ll suit everybody though because of the risk of rejection or the awkwardness that can follow when they do say they are seeing somebody.  

Try a singles event: Organised events are becoming increasingly popular again as a relaxed way to meet people in real life. The pressure is off trying to discover if somebody is looking for love, so you can just concentrate on getting to know potential love interests better. 

Work with a matchmaker: It can really pay to team up with the experts when you are looking for love. The team at Ignite Dating are highly trained in understanding what you want from a relationship, and they work hard to find the right potential partner for you. You can just sit back while they do all the hard work and enjoy some fantastic dates with likeminded people.  

If you’d like to find out more about award-winning matchmaking service, why not give us a call today? We work closely with you to establish the values and characteristics that are important to you and make personalised introductions. We enjoy working with enthusiastic clients who are committed to finding a life partner with similar family values and outlooks on life and we pride ourselves on providing a dating journey that’ll leave you feeling energised, confident, and safe.

Hands up, are you guilty of not updating your online dating profile since the day you joined an app? Do you hardly remember creating it in the first place? Many single people omit to refresh their profile on a regular basis, instead sticking with what they wrote when they created their profile many moons ago. However, there are plenty of good arguments for giving your profile an update on a regular basis. 

If you have a careful read of your current dating biography, you may well notice some of the things you mentioned are a little out-of-date now. Perhaps it’s a passion for a TV show you can barely remember watching, or you’ve gained some new hobbies that would create a much more interesting talking point. The more unusual your interests are, the higher the chances are you will stand out from the crowd. It’s important to have a think about whether the things you have included might well have featured in dozens of profiles that somebody has already flicked through before landing on yours. 

We all know that out-of-date photos are a big no-no in profiles as they can lead to a date feeling misled if you look nothing like the image on your dating profile. It’s always worth casting a critical eye over the images you have included to see if you think they can be replaced with more recent shots. Consider photographs which have lots of personality to stand out from the crowd.

We’ve listed some quick and easy tips for ensuring your dating profile is always fresh and up to date. 

Be aware of the seasons: Seeing as the seasons often end up dictating what we do in our spare time, it’s worth changing your biography to reflect the time of year. A picture of you perched at a swim-up bar in the blazing sunshine might look a bit out of date in the depth of winter. So be mindful of the changing seasons and think about how relevant the images you’ve chosen will appear to those viewing your profile. 

Edit often: There’s no need to re-write everything from scratch, you just need to tinker with what you’ve got to see what works best. Try altering the flow of the biography or changing the wording to see what has the most impact. You can also add new photos to see what resonates better with potential matches. Action shots work well as they really help reflect what you are like and showcase your personality to likeminded people. Just ensure all the photography you use is recent!

Ask a friend for inspiration: Not everyone is a skilled writer, and many struggle to get across their most appealing attributes. It can really pay to ask a friend to help you craft a great profile as often they have a clearer insight into how to describe your personality.  A good friend can work with you to inject some fun and witty statements into your biography. It makes the process a lot more fun if you get your heads together over a glass of wine to write something that really captures who you are. 

Be honest: It’s worth casting a critical eye over your bio to assess what might not be working. Keep an eye out for clichés and saying the things that everybody says, as it is likely to make the reader’s eyes glaze over. Negativity is a big no-no in profiles as well, as it can be perceived badly and seen as a red flag by potential romantic interests, so keeping things positive to give the best first impression. Ensure there are no spelling errors or typos as these can be a real turn-off for potential matches. 

Include a question: End your profile with a question. It’s a great conservation starter and gives you a heads-up of who has read to the end!  

We’d love to hear if you have any top tips for editing your dating profile to make it shine. Share them over on our Facebook or Instagram page! 

Are you looking for love? Why not give the experts at Ignite Dating a call today. We work hard to find you the perfect partner, using our expert mix of personality profiling, experienced matchmakers, intuition, and our extensive private network. Get in touch today to find out more!