You’ve heard the sayings ‘Christmas is a time for joy, for love and for sharing’. It’s the time when you come together with family and friends to celebrate another year gone and to overindulge in gift-giving, Christmas puddings and roast dinners. Couples swapping gifts and wearing matching novelty jumpers – it’s no wonder so many people like dating during Christmas!
But when you’re single, it can sometimes feel like there’s something missing; that special someone to wake up with on Christmas morning and to kiss at Midnight on New Year’s Eve. Sounds familiar? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way, if you’re looking for love this Christmas, we might just be able to help you out!
Start looking for love this month
Winter is here and you might have noticed that the shops have already begun to fill the shelves with Christmas items. So, if you’re hoping to find love in time for Christmas, don’t hesitate! Starting your dating journey this month will give you the best chance of having someone to hold when the festive season and New Year rolls around.
Make the most of the changing seasons
The colder seasons are here and though the weather might not be great, they do offer plenty of opportunities for dinners with friends, celebrations, glasses of mulled wine and cosy nights in front of a roaring fire. All whilst being mindful of government guidelines.
These are the perfect circumstances for any blossoming new relationship. From dates at your local pop-up ice rinks to sitting in pub gardens snuggled under warm blankets, this romantic time of year can be the perfect catalyst for finding love in time for Christmas.
Give yourself the gift of love this year
Meeting someone through agencies or online dating sites used to feel a bit taboo, but in today’s busy world it can offer you the best chance of finding the right person. After all, we are all busy people and most of us don’t have time to spend optimistically hanging around in bars, coffee shops or libraries every day just hoping to find the perfect partner.
By signing up to dating agencies and by getting yourself a dedicated matchmaker, you can massively boost your chances of finding love by Christmas. You’ll be able to build your profile and really get to grips with what it is you’re looking for in a partner.
How can we help?
At Ignite Dating, we understand that though you might want someone to kiss under the mistletoe this year, you also want a partner for life, not just for Christmas! That’s why our matchmakers work tirelessly to get to know you, so they can introduce you to like-minded individuals. Someone who shares your interests and ambitions and wants to settle down.
We can help to take the stress out of dating and we to cut out the time-wasting serial swipers who ‘aren’t looking for anything serious’. So why wait? Make this the gift you give yourself this year and get in touch with our friendly team today for more information on how we can help you to find your perfect match, get in touch with our friendly team today for more information on how we can help you to find your perfect match.
You’re an entrepreneur. You live and breathe your
business and this means going above and beyond – for 9-5 read 24/7. Even when you’re
not in the office you are thinking about the business, your plans and your employees
because your company is like your baby, to the point where it’s difficult to
tell where the business ends and you begin.
But that can take its toll. You might ask “How
can someone so successful, dedicated and organised be so unlucky in love?”.
The answer is time – between the long hours,
meetings and keeping the business afloat, it’s hard to steal a moment for
yourself, let alone set aside time for someone else. After all, building a
successful business (or two, or ten) takes a lot of time and dedication.
But while you might be a very successful
entrepreneur, you’re also a human being and it’s totally understandable that
you want to create meaningful connections and find love outside of your
business. You will ask, can an entrepreneur really have both? Of course, if you
want to! Much like a business, you just need to put in a little planning and
persistence.
So if you’re still feeling like dating as an
entrepreneur is almost impossible, let us help you. Check out our expert advice
below.
Be prepared to give
a bit of time
Although it can feel hard when you’re already
juggling so much, you need to get your priorities straight and decide whether
dating is really important to you right now. If it is, then you need to be
prepared to dedicate a bit of time to your journey, otherwise, it won’t work. You
can sign up to dating sites and agencies to take some of the time and effort out
of finding a partner, but ultimately if you’re not prepared to make the odd
sacrifice and find time and space, then it will be much harder to find the
right person.
Don’t just leave it
to chance
When the balance between your work and your private life is nice and relaxed, it’s much easier to meet people naturally. You have time to socialise in your favourite bars, sit and grab a coffee from your favourite shop or even just bump into someone in the supermarket. But when you’re living and breathing your business you often don’t have that luxury and leaving love to chance could mean you end up waiting a long time. So it’s best to treat your dating journey like you would any venture, with careful planning and the right investment.
Have a game plan
Before you dive in, think about the different
ways you can approach the dating world, and which of them are going to work for
you as an entrepreneur. There are plenty of options out there, from speed
dating to dating apps, but many of them can take up an awful lot of your time. And
that’s before you discover that anyone can sign up for a dating app, and you find
yourself bombarded with messages from unsuitable matches and people who won’t
complement your lifestyle.
Instead, we’d recommend you look for a more
professional service such as a dating agency. Take Ignite Dating, for example.
You’ll be assigned a dedicated matchmaker who will get to know you and they’ll
understand your unique position. They can help you to find someone that will understand
and work with your lifestyle and they will to search for suitable matches when
you’re busy running your business. They can take the noise away and protect
your most valuable asset – time.
Choose a
confidential dating agency
If you do opt for a dating agency (and you should!!), think about choosing an agency that values confidentiality. As an entrepreneur, you may well be well known or recognised in your industry (or if not, you’ll want to be!) and so you want to keep your private life private. Using an agency that values confidentiality protects you from public online dating profiles and means you can avoid the swipe lottery of dating apps.
Keep an open mind
When you’re used to being in control it can be
hard to let go and you might have a very specific way of doing things at work
but when dating, even more than in business, you have to keep an open mind.
There might be certain aspects you want in a partner that you’re really not
willing to budge on but beyond that try not to rule people out just because
they don’t immediately tick all your boxes.
This is another benefit of using a dating
service, your matchmaker will get to know you and using their expertise will
connect you with people they think will be a good match, and they’ll challenge
you in the process. This can help you to keep an open mind, because this is
what they do for a living and sometimes they’ll see something you don’t. And
hey, sometimes it can be nice to branch out and find someone that isn’t your
typical “type” – especially if your “type” hasn’t been working out for you so
far…
Let your friends
and family know you’re looking for love
It also pays to let your friends and family
know that you’re looking for a relationship. After all, you never know who they
might know. They might have connections that they think would be a good match for
you. If you and your friends swim in similar circles (or even better, completely
opposite circles) they might be able to introduce you to someone they think
could complement you and would not be put off by the entrepreneur lifestyle. It’s
far from a foolproof way of dating but the fact that they know you can give you
that extra advantage.
Relax and leave
work behind
When you do secure a date, it’s important that
you’re able to make time, relax and leave the office behind. The first few dates
can set the tone for your whole relationship. If you’re always distracted,
talking about work or cancelling dates because you’re too busy, it’s unlikely
you’re going to land yourself a lasting relationship. So remember, it’s a bit
of give and take. If you’re serious about finding love you need to be prepared
to leave work behind sometimes, even if it seems impossible to switch off at
the start, but you need to give your date the time and attention they deserve.
Let us help
At Ignite Dating, we’ve worked with people from
all walks of life, including many highly successful entrepreneurs and we
understand that discretion and a tailored service is important to you. We also
know you’re short on time which is why we give you access to your own
matchmaker and they will be with you every step of the way to guide you on your
journey and help you find the perfect match. They will ask all the right
questions and use their years of knowledge in the industry to get to know you almost
as well as your friends do, and really focus on getting the best out of you.
That way, they can find you the best matches.
Because everyone is different, we make sure
that our services are tailored to your specific requirements and your
matchmaker will always be working away behind the scenes to find great matches,
even when you’re going about your business as usual. We offer a safe and
discrete environment for you to meet like-minded individuals so you can feel
safe that all your personal information is kept completely private.
If you’d like to know more, get in touch with our team of expert matchmakers today.
September marks the beginning of autumn; it’s the time when children return to school, the leaves begin to change and the air is filled with the smell of pumpkin-spiced lattes.
The city can be an exciting place to live, work, socialise and go out on dates, but every now and then it can feel a bit too busy or overwhelming and it can be nice to take a break and escape for a little while. This can be especially true when you’re dating someone new and trying to get to know them away from all the hustle and bustle.
So if you’ve decided it’s time to swap the city for something a little different on your next date, we’ve got just what you need! In this guide, we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favourite alternatives when it comes to dating. But don’t worry, you won’t have to travel too far, the UK has plenty of beautiful locations right on your doorstep for the perfect romantic date.
Read on to find out more about some of our top swaps and beautiful locations to help you escape the city on your next date.
Swap: London for Brighton
OK, this one’s a little cheeky because Brighton is technically still a city, but its quirky shops, winding lanes and seaside charm can make you feel like you’re a world away from the busy pavements of London. By choosing to spend a day or night out in Brighton instead, you can swap the busy bars for quirky pubs and a walk down the Thames path for a stroll along the seafront.
From shopping in Churchill Square to dining at the Marina or zip-lining past the pier, Brighton is a diverse and vibrant city where you’re sure to find something perfect to do on your date. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from and if you want to stay for the night, the city is home to a range of romantic hotels and rustic B&Bs.
Brighton is also famed for its events and its music in particular, and there is usually something going on. Whether that’s the Brighton Festival throughout the whole of May, a stand-up comedy gig in a cosy pub or live performance in one of the many quirky music venues, entertainment is never far away. Though you might be just a stone’s throw from London (an hour on the train or two if you drive), choosing this seaside city can make a welcome change for your date.
Swap: Manchester for the Peak District
There are plenty of great places to go for a date in Manchester but sometimes you just need to get away! So why not swap the city for the beautiful Peak District instead? The national park is just 25 miles from Manchester and yet you’ll feel like you’re in an entirely different part of the country.
As you can imagine, the Peaks are a great location for outdoor activities, even if that’s just relaxing walk in the great outdoors. Then, after a long day exploring, you can cosy down in a small country pub for some delicious pub grub and a drink (or two).
If you and your date love long walks, hiking, cycling or even camping, then the Peaks is the ideal place for you. Not only is it great to get back to nature, but there are also lots of lovely towns and villages to be explored. And if camping’s not your style, there are also lots of B and B’s, cosy cottages or holiday stays you can rent out for the night (or a weekend if you want to extend the date).
Swap: Birmingham for the Cotswolds
Trade the bustle of Birmingham for the rolling hills and breathtaking panoramic views of the Cotswolds. About an hour and a half away by car, it won’t take you long to reach your chosen destination and there are a number of beautiful spots to choose from in the region. Made up of quaint little villages, towns, beautiful walking trails and even the birthplace of Shakespeare, there’s plenty to see and do while you’re there – so you might want to make a weekend of it!
The Cotswolds also boasts some beautiful hotels, cottages and spas. So why not take it one step further and have a truly relaxing break from the city. Book yourselves in for a day at a local spa or wellness centre for a very indulgent date they won’t forget.
Swap: Leeds for the Dales
Another one of the UK’s great national parks, the Yorkshire Dales could be the perfect alternative to a date in Leeds city centre. If you’re looking for something different to do and you want to spend some time out in nature, the Dales offers countryside walking trails, castle ruins and even what remains of a 12th-century monastery.
If you want to see the best that nature has to offer you can enjoy the natural wonder that is the Aysgarth Falls in Wensleydale, take a guided tour through the White Scar Cave or explore the geographical splendour of Malham Cove. Or, if you love taking in a bit of the culture and history of our great nation, why not explore Bolton Castle or Fountains Abbey. It certainly makes a change from the bustling streets of Leeds and the hustle of a night out at busy bars and restaurants.
That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy great food and drink in the Dales! From the Black Sheep Brewery to the Wensleydale Creamery and all the cosy country inns along the way, there’s plenty of hearty and traditional treats to try during your date.
Swap: Bristol for Weston-super-Mare
Although Bristol is a city on the water it does not have its own beach. So if you fancy a change from the city and you love nothing more than an evening stroll on the sand, Weston-super-Mare could be a great alternative location for your next date.
This beautiful town in Somerset has an incredible stretch of sandy beaches, and whether you’re travelling by car or train, the journey should take you around 45 minutes, so you don’t have to go far to reach the sea. The classic seafront means you have the opportunity to swap the Michelin star restaurant for the traditional fish and chips or tea rooms by the seaside, but if you fancy something a little classier, there are plenty of quality eateries and romantic bistros serving global cuisines.
Then at night, you can tuck yourself away in a cosy corner at one of the town’s local pubs, enjoy live music from local bands or even try your hand at singing yourself at one of the regular karaoke and open mic nights.
Finally, if you want to stay the night (or the weekend), there are plenty of options there too. You could choose a quaint B&B, luxury hotel or even go glamping if you fancy something a little different. If you love to be by the coast, then Weston-super-Mare should definitely be on the list to think about for your next date.
If you’re looking for love in the city but you still haven’t found the right person, let us help! Ignite Dating has hubs across the UK so we’re able to bring people together and help them find the perfect match. Not only this, but we love to share our top dating advice, so we can be with you every step of your dating journey. If you’d like to know more about our services and how we can help, get in touch with our team of expert matchmakers today.
September marks the beginning of autumn; it’s the time when children return to school, the leaves begin to change and the air is filled with the smell of pumpkin-spiced lattes.
For many people, between the ‘back to school’
mentality and the changing of the seasons (plus the slight guilt of
overindulging over the summer), September also ushers in a period of
change.
And more than that. It’s less than 4 months till
Christmas – and as well as causing panic buying and gift anxiety, that can
trigger many people to look more seriously for a partner to potentially share
the festive season.
This is perhaps why the month has been dubbed
‘cuffing season’ (and not in a Christian Grey type way!!). It’s the time when
many individuals feel ready to let go of their single status and find someone
to settle down with.
In fact, September is one of the best times to
start looking for love and below we’ll look at four reasons why you should
start dating this month and how a matchmaker can help you on your dating
journey.
1. Summer is drawing
to a close
As the long summer days begin to disappear,
people look for new excitement and new things to look forward to in the
upcoming colder months. More people decide to start their dating journey at
this time than any other, meaning there are more potential partners out there
also looking to take things more seriously.
2. Autumn is a
romantic season
Though it’s not quite woolly jumper season, the
days get shorter and often the temperature begins to drop. This can leave people
craving hearty meals, autumnal walks in the park and cosy nights at home in
front of the fire (or at least the telly!). Autumn can be such a romantic time
of year – so make the most of it!
3. Life changes pace
Summer is a busy time for most people. Between
summer holidays, days spent sunbathing in the park, family barbecues and having
just one more pint in the pub garden, it can be hard to fit everything in!
By the time September rolls around we’re usually
ready for a change of pace. Plans slow down and people aren’t as busy as they
were, meaning they have more free time to dedicate to finding love.
4. Looking for love
ahead of the winter
Finally, people are more inclined to couple up
in the colder months, looking for someone to keep them warm during the winter. This
might date back to prehistoric days but it’s just as true now!
And as we’ve said, it’s also approaching the
festive season and many like to have a partner to share this time of year.
Starting your dating journey in September gives you the best chance of finding
love for the winter and having someone to pull your cracker on Christmas Day!!
Start your dating
journey this September with the help of a matchmaker
It’s easy to see why September can be the best
time to start dating, but before you panic that the clock is already ticking,
let us help! By choosing a dedicated matchmaker, you can set yourself up for
dating success.
Your matchmaker will get to know you and what
you want in a partner, they will then deliver the best matches to you, taking
the hard work out of dating.
At Ignite Dating, we love the change of pace that Autumn brings, which is why we are dedicated to using this time wisely to help you find the right partner, just in time for those cold winter months! If you’d like to know more about our services or our talented matchmakers, get in touch today.
There’s no denying that we’ve all enjoyed a dinner date at Pizza Express, a long walk in the park or a drink in a sunny pub garden, but there are times when you really want to impress a date and a Sloppy Giuseppe and some dough balls just aren’t going to cut it!
When you’re looking to pull out all the stops,
there’s no denying that things can get a little pricey. But if you’ve met
someone you really like and you want to show them you care, well, sometimes a
large gesture can be just what you need to win their heart.
That said, we understand that planning a date
can be nerve-wracking at the best of times, let alone when you’re hoping to
make an impression. That’s why we thought we’d give you some inspiration by
pulling together a list of some of our favourite romantic spots and exciting
date ideas that are sure to impress.
1. Wine and dine
them
For many of us, food is the way to our hearts, so consider wining and dining your partner at one of the UK’s finest restaurants and bars. If you want Michelin Star quality then consider somewhere like Bulrush Bristol, Adam’s, Birmingham or Sketch in London.
Alternatively, if you want more relaxed and
beautiful rooftop vibes The Angelica, Leeds or Cloud 23,
Manchester offer stunning views over some of the UK’s finest cities. It just
depends where you’re located and how far you want to travel for your date.
2. Book a night away
at a luxury hotel
Not an ideal first date (as it can seem a bit presumptuous) but once you’ve got to know your new love interest a bit better, why not book a romantic night away in a hotel. Choose your favourite city and book a luxury hotel to retire to after dinner and drinks.
Hotels like The Beaumont,
London, The
Cliveden, Berkshire and the Chewton Glen, Hampshire make for breathtaking
stays. Think huge comfy beds, fluffy pillows, room service and a lie in the
next day. What could be more romantic!
3. Catch a concert
or a show
Do you both love music, theatre or stand up
comedy? Whatever it is that you enjoy the most, there are always thousands of
shows going on across the country for you to choose from. So why not surprise
your date with tickets to see their favourite band or book seats at a comedy
gig so you can laugh the night away together. Whether you want something deep
and meaningful like opera or relaxed and fun like a gig, catching a show can be
a sure-fire way to impress – especially if you get them tickets to see someone
they love!
4. Go on a wine or
whisky tasting tour
If you and your date love a drink and you’re a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to whisky or wine, why not organise for the two of you to go on a tasting tour. Even if you don’t understand exactly what the tour guide is telling you, it’s always fun to learn new things whilst sipping on some of the finest tipples around.
For something truly sophisticated, visit the Cambridge
Wine School or go on a wine trail in the South Downs. Or, if whisky is
more your thing, the Lakes Distillery might be more your style (and of
course, there are plenty of distillery tours to be had up in Scotland if you
don’t mind travelling!).
5. Book a mini-break
Again, not the best first date idea, but once
you know each other a little better consider booking up a weekend break
somewhere nice. You can go all out and catch a flight to Paris or choose a
staycation somewhere in the UK. There are plenty of romantic cottages in Surrey
and Hampshire or cosy little apartments in the Lake District, the Cotswolds and
well, the list goes on! You could go for a trendy urban apartment in the heart
of London or Manchester, or if you want to get back to nature choose somewhere
like the New Forest in Hampshire or the Yorkshire Dales for a proper taste of
the British countryside.
6. Hit the skies
It might seem a bit extravagant but there’s no denying it’s one date they’ll never forget. Why not take to the skies, booking up a helicopter ride across the city or taking off in a hot air balloon over the countryside.
There are a number of service providers out
there such as Into the Blue and Balloons
Over Britain, but just be sure to check whether they’re afraid of
heights first… otherwise, this could be one magical date idea that backfires.
7. Take to the water
If the skies aren’t your thing, then take to the
water and book up a boat for the day. You can choose to take a tour and have
someone skipper the boat for you, or if you know your way around a yacht, sail
away just the two of you. What’s more luxurious than drinking wine as you sit
in the sun and look out over the waves. UK providers like Yacht
Charters offer a range of skippered and private hire.
8. Splurge on a day
of shopping and dining
Travel to your favourite shopping spot and spend the day splurging on both of you. And once you’ve had a long day on your feet trailing the shops, you’re sure to have worked up quite an appetite so book yourself in for a nice meal at a local restaurant afterwards. A day of retail therapy is great for anyone and will certainly have your date smiling.
9. See your
favourite sporting event
This one will depend on whether your date is
into sports or not, but if you both share a common interest or even team, then
why not get tickets to see a match. Whether that’s football, boxing, rugby,
golf or anything else!
Just be sure they like it as much as you,
otherwise this might not be the fun and romantic gesture you hoped it would be!!
10. Get pampered at
the spa
And last but certainly not least, why not treat your date to a day (and maybe even a night) at the spa. Think hot tubs, couples massages, drinking champagne by the pool and an entire day of ultimate relaxation. You might want to book up some treatments beforehand and even organise a lunch, dinner or afternoon tea while you’re there. Nothing is sure to impress and have them feeling cosy and romantic quite like a trip to the spa and good food – and the great news is the UK has plenty of luxurious locations to choose from!
And while it’s likely you’ll have a spa nearby,
if you want to pull out all the stops, why not book something special like Lime Wood
in Hampshire, The Scarlett in Cornwall or The
Gainsborough Bath Spa in Bath. A bit of research can throw up a list
of some of the best spas across the country.
There you go – 10 fabulous dates. Just remember we can only provide the ideas – the rest is up to you!!
Planning an impressive date can feel like a great deal of pressure, especially if you’re willing to splash the cash, but want to make sure you’re organising something your date will truly love. At Ignite Dating, we take the time to get to know you, so we can match you with like-minded individuals. That way, you’ll have a good idea about what they like, whether that’s a trip to the spa or a football match at home! If you’d like to know more about our services, get in touch today.
From going steady in the 80s, to avoiding scrubs
in the 90s and looking for your boo in the 00s, dating lingo is always changing
and some of the new trends that emerge are entertaining, to say the least! So
if you’re feeling nostalgic for the times when you’d make a mixtape for your
crush, never fear! As the dating world changes to adapt to social media, apps
like Tinder and our always-on culture, dating lingo is getting even better.
In fact, in 2020 you can breadcrumb someone (lead them on with no intention of getting serious), slide into their DMs (send them a private message on social media), catfish them (pretend to be someone you’re not) and even find yourself being Marleyed (being contacted out of the blue by an ex on Christmas day).
But one of our favourites and one phrase that
seems to be sticking around is ghosting. You may or may not be familiar with
this term, but below we’re going to tell you a little bit about it so you can
recognise if you’ve ever been ghosted before – or perhaps if you’re being
ghosted right now!
What is ghosting?
Ghosting is essentially when you ignore someone’s messages (and
general existence) and disappear from their lives without any real explanation.
People do this because they may have met someone else or because it’s easier
than having to tell someone they don’t like them or want to date them anymore.
So to be ghosted means to have someone stop
replying to your messages or answering your calls, without actually letting you
know they don’t want a relationship from you. This can be quite a hurtful
experience, especially in the age of instant messaging. But sadly it is
becoming more and more common.
Have you ever been
ghosted?
Have you ever been on a few dates or begun messaging someone, only for them to phase you out or stop talking to you quite abruptly? You might have wondered what was going on at the time, you might have thought that the relationship had simply run its course, or perhaps if you were talking to more than one person, you didn’t notice this particular one had slipped away. Either way, you were probably ghosted.
How to get over it
If you really like the person you’re dating,
ghosting can be quite a difficult pill to swallow. After all, they could at
least give you an explanation and let you know they don’t want to see you
anymore – even if it is hard to hear. But if you’ve found you have been
ghosted, don’t let it get you down, there are several things you can do to get
over it:
Acknowledge your feelings
because it’s OK to be upset about it
Don’t be too hard on yourself,
it says more about them than it does you
Reflect that it’s maybe less
painful than a massive argument
Talk it out with friends or
family
Accept that it’s happened but
that it’s not the end of your dating life
Move on and continue to search
– they obviously weren’t right for you anyway (this is the really important
one!!)
Tired of being ghosted? At Ignite, we understand that finding the right person takes time and that you might occasionally find yourself in situations where you’re ghosted by someone you liked. But we’re here to support you on your journey, to introduce you to potential partners who you have a lot in common with and to help you move on and carry on the search if it doesn’t work out. Get in touch with our friendly team today.
Among today’s non-stop,
technology driven culture, it’s unsurprising that more and more of us are
turning to technology to fill our boredom and to look for love.
With virtual meetings in the
workplace now being commonplace, and having instant access to devices such as
smartphones, game consoles, not to mention an almost unlimited choice of
television shows, the art of effective communication for dating using body language
could almost be said to be an endangered skill.
The irony is, as humans, we crave
a deeper level of connection with others, one in which we can accurately
express ourselves and our emotions without having to rely on the use of an
emoji or meme, and this level of communication undoubtedly cannot be fulfilled
through technology alone.
The Aura of confidence
Have you ever been sat in a bar or a coffee shop, opposite someone and intuitively been able to pick up on what type of person they might be? You may even say they’re giving off a certain type of ‘aura‘
However you label these feelings
and thoughts, what is undeniable, is that you are basing these first
impressions of them from their body language!
I wonder if you have ever thought
about how you are being perceived, and what type of messages you are sending
through your own body language? Do you think people see you as being confident,
shy, or even aggressive?
With over 90% of communication
being nonverbal, it’s little wonder that we’re able to form an opinion of
someone without even speaking to them.
All of us at one time or another
have been in a situation where we have tried to find the perfect words to say
to someone we were attracted to, when all along these words we were looking for
was only accounting for 7% of the communication we’re sending. Were we focusing
as hard on the other 93%?
And while we all know that your
mood affects your body language, remember it’s just as true the other way round
– your physicality impacts your psychology. This means, if you carry yourself
confidently then not only will other people notice, but you will also feel more
confident.
Dynamic dating
We can all agree that the ways in which we can now find love using technology has undoubtedly been a game changer for the dating world. However, through these times of change, what has survived, and for the most part, not been impacted, is how we still make those important first and lasting impressions during a date- when we come face to face and actually meet the other person.
Being great at texting and
talking on the phone is one thing, but making a great first impression face to
face is a completely different ball game.
I want to share with you some of
the effective nonverbal and body language techniques to use for making that
great impression on the first date.
Eye contact
We’ve all heard the saying “The
eyes are the window of the soul” and in the world of dating this is very much
true. Someone’s eyes can tell you how the other person is feeling, even if they
don’t tell you out loud. Eye contact can also be far more intimate than words.
One of the most important ways of
portraying confidence is effective eye contact.
This doesn’t mean you need to be
constantly staring at the other person like they’re your next meal, but a good
level of eye contact when your eyes meet can be attractive, flirtatious and
display confidence; but watch out for any eye rolling- you want to be showing
your interest, not your boredom or disapproval.
Smile, it’s contagious
Although it may sound obvious, a simple smile can work
wonders. Not only is it a universal sign of happiness, it
also releases endorphins, a natural
feel-good chemical to
actually make you feel
happier.
When we smile at another
person, it hits their mirror neurons and they may involuntarily smile
back.
Of course I’m not saying you
need to walk around smiling like a Cheshire cat all the time, but a smile will
make you more approachable and attractive.
Posture
Don’t be a sloucher! If you want
to be more attractive and catch someone’s attention, then you should be aware
of how you’re sitting, standing and how you carry yourself.
Great posture sends positive
messages, and you’re also projecting confidence. You want this to be open and
to avoid being closed off, that means, sit up straight, lean towards them
slightly if you’re sitting down together, and show them you are interested
through your body language.
Watch those hands
Hands can tell you a lot about a
person. If you want to show someone that you feel at ease and comfortable
around them, you can do this by having open hands and not hiding them. Because
you want to portray confidence, you don’t want to fidget or hide them.
You use your hands to help
express how you feel – if you were to put your favorite show on mute for 5
minutes, you could probably pick up on how the characters were interacting just
by watching their hand gestures. So don’t shut them off, but make sure they’re
sending the right signals – open and positive.
Finally, one other thing about
hands – you use them to check your phone. We all do it, but the last thing your
date wants to see you doing is constantly staring at it, as if you’re more
interested in what’s on with your phone than them. So, general rule of thumb –
stay off it.
Positioning
Ok, let’s talk about feet. Now
you may be wondering ‘what on earth can someone’s feet tell me about another
person?!’ Quite a lot, actually! For instance, if you notice that the person
you’re talking to is positioned with their feet slightly pointing towards
another person, this could be an indicator they want to be talking to them
instead. To be comfortable and relaxed, your feet also should be around 6-8
inches apart aligned with your body. Too wide apart can be assertive and
threatening – too narrow and you’ll fall over! Most people will focus so much
on their upper body and face movements, they will completely forget about
what’s going on down below.
Mirroring
Opposites attract, right? Wrong!!
And there’s a large amount of research to back this up – it turns out that
we’re actually more attracted to people that we’re similar to or aspire to be
like, and mirroring is body language telling you so. Mirroring is essentially
copying the body language of the other person to create and demonstrate rapport.
It is typically subconscious, so if you were to notice the other person
mirroring you, this could be a sign that they’re interested. You can do it on
purpose to build commonality but this has to be done outside the other person’s
conscious awareness so they don’t pick up on what you’re doing, otherwise they
may just think you’re faking it or even making fun of them!
So, the next time you’re out on a
romantic date, trying to impress someone, or want to get into rapport, then
don’t forget about what your body language is saying about you – and make sure
it’s the message you want to be sending!
At Ignite Dating, we understand the importance of finding the right person for you. Someone who complements your personality and lifestyle. That’s why we spend time getting to know you, so we can use a perfect mixture of Myers Briggs personality profiling, your feedback and our expertise to match you with great potential partners. If you’d like to know more about how we can help you find love,get in touch with our friendly team today.
The 1990s.. what a time to be alive! The Stone
Roses, Sex in the City or Friends (or both), Gladiators, Pulp Fiction, Blur vs
Oasis, Keanu, the Spice Girls – oh, and Mandela was freed!
And an even better time to be on the dating scene. From making mixtapes to talking for three hours on the landline, getting ready for your date (with the help of your friends) was just as exciting as actually going on it. And of course, most of us learnt to navigate the dating world with the help of Cilla and Graham.
But it’s now 2020, Blind Date has been replaced
with Take Me Out, Tinder has changed the way people meet and sadly cassettes
are no longer a thing (I suppose you could always make your date a playlist on
Spotify). So how much has the dating landscape changed in the last 30 years and
are the dating rules of 2020 the same as they were in 1990?
The rules for dating in 1990
During the 1990s a very controversial book was
released called ‘The Rules’ which claimed to be a time-tested guide
to dating. Even for back then, it was full of some ridiculous and outdated
suggestions – for example, don’t look at your date too much and don’t tell them
what you want in bed – but despite this, there were some generally
well-accepted rules for dating in the 90s. These were:
Pick your date up from their
house – typically this means the man would go to the woman’s home instead of
meeting at the chosen venue
Have a plan and something
booked for the evening – don’t just wing it!
Ask questions and get to know
them – don’t just talk about yourself
Don’t sleep with each other on
the first date – remember the five date rule
Generally, men pick up the
cheque at the end of the date – it’s the gentlemanly thing to do
If you like them, call them –
calling on the landline or leaving a message on the answerphone shows them the
date went well
Are these rules still relevant in 2020?
Clearly, there are some of these rules no longer
apply, thanks in most part to big strides in equality and technology, and for
the most part we should be grateful for that. For example, men are no longer
expected to pick up the bill and it’s certainly less taboo to hook up on the
first date. It is also no longer necessary for the man to pick up his date at
her home – in fact, it is safer and recommended that you meet at the venue or
in a public space during the early stages of dating.
That said, some of these rules – and arguably the less offensive ones – still remain today. It can be nice to have a plan for your date and you should always ask questions and get to know one another. Calling your date to let them know you had a good time is also appreciated, though nowadays WhatsApp seems to be the preferred method of communication. And to be honest, we’re a bit nostalgic for some 90s trends like writing little messages to one another on Post-It notes and being fully present during a date (not checking your mobile phone every two minutes)!
So I guess what we’re saying here is that the rules of dating have certainly changed over the last 30 years, with technology and equality playing a huge role in this. That said, some are as true as they have ever been and one or two others might make the dating world a better place. So let’s bring back the good parts and leave the rest in the 90s where they belong.
At Ignite Dating, we understand that the times have changed, but we know that dating agencies still remain a great and successful way to meet people. Our dedicated matchmakers are there to help you navigate the world of dating in 2020 and to find you the perfect match. If you’d like to know more, get in touch with our friendly team today.
In the era of dating apps and social media, you
might think matchmaking is a bit of an outdated profession. But nothing could
be further from the truth! Tinder is all well and good in the early stages of
your dating life, but many quickly become bored with the casual hookups, fake
accounts and deciding whether to swipe right on someone based on just 500
characters or less.
In fact, when you’re looking for a long-term
partner, someone you can share a genuine connection with, dating apps can be a
real let down. That’s why many hopeful singles will retire their profiles and
turn to dating agencies to help them find true love instead.
There are a huge number of benefits to using
matchmakers, in particular that they take their time to get to know you so they
can help you find someone who complements your lifestyle and shares your
dreams. But if you’re still not sure why you should outsource your dating life
to a professional, here are nine things a matchmaker can do for you.
1. They work while you do
Gone are the days when you only had your evenings and weekends to spend flicking through dating apps or trying to meet someone in your favourite bar. Matchmakers are dedicated professionals, working tirelessly to find you the perfect partner. While you work, do your grocery shopping, go to the dentist or spend time with friends, they’ll be working hard for you.
2. They use their emotional intelligence to
help you find the right match
Being a successful matchmaker is all about being
emotionally intelligent and having a sixth sense about people. This is very
often a skill they are born with and not something that can be taught or
learnt. Matchmakers can use this intuition to quickly decide if two people are likely
to work well together – particularly impressive given how unpredictable and
mysterious love can be. This saves you time, effort and awkward dates with
people who really aren’t right for you, protecting you from the stress and
heartache that can accompany dating.
3. They act like a life coach and therapist
When you’re working with a matchmaker you’ll
quickly find they become a friend and life coach as well. This is because
looking for love can be a tiring, emotional and sometimes long journey and you
need someone who is there to support you and encourage you to keep going, even
after a particularly rubbish date or when a relationship doesn’t quite work out.
They are the perfect combination of life coach, therapist and matchmaker. They listen to you and really get to know you. They give you a chance to talk about past relationships and then they motivate you to stay positive and strong, knowing that it can take time but you will eventually find the right person.
4. They run the background checks
Another huge benefit of using a matchmaker is
that they will run background checks. Sadly, apps like Tinder have become a
prime location for fraudulent accounts and cybercriminals looking to scam the unsuspecting
and vulnerable. Not only this but with no background checks, people can be
whoever they want to be – even if that
means they tell some pretty big lies in their bio.
Matchmakers can run ID and background checks to
make sure every individual you meet is legitimate and is who they say they are.
This gives you an increased sense of security and also means you aren’t going
to be disappointed by meeting someone who wasn’t at all what you expected.
5. They get to know what you want
One of the most important things a matchmaker will do is spend some time really getting to know you. If they hope to use their skills to find your perfect match, they first need to know more about who you are and what it is you want from a partner – and this includes even the smallest details. You’ll be surprised how even the tiniest bit of information about yourself can help them to find you a partner with similar interests, ambitions and aspirations, hugely important when you’re looking for a long-term relationship.
6. They help you to learn about yourself
One of the greatest and most surprising benefits
of using a matchmaker is that they can help you to learn so much about
yourself. You might think you know exactly what you want in a partner, but
after a few conversations with your matchmaker (and perhaps an unsuccessful
date or two), you might find that they’ve asked some interesting questions and
you begin to re-evaluate what it is you want from a relationship.
They can also give you more confidence and help
you to relax. When you’re dating, it can be an additional stress worrying about
whether someone likes you back or if there is a common romantic interest. Using
a matchmaker can help to make this much clearer and after a while, even though
dates may not always work out, you’ll come to feel better about the fact that
they obviously weren’t right for you.
Ultimately, most people find the whole process of using a matchmaker eye-opening and they actually learn a lot about themselves. This can then help them to have more successful and fulfilling relationships overall, and more fun and less stress on the journey.
7. They will be honest with you
It’s not always their favourite part of the job
but matchmakers will always be honest with you – because they have to be if
they want to help you find the right person! Although it’s not always nice to
hear either, if you’ve been on a date and the other person didn’t feel a
connection, they’ll let you know right away. This way you can move on and begin
meeting with other potential partners who may feel more of a spark.
They can also help to take some of the mystery
and anxiety out of dating. Sitting by your phone for days waiting for a reply
or wondering why your last date completely ghosted you is never fun. By being
honest, your matchmaker will keep you motivated and on track to finding true
love.
8. They give you a more personal experience
Dating apps, blind dates or speed dating
sessions can feel very shallow and sometimes very cold and impersonal. By
choosing to work with a matchmaker they’ll give you a much more personal and
enjoyable dating journey.
After all, anyone can hide behind their keyboard and spend hours swiping right on dating apps, but this is often dissatisfying and can leave people feeling bitter or depressed about the dating world. Joining up with a matchmaker can help to turn this around and get you excited about dating again.
9. They can help you find love
Last but certainly not least, perhaps the most obvious benefit of all, matchmakers can help you to find true love. Using their skills, emotional intelligence and time, they can help you to find the perfect partner. And trust us, once you’ve signed up you’ll be forever glad you put your love life in their very capable hands.
At Ignite Dating, our expert matchmakers use a mixture of Myers Briggs personality profiling, intuition and their expertise to match you with potential partners. We offer support and absolute discretion when presenting you with matches and your dedicated matchmaker will work closely with you to get a better understanding of what it is you want from a partner. They will then present you with carefully selected and vetted matches so you can begin your journey to finding true love. Join us today.
Whether you live in Hampshire and the
surrounding areas or you just fancied a change of scenery, this gorgeous county
can be the ideal location for your next date. The perfect blend of cities,
coastlines and sweeping countrysides, you’re sure to find something that you’ll
both love. You can spend days exploring the national parks or dine out in the
ancient capital of England, and there are plenty of romantic settings to set
the mood for your big date.
So if you’re looking for inspiration for the
perfect date in Hampshire, look no further. Below are six ideas for beautiful
days out and romantic evenings full of fine dining and entertainment.
1. Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Are you a gin enthusiast? Then why not take a guided tour around the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Whitchurch. You’ll be shown around the distillery and taken on a sensory experience in the Botanical Dry Room, before enjoying a complimentary drink in the Mill Bar. This could be the perfect way to set the tone for your evening, before heading off into the night (perhaps to drink more gin!).
2. Catch a show at the Anvil
The Anvil Arts in Basingstoke has hosted a huge range
of famous guests over the years. So whether you like stand up comedy, music,
drama or even dance, you’re sure to find something to keep you both entertained
for the evening.
3. New Forest National Park
Enjoy a day (or even a weekend) exploring the New Forest National Park. Home to a number of quaint little towns and villages, plus plenty of beautiful walking routes, you’ll be spoilt for choice on your date. Here you can make the most of nature. So why not sit and have a picnic as you watch the wildlife go by or, if you’re keen cyclists or feeling a bit more active, grab your bikes and go for a ride around one of the many forest routes.
4. Dine out in Winchester
Did you know that Winchester used to be the
capital of England? It’s no wonder then that this historic town can make for a
very interesting and romantic night out. Along its cobbled streets are a number
of delicious places to stop for dinner, from cosy pubs to Michelin starred
restaurants. The tricky part is deciding where to go!
5. Spinnaker tower and Gunwharf Quays
Why not arrange a day out in Portsmouth, culminating in an evening of food and drink. Kickstart the day by visiting the 170-metre Spinnaker Tower and enjoying breathtaking views from the top. After this, you can enjoy a bit of shopping, eating and drinking around Gunwharf Quays, a beautiful waterfront outlet with over 30 bars and restaurants to choose from.
6. Beaulieu
If you’re looking for something a little different, Beaulieu is a beautiful small village in the New Forest. Home to the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey, a monorail and beautiful grounds and gardens, you can plan a fun and relaxing day out at this award-winning village.
If you’re looking for love in Hampshire, we can help! At Ignite Dating, we’ll take our time to get to know you and what you want from a partner, so we can help you find your perfect match. Join us today and soon it could be you organising a date at one of the romantic venues listed above.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
