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Are you suffering from a case of dating burnout?

Going on dates can be exhausting at the best of times and may lead to the not entirely uncommon condition of dating burnout.

So much preparation goes into finding a potential suitor, talking to them and asking questions to get to know them better before meeting in person. And what happens when you’re finally ready to go on that date? Hopefully, there will be a spark and all that planning and preparation will be worth it as you get to know each other better and a blossoming romance ensues. But we all know the age old saying that you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince – so chances are every date that is right, there will be numerous dates that fall short of the mark. 

Dating takes up a lot of time and for those of us that are working and balancing families and home life, it is simply time that we do not have to waste on people that we aren’t going to connect with. And while lots of choice can seem great at first, after a while it can become overwhelming and even tedious. Sitting down on the sofa scrolling through hundreds of faces may seem like the height of ease and simplicity, but over time you can guarantee that it will leave you feeling exhausted, frustrated and low – none of which are good mentalities to have when meeting someone new.

Dealing with Dating Burnout

Dating burnout signs

While we’re becoming better at spotting symptoms of burnout in our professional lives, we’re much less likely to apply that same level of self-care when it comes to our daily sessions of hunting for potential matches. Searching for someone who checks all the boxes can be draining, particularly now that there are so many ways to find someone, but how do you know if you’re just frustrated with dating or legitimately exhausted by it?

Have you ever had that moment where you’re scrolling through profiles but not really taking in the information? Or maybe you’re getting ready for yet another date but there’s no feeling of excitement, so you find yourself regularly cancelling dates last minute? If so, it is likely that you are experiencing a case of dating burnout.

How to deal with dating burnout

If you recognise these symptoms in yourself, it’s a good idea to have a break from dating. Take some time out with good friends and family to appreciate what you already have in your life rather than focusing on what you lack and are longing for. This will ultimately give you a renewed purpose and when you’re ready to start dating again – try something new.

If you find online dating laborious and want to cut down on the time, effort and emotional energy put into those dates that just aren’t quite what you are looking for, then why not outsource the hard work to someone who understands you and what you are looking for in a partner, someone like Ignite Dating?

Professional Matchmaker Zoom Call

By enlisting the help of a professional matchmaker, you can refocus your energy into the things that you want and need to do and say goodbye to the exhaustion caused by dating. 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 – while worrying that you’re not finding someone quickly enough. While you work, do your groceries, go to the dentist or spend time with friends, your matchmaker will be working tirelessly to find the perfect partner for you.

Hustle culture may have made us feel pressured to put our all into everything we do, but our success when it comes to dating unfortunately does not correspond to how much effort we put into it. So rather than fighting the signs of dating burnout, why not hand the job over to someone who knows you and understands what you are looking for, so you can get back to enjoying dating – after all it’s meant to be fun!!

At Ignite Dating, we take the hard work out of your search for love. Your dedicated matchmaker is with you every step of the way, using Myers Briggs and intuition to provide a dating journey that will leave you feeling confident, energised and safe. If you want to put the fun back into dating and avoid dating burnout get in touch today.

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Is your dating attachment style hindering your search for love?

You may have heard about dating attachment style before, where people use the terms anxious, avoidant and secure to describe the way in which they behave in a relationship – but do you know just how important they are when it comes to finding a relationship that really works for you?

Established in early childhood through your relationship with your primary caregivers, your attachment style is something that subconsciously you will take with you into your adult relationships. It determines how you relate to your partner, which subsequently affects how you behave in a relationship and how healthy or even unhealthy your relationships will be.

With three main types – anxious, avoidant and secure – understanding your personal attachment style can help you forge healthier relationships in the future and increase your chances of finding the right person for you, but where do you start?

Knowing me, knowing you

Do you ever get the feeling that you attract a certain type of person all the time, or that your relationships feel a little bit like déja vu regarding your behaviour? This could be your attachment style coming into play and the sooner you recognise it, the easier your search for love will be.

Identifying your own attachment style early, can help you detect potential problems before things go a little pear-shaped, allowing you to recognise behaviour in yourself and others and determine the attachment style that best complements your own to achieve a more healthy, stable relationship.

Dating anxious attachment style

Having an anxious attachment style can lead you to need constant reassurance in your relationships. You are likely to experience low self-esteem and insecurity, leading you to feel anxious, needy or worried when your partner goes out without you or shows interest in activities or hobbies different to your own. While a certain degree of anxiety in relationships can be healthy – remember the age old saying of absence makes the heart grow fonder – if you are finding that you are regularly causing arguments over such things or portraying controlling, jealous and possessive behaviour then it may be time to step back from the relationship and concentrate on addressing your attachment style.

Dating avoidant attachment style

An avoidant attachment style is most commonly represented by individuals that live a very independent lifestyle. You are likely to avoid emotional intimacy and deem connections with others as unnecessary, preferring to spend time alone than socialise with others. While independence in a relationship can be healthy, if you find it difficult to relate to or trust people and frequently find that relationships fizzle out after just a couple of weeks – something which you knew from the start – then it is likely that you have an avoidant attachment style which may need a little nurturing. 

Dating secure attachment style

Having a secure attachment style is the ideal when it comes to attachment in relationships as it means you have a strong connection with your partner, but you don’t display any possessive or jealous behaviours. You are likely to enjoy spending time with your partner, but also feel able to go out with your friends and enjoy different interests without the need to check in on each other every five minutes! A secure attachment style doesn’t necessarily mean that your relationship is perfect, but it does mean you are able to handle any problems in a healthy, balanced way.

Every dating attachment style is capable of finding love

Once you have taken a look into your own behaviours and figured out your dating attachment style, you will have a better idea of those who may be good or bad for you to date – and who it may be best to avoid completely.

Although secure attachment style dating is the healthiest when it comes to relationships, identifying your attachment style as anxious or avoidant isn’t necessarily a bad thing and it certainly doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy, long-term relationship.

Those without secure attachment styles tend to seek a partner who can meet the emotional needs that they can’t meet themselves, but there is no reason why you can’t fulfil those needs on your own so you no longer have to rely on a partner to meet them for you. For example, if you identify as an anxious style you might need to work on your self-esteem and knowing that you don’t need to rely on somebody to prop you up but can cope when you are single, whereas if you identify as an avoidant style you may need to work on learning how to let others in.

As human beings, we crave a deeper level of connection with others. By identifying the traits in your dating attachment style, you will be able to work on any negative patterns and open yourself up to more healthy and balanced relationships in the future.

At Ignite Dating, we work with people across all dating attachment styles and understand how attachment styles and dating go hand in hand. Because everyone is different, we tailor our services to your specific requirements and your matchmaker will be on hand to advise and guide you to get the best out of your dating journey and your future relationships.

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Why lockdown is the ideal time to start your dating journey

Well, we all hoped it wouldn’t happen again but here we are – lockdown 2.0! The good news is, this time we’re older and wiser and we’ve all been here before and come out the other side stronger.

But if you’re determined that you’re going to make this lockdown a little bit better than the last one, this could be the perfect time for you to start your dating journey with Ignite Dating.

Now you might be thinking ‘what do you mean lockdown is the ideal time to start dating, you can’t meet anyone new in person?!’ and you would of course be right. But that could be exactly why now is the perfect time to get started.

Not convinced? Give us a chance to persuade you. Here are four reasons why lockdown is the ideal time to start looking for love and why Ignite Dating is the best way to do it.

1. You have more time to perfect your profile – and we’ll help you do it

Whether you’ve been furloughed or you’ve just found yourself with more time on your hands now everything is shut, lockdown is a great time to perfect your profile and get a confident start on your dating journey. We’re still running Zoom interviews and doing socially distanced photo shoots so that we’re able to work with you to put together a great dating profile.

Our top tip – before you begin, spend some real time thinking about who you are and what you’re looking for in a partner. Our matchmakers will also take their time to get to know you during these interviews, so they can put their expert skills towards finding you the perfect match.

2. We’ll help pair you with like-minded singles

Lockdown leads to bored individuals, some of whom will strike up conversations just to pass the time. You know the type, the serial swipers of Tinder that just need a quick ego boost and a bit of fun to get them through another evening at home. Time wasters, in other words. But if you work with the team at Ignite Dating, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that everyone we introduce you to and those that are using our services are on the same page as you – on their lockdown dating journey and looking for something more serious.

3. We offer a safe and stress-free service 

Lockdown can be a stressful time for everyone. Whether you’re working or not, being separated from friends and family and unable to go out and socialise can take its toll – especially if you live alone. So don’t let looking for love add to your stress levels! We can make getting started feel fun and stress-free by taking the hassle out of writing your profile, finding people who suit your preferences and matching you with like-minded people.

With Ignite Dating, we offer a safe space for you to build your profile and start getting to know other singles. We actually think that lockdown allows for a more relaxed “get to know you” time, chatting over the phone and on Zoom. And you’ll also feel safer when the time does come to meet as we run ID checks on every individual that signs up to our services.

4. We let your creative side shine

Through lockdown, we’ll be helping to set up virtual dates between you and your matches. We’ll lay the foundations and the rest is up to you! When you can’t meet up in-person, you have to find fun ways to make the most of dating from a distance.

And if things are going well, why not get creative with it, perhaps considering virtual happy hours, dinners or online games nights. Our team has gathered its top advice for fun virtual date ideas that can bring the two of you closer together, regardless of lockdown!

If we’ve convinced you and you’ve decided that lockdown is the perfect time to start your dating journey, book a chat with our friendly team at Ignite Dating today. This time around lockdown doesn’t have to feel like a lonely slog, and you can begin building genuine connections from the comfort and safety of your own home.

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All I want for Christmas is someone to share it with

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.

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Dating advice for entrepreneurs

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.

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Date ideas to help you escape the city

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.

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Why September is a good time to start your dating journey

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.

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10 date ideas that are sure to impress

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.

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Dating Lingo – have you been ghosted?

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.

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Body Language and the Nonverbal Signs for Dating

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!

Nick Aschettino
Personal development and dating coach www.Inspirechangecoaching.co.uk
07456 807807

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.