6 New Dating Rules for 2012

It's 2012. Time have changed, and it’s time to throw out the old rules of dating as well.

 
According to eHarmony, that’s exactly what single people are doing. In the spirit of the Olympic games (everybody’s getting into it), the online dating site conducted a survey of men and women to uncover the truth behind dating games, and some of the old standards are being thrown out the window.

The new rules of dating:
Don’t wait three days to call. Oh thank God. The stupid “3 Day Rule” is no longer a thing. Nearly three quarters of both men and women said waiting that long to return a phone call is “ridiculous.” Rightfully so.
Do your research. Almost half of singles admit to Googling their dates before meeting up. Because preparation is half the battle. Or something like that.
Know that two can play that game. Playing hard to get, which in Ye Olden Dating Times was known as a woman’s move, has gone gender neutral. Now, 44% of men say they play hard to get as well.
Start saying things like “Are your feet tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind all day.” Evidently, 44% of women actually like pickup lines! Who are these women? To each her own, but unless it starts with “Hey girl” and is actually said by Ryan Gosling, I’m not falling for it.
Stop texting already. Over 75% of men and women prefer a phone conversation to a text message. Give your fingers a break.
No fakers allowed. Not, not that kind of faking (although don’t do that either), but an overwhelming majority (89% of women and 77% of men) agree that inventing a busy schedule is so over. Those people would agree to go on a date with same-day notice if they were available, rather than pretending they’re sooo booked this week.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Your hips don't lie." Wait, that was Shakira.

 

Good Morning America recently sent two ladies out on the town to flirt with guys in a New York bar and had a body language expert examine the hidden camera footage. Here are the findings--some obvious, others even more obvious--all lightly Smittenized for your enjoyment: 

 Do:

• Smile (but not like a serial killer).
• Whip your hair! Back and forth!
• Be open and engaged. Not the "ring" kind. The "friendly" kind.
• Touch nonsexual areas often... although the elbow or something could be mad sexual to some people, right?
• Expose your wrists--they are an erogenous zone. See?
• Tilt your head to the left. Apparently that says "I like you." I guess tilting your head to the right says "I wish I was watching Intervention on my couch right now instead of pretending to care about your hometown."
• Turn your body towards his and nod when he is speaking.

Don't:

• Text too much.
• Sit on your hands or hunch your shoulders. #derp #Quasimodo?
• Dart your eyes.
• Cross your arms. Which makes sense in a poetic way, because that is kind of like a chastity belt over your heart.
• Stand with your legs crossed. Which makes sense in a literal way, because that is kind of like a chastity belt over your girl equipment.
• Get all up in his space. Freak.
• Rub your nose or slouch.

Or just do all of these at once! Because maybe he will write a blog post about how weird you are, and you'll get a reality show deal. Holla! 

 And he is interested if...

• His eyebrows go up, Groucho-style.
• His pupils dilate (and he's not on drugs).
• His lips part slightly and he looks you up and down.
• You are his sole focus of attention.
• He touches himself while looking at you (not like that--just a simple shirt-tug or hair-smooth.)
• Posturing, e.g. straightening up and leaning his chest toward you. Like a peacock that uses Old Spice.

And just from me, some ways you can tell he's not interested...

• If he looks at you and says anything along the lines of "Oh my God, what is that?"
• Screaming.
• Flailing.
• Sudden feigned interest in something in another state, followed by hasty dash to door.
• Repeated reminders that he is, in fact, a gay man. A long shot, but he just might be trying to tell you something.

How awesome is Ursula, in retrospect? Really.

31 Date Ideas

Whether you need first date ideas for a rendezvous with your crush or just want to do ANYTHING but dinner and a movie with your steady guy, I think you'll find this list of 31 fall-friendly dates inspiring!

1. Host an outdoor dinner party for two!
2. Get lost in a corn maze! (It's scarier than you think!)
3. Build a fort and snack on indoor S'mores!
4. Play two-man video games at the arcade! (The more old-school, the better!)
5. Jump in piles of fallen leaves!
6. Take a brewery tour and sample yummy beers!
7. Choose three cheeses you've both never tried and make a yummy cheese plate. (Don't forget the wine!)
8. Pick out a fun kit from a hobby shop (model race car! mini air plane!) and build it together.
9. Take a ride on a rented bicycle built for two!
10. Play an old-school board game!
11. Carve pumpkins!
12. Take a sight-seeing tour—on public transportation!
13. Play laser tag!
14. Ask a psychic what your futures hold!
15. Instead of a fancy-pants high-pressure dinner, meet for breakfast instead. (Mmm ... syrup!)
16. Visit the aquarium!
17. Whip up some (spiked!) milk and cookies.
18. Break out the sidewalk chalk and try your hand (er, feet) at hopscotch. Once you're done with hopping, move on to tic-tac-toe!
19. Find a cookbook at the library and pick something yummy to cook together! (Bring quarters for so you can photocopy the recipe!)
20. Bring a handful of pennies to a local fountain and make some wishes!
21. Paint pottery together. (If your instincts tell you it's childish, ignore 'em!)
22. See if he's man enough to go for a pedicure with you! (I begged my husband before our wedding—and he wound up loving it!)
23. Take a walk on a deserted beach!
24. Challenge your crush to a push-up contest. Or ask him to join you for a Pilates class!
25. Rather than meet up for drinks, meet up for a cupcake! (Or two!)
26. Go to Target and pick out silly, inexpensive surprise gifts for each other! (Max price tag: $10!)
27. Spend an afternoon at a fall harvest festival!
28. Pay a visit to your local bingo hall and join the grandmas for a few rounds!
29. Take a long walk and hold hands the entire time!
30. Attend trivia night at a bar!
31. Visit a haunted house!

DATE N15GHT

If you're single that is looking for a new and exciting way to date and meet new friends.. Here's the event made just for you :)

Top 10 Romantic VDAY Spots in Metro Manila

February na! There's only one particular date in the calendar that comes to mind: the Fourteenth — the day we all save for the ONE we desire to spend the rest of our lives with. We've listed a couple of dating spots (in Metro Manila) that are both romantic and affordable aka superFREE.

* UP Diliman 

This school  is famous for its landscape. Grab a couple of Mang Larry's Isaw manok and Isaw baboy, a slice of Chocolate Kiss cake with iced tea and of course a comfy blanket before making your way down to the Gen. Antonio Luna Parade Grounds, commonly known as the Sunken Garden. In the daytime you’ll get to watch students playing a variety of sports such as Ultimate Frisbee and soccer. At night, cool down with some music and relax under the stars. 

 * La Mesa Ecopark

The park is one of the environmental conservation sites nearing the immediate vicinity of the suburban Metro Manila. You can enjoy any kind of outdoor activities here. The entrance fee is minimal and would only cost 50PHP for non Quezon City Residents while 40PHP for the city Residents. There's plenty of food options in the park vicinity or you can bring your own picnic basket. Visit www.lamesaecopark.com for complete list of activities suitable for you and your special someone.

 * SM Mall of Asia

The mall attracts all sorts of lovers that delight in just watching the fountains, the constant changing colors of the MOA globe, the sunset, or simply by strolling along and watching the majestic view of the Bay at day. At nighttime, lovers can stargaze, listen (for FREE) to live bands and watch fireworks (every weekends).

* Intramuros

Many people consider Intramuros the most romantic spot, with its picturesque ruins and walls that provide the best setting for a love affair. Intramuros (as the name suggests) is the walled Old City of Manila. Within the walls are national historical landmarks - like Fort Bonifacio and the Manila Cathedral. Also within are old houses, museums, parks, chapels, restaurants - all of which will take you back to the time when Manila was still under Spain's control. Walking along cobbled streets hand-in-hand whilst checking out places rich in history will surely rank as one of the most memorable moments in your life. 

* Quezon City Memorial Circle

The Quezon Memorial Shrine, a monument built in honor of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, located inside the rotunda at the heart of the city named after the former president with "edifice complex," is a tallest landmark of Metro Manila's biggest city. The shrine is inside a circle that also hosts a bicycle rental, picnic ground, skating rink, various pocket parks, shopping stalls, various restaurants (Tropical Hut, Max's), food stalls and the World Peace Bell. The park is open to the public free of charge.

*Luneta, Rizal Park 

 A simple yet historical landmark of heroism in the Philippines.  Luneta (as it is commonly called) is a refuge for early morning jogger and tai-chi practitioners.  At night, the park is transformed into a romantic rendezvous for lovers.  Apart from its grassy expanse, Luneta also features a planetarium, dozens of fountains, an amphitheatre, a children's playground, a skating rink and the Chinese and Japanese gardens.

* Ninoy Aquino PARKS AND WILDLIFE

The 80-hectare park is situated along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. Being close to nature must drive some couples wild. The place boasts of a small zoo with some caged animals (such as a hornbill, a heron, and a peacock) and a  man-made lagoon. The lagoon is littered with benches at its edges under big tree shades. A sunken amphitheater is at its bank. Truly a favorite hang out of lovers, book readers, bonding families, idle visitors, and students rehearsing a drama or concert.


* Ayala Triangle Gardens

You cannot go wrong with this Tropical Haven for your romantic and tambay moments. Located at the heart of the Central Business District, this cozy park contains well-manicured lawns and tree-lined pathways. The Ayala Triangle Gardens serves as a corridor which links people coming from Legaspi and Salcedo Village to other offices, shopping centers and commuter stations. Open daily from very early in the morning until 10pm.

 * Bonifacio Global City

BGC is a hip commercial and business complex in Fort Bonifacio. A kilometer stretch of shopping and office blocks, this complex with low-rise buildings houses premier restaurants and also serves as a very pleasant park for families, lovers, friends, and even dog lovers. You and your special someone can go to a cafe (and share a cup of coffee)  and people-watch. When a couple passes by you, tell each other what you think their life is like. Maybe you can share an ipod by placing one earpiece in each of your ears and listen to each other’s fave mellow tune while enjoying the ambiance of this place.  Aaaaww..


* SM North EDSA's Sky Garden

Sky Garden is located at the forefront of the mall just beside the busy, seemingly always congested highway, stretched from one end of “The Annex” to the end of “The Block”.This is designed to be an oasis within the city, as this elevated garden softens the harsh urban environment with lush land and waterscapes, while its organic form also complements the new wavy cladding of the mall. Sky Garden is a perfect place to hangout with your family, friends and loved-ones especially this Valentines Day.

Still can't decide on where to go and what to do on this very special day?
Your date idea don’t need to be that complicated and expensive. How about a homemade dinner and a DVD marathon night with the movie of your partner’s choice pag walang wala talaga.  You can put on a nice tablecloth, candles, and fire up some romantic music to round out the night. You can also leave a trail of flower petals to surprise your mate when he or she gets home.  Use your imagination to make it specific to your love. Remember that it’s the time you spend together which will mean the most to your relationship.  Spread the love..Happy Valentines squammy you! xoxo :)