Note: this article applies to all ways you can date: friends fixing you up, a chance meeting at the gym or a bar, a matchmaking service, online dating, the golf course or pickleball court, the beach, anywhere!

And while some of the above have a much higher success rate, who cares? You’ve met someone. Yay, you. Let’s not blow it!

1. Don’t talk to friends/family about dating!

 So, you met someone. You went on a date. You had fun. Initially, do not talk to friends/family about your date! Why not? Ok, most of the outcomes are just not…helpful. Your best friend: “you met at a bar. Those never work”. Your mom: “Oh, honey, I’m so excited for you---tell me everything” as she plans your wedding. Your work colleague: “The gym? Geez, how do you even know he’s single----one of my friends met a guy there and it was awful because….” Ok, what just happened above? They put unnecessary thoughts in your head. From negativity to inflating expectations, well, none of this is helpful. Yes, absolutely share happy news---but after your 3rd, 4th or 5th date. WE are human and like to share good things happening in our life!

2. Low or no expectations

 Amped up expectations going into the first date are almost sure to be shot down. A balloon quickly popped. Yes, show up looking your best. Part of the spice of life is constantly meeting new people---that applies to both singles and people in relationships. It keeps you fresh and on your toes. Take the pressure off. Lisa, a New York client, just ended a 27-year marriage. While quite confident in her business sphere, she was nervous with this whole new dating thing. My advice: you are meeting a new potential friend to relieve the angst of OMG, I’m dating. Her 7th online man she met was Mac has now turned into 5 dates with him. Just last month! The only thought she had in her head “Do I want to go on a second date”? “A third”? And so on.

3. The secret sauce: Confidence

Yep, it’s sexy. And the old adage: Fake it ‘til you make it? Works just as well in dating as it does in your business life! I’ll coach you to get you there!