How to Sell Yourself on a Date

Be an interesting conversationalist. Keep a few good stories handy and plug them in at the right moments. Since most small talk centers on movies, music and other topics of popular interest, keep an eye on current trends. And remember that people love to talk about themselves.

Be comfortable with yourself. Self-assurance gives an aura of desirability that people can't resist. Raising your confidence levels is perhaps one of the toughest things to do, but its effects can be seen everywhere in your life, from dating and business to sports. Recognize that you have qualities that others seek.

Don't be desperate or too eager. No one likes a suck-up. Being pathetic will only hurt your chances. Know your worth and use that tool. Let a date sense that you can do very well without them, and that it's in their best interest to keep you around.

Be a gentleman or a lady. It's time to prove the cynics wrong and show that etiquette and poise is not a dying breed. Being a gentleman will set you apart from other men, and your chivalry, no matter how small, will be remembered. A gentleman respects women. He shows interest in them by listening to them and respecting their views. A gentleman opens her door and helps her put on her jacket. He offers to pay the bill and walks her to her door. When women see that you want more than just sex from them, they'll be that much more enchanted.

Acting like a lady will also set you apart. Be the woman that he would be proud to introduce to his mother, not the girl he wants to brag about to his buddies. Dress sexy, not provocatively. Do not show too much skin or wear clothing that is two sizes too small. A camisole under a blazer is far sexier than the midriff top. Also, a peck on the cheek is the most you should even consider expecting at the end of a date, and only if they kiss you. Men share stories and details when physical intimacy occurs early in a relationship. Only participate in activities that you feel comfortable with all of his friends knowing about.

Women Over 30

In these days it’s not abnormal to be over thirty and have never been married. A lot of people spend so much time in school or finding the right job that the next thing they know, they're in their late twenties and they're not married.

Written by Andy Rooney from CBS 60 Minutes, this article is for women over thirty, women who are nervous of turning 30, and guys who are scared of "older" women.

As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 30 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think. If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.

A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 30 give a hoot what you might think about her or what she's doing.

Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women. Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 30. They always know.

A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk or if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 30 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 30+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free". Here's an up date for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig, just to get a little sausage.

Step #5 - Marketing Yourself in a Dating Profile

MATCHinform’s Guide to Informed Dating, Step #5 - Market your strengths effectively. Whether it is meeting someone online or in person, initial contact is the first, and maybe only, opportunity to make a good impression.

When initiating contact online, the profile equates to a resume, and the first email is a cover letter. Those who give the same attention to looking for a date as a job are the most successful. Remember that grammar, spelling and punctuation do count.

I have already mentioned this in a previous post, but I will say it again. The picture is the first thing most people will examine. Remember the famous proverb; a picture is worth a thousand words. Post pictures of that market strengths. Pictures should not advertise potential baggage or create questions. For example,

A picture with a child – First responses from a potential date may include: Whose kid is that? Is that their child? Do they have custody? What is their relationship like with their ex? The cute picture with the baby has all of a sudden provoked images of an extended family getting in the way of a date and / or an ex.

A picture with a person of the opposite sex - First responses from a potential date may include: Is that their ex? Do they still have a relationship with them? If not, then how old is that picture? Is that their best friend? Would I get along with them? The picture with the guy / girl that was inserted to prove commitment or “friendships” with attractive people, flaunts a prior relationship and a grip to the past.

The most effective pictures are solo shots where the person appears to be having a good time. Leave out pictures from weddings, group shots, family shots, and pictures with pets. When approaching a stranger, from the moment communication begins, so does the interview, and online, that begins with the picture.

MATCHinform’s Guide to Informed Dating

MATCHinform’s guide to informed dating advises you to be available (step #3) and not to allow desperation to control your behavior (step #5). This is not original advice and is commonly doled out as a dating tip in the form “be available, but don’t seem available.” It makes no sense to say be available, but don’t act available. So to understand this concept, I am going to offer another perspective.

Step #3 – Shop for a date in the right market. This advice centers on meeting your potential date. Physically go to places that are conducive to meeting singles that interest you. Do not go out to a bar with a pack of girlfriends or a guy friend and expect to meet anyone. You are not approachable under such circumstances. Go with one friend, sit or stand in proximity to people you want to meet, and most importantly have fun (or pretend to at the very least.) People are drawn to happiness and excitement.

Step #5 – Market your strengths effectively / Desperation cannot rule. When you are out having fun, don’t stop talking to your girlfriend because some guy starts talking to you. While meeting the man or woman of your dreams and getting married may be your number one priority, do not let others know this agenda. People pick their potential mate for various reasons (e.g., success, power, and attractiveness). Sell these points first. Remember when shopping, you have to like the clothes before you try them on! Build intrigue by demonstrating that your friends, career, and family are important to you and that you have your life in order and do not NEED to meet him.