Meet People Directory - Gifts

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (UNLESS YOU ARE SINGLE)

1/1/1900

Holiday season is once again upon us, and with it comes anxieties that are not limited to gift buying marathons and 5,000-calorie dinners.

If you are unattached and without a hand to hold this season, you may already be feeling a sense of dread. You are not looking forward to facing your Mother and Aunt who, while discussing “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” start to look at you like their “Big Fat Geek Nothing.” You are already expecting that the two questions you'll hear most at the dinner table will be “Can you pass the salt?” and “So when are we going to ever be grandparents?” While decorating the house, nearly as much guilt will be passed around as tinsel.

There's no place like home for the holidays? For singles, a root canal at the dentist's office may be a close second.

In the spirit of giving (not to mention the time-honored tradition of everyone butting into your personal life with advice at this time of year), Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together, the world's largest personal introduction service, has drawn upon his years of experience to some suggestions on finding someone special to smooch under the mistletoe this
holiday season.

“Every year, right around this time, our dating services see as much as a 40-50 percent increase in new business,” Falzone said. “For some, joining is part of a New Year's resolution to get serious about their search for a mate. For others, it is the desire to once again have someone special to share this special season with.”

“The most important advice: relax and set realistic goals for yourself,” Falzone added. “Dating is supposed to be fun, so never treat it as a chore, necessity or measurement of self worth. It can take time to find a companion and significant commitment to make it work. Setting a deadline, such as a specific holiday, won't speed that process. But, if it takes the upcoming gatherings and celebrations to act as a catalyst for you to get serious about finding romance, that, in no small way, could be the best gift you get this year.”

Among Falzone's suggestions for singles this holiday season are:

Do not be, or act desperate. There is little that is less attractive than desperation to a member of the opposite sex. There is someone out there who is right for you. It just takes time, perseverance, a positive attitude and a little bit of courage to make the first move.

If your usual haunts (pubs, gym, etc.) are not yielding success, try a change in both game plan and scenery. Join a co-ed sports league or take a night course.

Get involved in your church. Join a book, movie or theater club.
By becoming more active in recreational activities you enjoy, you will increase the odds of finding someone who has the same interests.

It may be tempting to jump into a dating service or, as so many are doing these days, looking for love online. As they say, “buyer beware.” Before joining one, look for an introduction service that has been in business for a long time, has a good reputation and offers member screening, background checks and one-on-one counseling. As for the Internet, meeting people via a medium that encourages exaggeration (if not outright lying) can be not only disappointing, but also dangerous.

When you get to that first date, it is important is to show a sincere interest in your companion. This can come across by choosing an activity you think he or she will enjoy. You might want to avoid the clich? of dinner and a movie and instead go to an aquarium, museum or art gallery. Even bowling or a trip to an arcade could make for an out-of-the-ordinary evening of quality
bonding.

Be prompt and polite. Men should open doors and pull out seats. Women should be equally courteous. Both should also try their best to look their best. This doesn't mean getting all decked out in designer fashions. If a relationship is going to last there needs to be compatibility and chemistry and a good presentation can make or break a date.

The saying goes those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Avoid talking about former flames and failed relationships of the past. You want your new companion to learn about you and what makes you tick, but rummaging through the skeletons in your closet is too much information, too soon. Talking about previous partners too early in a new relationship is a
“lose-lose” situation. If you look back fondly and wistfully on a past relationship, the message is sent that you are not “over it” and your new romantic interest can feel threatened, jealous and insecure.

Don't feign knowledge in things you have no interest in. Steer discussions towards topics you both find stimulating. Debate may be stimulating, but stay away from getting argumentative. People can have different views of things and still get along.

FINDING LOVE FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA
The merger of The Right One® with national franchises of Together® created the world's largest introduction service. The alliance is a marriage of convenience for customers -- offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and more flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region.

Today, with an ambitious plan to open between 12-24 new offices a year, Together® and The Right One“ have more than 125,000 members – many of whom have their memberships on hold while they take the time to explore a successful relationship. With more than 500 employees, Together® and The Right One® gross more than $40-million a year in revenue.