Tidbits

Dating and Relationships

• Over half of all singles in Canada have not had a real date in over two years.

• Humans like mystery and “the chase”, so don't be too “available” to a date. Dating experts typically suggest not sleeping too early with a date because the longer the chase, the more likely love will blossom.

• Five types of women that men tend to avoid are serial flirters, someone who talks about marriage too soon, clingy women, the party-girl, and a woman who talks too much or is drama queen.

• Five types of men that women tend to avoid are the needy guy, the arrogant guy, the self-righteous guy, who is very judgmental of others, the arguer, who turns every conversation into an argument and the cheap guy, who invites a woman to dinner and the subtly suggests they go dutch.

• Eye contact, or a “copulatory gaze,” is a primary and powerful tool for attracting a potential date for both men and women. However, the meaning of various types of eye contact differs from culture to culture.

• A woman can increase the likelihood of a man approaching her if she uncrosses her arms, makes subtle eye contact, and smiles.

• It only takes seconds to decide another person’s attractiveness.

• On average, daters will kiss on the second date.

•  Studies show that remembering bits of information about a person and working them into conversations not only is highly flattering but also shows interest.

• Choosing exciting places for a first date increases the chances of the other person falling for you. There is a definitive link between danger and physical/romantic attraction.

• Italian food is one of the most popular restaurants for a first date.

• Common date blunders include showing up late, talking about yourself too much, revealing too much about your ex, bad hygiene, constantly complaining, being rude to waitress, and an obvious over-eagerness.

• When a man first approaches a woman, she will base 55% of her initial impression of him on his appearance and body language, 38% on his style of speaking, and 7% on what he actually says.

• If a man can’t decide what to wear on a date, he might want to wear blue. Studies show that women are attracted to men in blue.

• When you want to be attractive, wear red.  It make others perceive you as better looking and higher status.  You will create chemistry, feel better about yourself, and have a more loving experience.

• Top ten turn-offs for women include cystic acne, raggedy nails, flatulence and belching, missing teeth, body odor, bad breath, hairy nostrils, “man boobs,” “goofy” glasses, and hair “mistakes.

• If a woman is interested in her date, she will often smile at his jokes, play with her hair, fidget with an object such as a glass, blush when he pays her a compliment, pout or pucker her mouth, stumble over words, or lean in towards him.

• Signs that a woman is not interested in her date include avoiding eye contact, faking a smile or not smiling, leaning away, answering in monosyllables, sagging her shoulders, looking at her watch, tapping her foot, or staring blankly.

• If a woman offers to pay for everything, chances are she isn’t that into the date. There’s an unspoken understanding that a man paying for everything is a form of “copulatory gift,” which is almost universal in all animal species.

•  The appropriate time to call after meeting a man or woman is hotly debated among dating experts. Typically, the ideal time to wait to call is two to four days, though no longer than four to five days. Calling too soon can appear desperate.

• Dating specialists suggest that if a woman doesn’t return a call after two messages, she is not interested.

Myths & Facts

At some point or another, we've all been single. And, depending where we live, once we reach a certain age and still (or newly) single, people can have some pretty strange misconceptions about what that means. Most of this should be obvious to folks, but it's amazing how often I've had to explain one or more of these points about single people.

Myth #1: If someone is single past a certain age, there must be something wrong with them. 

Fact: Maybe they just know what they want, or maybe they take commitment seriously and don't want to make a mistake. Maybe they feel they aren't ready for marriage yet. Maybe they don't believe in marriage or marriage is not an option for them. In short, don't make assumptions

Myth #2: Single people are irresponsible.

Fact: We have jobs, pets, savings accounts, family obligations and mortgages, just like anyone else. In fact, we often have to be more responsible, because we're on our own. 

Myth #3: Single people don't have family obligations.

Fact: This may be the issue that makes me the most crazy. I've been fortunate in that I've had jobs that have given me flexibility to deal with issues in my family, both biological and chosen. Singles are not all childless, and many of us also may care for aging parents and/or seriously ill partners or friends. Most people are not this fortunate. If you are an employer or manager, please be aware of these issues with your single employees. You'll get great loyalty from them if you give them this flexibility.

Myth #4: Single people are unhappy being single.

Fact: Some people choose to be single. Others may be looking for the right partner, but are perfectly content in the meantime. My point is, please don't take pity on someone just because they're single. We might be offended, or just find you peculiar.

Myth #5: Single people want you to set them up with your second cousin.

Fact: Please please, please don't do this to us unless we ask. If you really think you have a great idea, at least check with us first before you try to put something in motion. It can be really awkward when a friend tries to set you up with a relative and it doesn't work out well.

Myth #6: At a certain age, a single person is too old to get married

Fact: If my mother calls me one more time to say I'm running out of time to find a husband, I'm going to freak out. Love can happen at any age.

Myth #7: Single people are uncomfortable hanging out with married people

Fact: Single people are only uncomfortable hanging out with married people when they commit some of the no-no's mentions above or keep saying things like "you should really get married, it's great!" I'm sure it is, and when it's the right thing for me to do, I'll do it.

Myth #8: Single people eat take out all the time and rent movies

Fact: I like my takeout and movie rentals. I also know how to cook. I also regularly dine with friends and family. Thank you for your concern.

Myth #9: Single people party all the time.

Fact: Maybe when they're 21. Trust me, my job and responsibilities keep me tired too.

Myth #10: Single people have more disposable income 

Fact: Single people are often more careful about savings, because they know they will not have a second income to rely on should something happen to them or their job.

Myth #11: You're not an adult until you are married.

Fact: Artificial rules about maturity say the most about the people who utter them. Stop it. Right now. Thank you. I'm an adult. You're an adult.

Next in conclusion: All this stuff probably is insanely obvious to most of you, but I just felt it was important to mention. Having had recent experiences with this and having also read an article recently that talked about how many single women are excluded in church groups and other communities because they are viewed as "abnormal" I thought it was important to address these issues.

Wellness and Health

Heart Machines -- Please Read -- Important:

We have all walked by the Red Cross sign in airports indicating where a heart machine is located.

Do you know what is in them and how to use it? I did not.

Try this video and see what you think.

If you pick the wrong choice----the man dies----choose wisely.

You may save a life.

I Just watched this video and was impressed, so I'm sending it to those on my mailing list with the hope that it'll save lives (maybe mine, yours or someone you love)!

http://www.heartrescuenow.com/

Health Tips As We Mature

• Exercise. Even a little exercise, especially walking, is better than none. Exercise helps maintain and build muscle that is lost as we age, which increases metabolism. Exercise also helps maintain a more healthful heart and helps prevent illness. Exercise is cumulative, so taking two 15- minute walks a day is about the same as one 30-minute walk.

• Take supplements. It is important for anyone over age 50 to consider the need for an age-appropriate multivitamin. Calcium and vitamin D are especially important for bone health.

• Spice it up. After age 40, the number of taste buds decreases, causing many people to eat more bitter and sweet foods. Adding natural herbs and spices to meals can keep food healthy and appealing without adding more fat, salt and/ or sugar.

• Fiber. Make at least half of your grains whole. Fruits and vegetables also will help with fiber intake. Women need about 21 grams of fiber a day while men need about 28 grams. If you need to increase fiber, do so gradually over a few weeks and add additional fluids to your diet to compensate for the extra fiber.

• Fruits and veggies. Eat two cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables with variety each day. One serving can be a cup of frozen or fresh fruit or half a cup of dried fruit. If you have difficulty chewing raw fruits and vegetables, consider adding soups, vegetable juice, tomato sauce, stir fry or a cup of fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables.

• Stay hydrated. Aging diminishes thirst perception. Drink fluids throughout the day. Water is probably the best calorie- free beverage, but if you drink sodas, stick with diet.