5 DATING APPS YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF

Looking for some alternatives to online dating or dating apps like Tinder? 

A recent article in a Philadelphia-area newspaper outlined 5 apps that you could try if you're looking for a  partner:

Double
This app lets you have a date in a group. It provides a safe way to meet people offline, and it also means you're more likely to get to know those who might interest you. It also helps you avoid the possible awkwardness of an individual meeting with a brand new person.

Swoonbox
This is the world's first event-based dating mobile app integrated into TicketMaster, TicketNetwork, Spotify, and Fandango. Using "deep learning", it matches you with others interested in the same music, sports, and other kinds of entertainment--so you can meet up with these folks in real life as quickly as possible.

Do I Date
This app's goal is to give you much more information and transparency about your possible meeting with someone before you go. It brings an unprecedented level of openness to dates because, on this platform, you can review and share past dating experiences--good or bad--for the benefit of others.

Now
Immediacy is the big advantage of this app. It allows you to find someone who is free and willing to do an activity at a specific time. So, if you happen to have a couple of free hours and nothing to do, you can meet up with others and suggest an activity idea.

OKCupid
In addition to being an online dating site, OKCupid offers an app. It gives more importance to the ideas and thoughts of its users than to their photos. According to its creators, it uses algorithms and information provided by users through questionnaires to arrange the perfect match.

Have you tried a dating app yet? If so, drop me a line to tell me about your experience (gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com). 

If you haven't, you might want to consider branching out in that direction. In the dating world, it always pays to be open-minded and try new things--so you can cross paths with new people!

7 SECRETS OF "FLIRTING" IN THE DATING WORLD

Not a flirt? Neither are most of my clients or other folks in the dating world. I certainly wasn't when I was "out there" trying to meet other singles. But I learned what those who have the most success connecting with new people do to get conversations going that can later lead to dates. 

Here are some tips:

1. Make eye contact - Everything starts with effective eye contact. You need to hold your gaze longer than you normally would—at least 2 seconds--and then look away. Don't  overdo it. There's a fine line between sending the "Hey, I noticed you…let’s talk" signal and the "I'm a creepy stalker" signal.
2. Smile - You want to convey that you're warmhearted, fun and approachable by smiling NATURALLY - at the friend you're standing with, at the people around you, at the bartender when he hands you your drink, etc. If you radiate friendliness to everyone around you, others get the message that, if they approach you, you'll be friendly and welcoming to them too.
3. Open with something playful - You can't go wrong with a lighthearted, fun comment. For example, at a dog park, you could say: "Your boxer is totally snubbing my pug! She can't help it if she snorts." Or, at a happy hour: "Oh...so you're a martini drinker? I've been warned about girls like you."  Just remember: smile, keep it light and be PLAYFUL, not biting or sarcastic. 

4. Ask questions about him/her - When you show interest in that person’s life, job, kids, hobbies, etc., he/she is flattered. This creates an instant attraction. He/she feels important and interesting and associates that feeling with being with you.

5. Laugh - A sense of humor is very attractive. If you laugh at his/her jokes, his/her 

confidence will skyrocket, and you’ll be more likely to start building the kind of 

connection that leads to wanting to spend more time together.

6. Reveal something unique about yourself - Maybe you have a talent like song-

writing, do awesome things for your community like building houses for Habitat for

Humanity, or are an aspiring scuba diver. These things will pique interest, intrigue the 

other person, and set you apart from the crowd. 

7. Pay attention to body language - Only 7% of communication is verbal; the other 93% is body language, including eye contact and tone of voice. Your actions speak louder than your words. Be aware of your own body language to ensure you send a positive message to new people you're meeting.

If you need some moral support or other tips about talking to new people at singles gatherings or other places, give me a call (267-245-3023) or email me (gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com). I love helping people feel more comfortable (and, ultimately, be more successful!) in the dating world.