Despite recent comments in the media that dating is dead we here at nzgirl don’t believe it for a second!
If you’ve suddenly found yourself back in the dating pool after a long term relationship, we have some tips to help you ease your toes in the water…
1: Do… be yourself. Sure, be a more confident, outgoing version of yourself if you like, but there’s no point acting like a different person because that façade will be impossible to maintain if things get serious.
2: Don’t… look at the bigger picture too soon. You’re just getting to know this guy so you definitely don’t need to start judging whether he’s husband material or start asking him how many kids he wants to have before you’ve even finished your first meal together.
3: Do… send him subtle signals if you’re keen. Playing hard to get is just playing games so if you like the guy don’t hide it! But also don’t freak him out with declarations of your undying love – he’ll only run a mile!
4: Don’t… write off other avenues to meet people. The internet or speed dating may seem like scary ways to find someone, but you never know where love will blossom. An open mind will take you far, plus it gets you out of the circle of people you associate with, which can often be a good thing!
5: Do… date lots of people. If you’ve just come out of a long term thing you don’t want to jump into a messy rebound relationship with the first guy who comes along. Use this process of getting to know lots of people to help you really fine tune what you want in your next partner.
6: Don’t… feel like you need to sleep with a guy just because he bought you dinner! If you’re just not feeling it, don’t go there. And, obviously, if you do go there keep it safe. Please!
7: Do… leave if you don’t feel safe in the situation or really aren’t comfortable with your date. If you’re meeting someone for the first time make sure it’s in a public place and have a friend call to check on you (and give you an out if it’s really that bad!).
8: Don’t… drink too much. A glass or two of wine to take the edge off is good, slugging back most of the bottle is not! Not only will you talk without thinking, but it makes it easier to get caught up in the moment and do something you might regret.
9: Do… wear an outfit you’re confident in. This is not the time for that strapless dress you always spend the whole night tugging up! Choose clothes you know look good on you and remember subtle is sexy – so make sure your outfit leaves something to the imagination! Anya has some great advice on dressing for a date here.
10: Don’t… go too hard out. An afternoon coffee date is a great way to see if you click with someone and is much less daunting than a full dinner (especially if it turns out the conversation just doesn’t flow between you!).
Despite recent comments in the media that dating is dead we here at nzgirl don’t believe it for a second! 
2: Don’t… look at the bigger picture too soon. You’re just getting to know this guy so you definitely don’t need to start judging whether he’s husband material or start asking him how many kids he wants to have before you’ve even finished your first meal together.
5: Do… date lots of people. If you’ve just come out of a long term thing you don’t want to jump into a messy rebound relationship with the first guy who comes along. Use this process of getting to know lots of people to help you really fine tune what you want in your next partner.
8: Don’t… drink too much. A glass or two of wine to take the edge off is good, slugging back most of the bottle is not! Not only will you talk without thinking, but it makes it easier to get caught up in the moment and do something you might regret..jpg){kind=small}