Tips Learned Along The Way With The Dating Scene

In 2011, I took the time to join Match.com and entered the so called "dating scene." I did take myself a little bit out of my comfort zone by doing so but have learned a lot along the way.

Below are some dating tips I have learned along the way while participating in the "dating scene:"

1) Listen to Your Date - I know this might sound obvious but not listening to your date can be a real turnoff! A good friend of mine mentioned to me once we are given two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we talk. Take the time to listen to your date and listen to the responses.

2) Look Presentable to Your Date - I understand that might sound obvious as well but try to have a neat appearance when meeting for the first time. On a personal note, I usually leave out my earring, wear a nice pair of shoes and shirt on the first date. You will want to make a good first impression and looking sloppy could leave the wrong impression or make it look like you are not taking the date seriously.

3) Be Polite to the Server - This one mainly applies to restaurants but also can apply to coffee shops and bars. Make sure you are polite to the person who is serving as your waiter, waitress, barista, etc. Being impolite or making rude comments to the server can be a turn off and your date may not want to go out with you again as a result of it.

4) Be Patient After the First Date - If you end up going out with someone you like, you don't have to send multiple texts or put in multiple phone calls the next day. It may be easy to be "Captain Text Message" or "Captain Phone Call" to get your date's attention but keep in mind that it's not the end of the world if you don't get a response right away. Keep in mind that the other person may be tied up with something else and may be waiting for a better time to return your text or call.

5) If Possible, Try and Meet Somewhere That Will Work for the Both of You - When setting up the date, try and find a location that will work out best for the two of you. Meeting at a place that is familiar to both of you and equal distance will make it easier to meet up.

6) If Utilizing Match.com or other Online Dating, Try and Have a Phone Conversation with the Other Person First Before Setting Up a First Date - It is easy to e-mail someone back and forth and set up a date that way, however, speaking to them can be very different. While you may be able to e-mail someone back and forth and keep a conversation going, talking to them may be a different story. You will want to find out if you are able to have a conversation with the person before deciding whether or not to meet up for a first date. You may find you can e-mail the person back and forth but can't hold a conversation.

7) Focus On the Person You Are on a Date With, Not Someone From the Past - Take the time to get to know the date sitting in front of you and try not to focus or spend a lot of time discussing an ex from the past. It may be easy to bring up a bad relationship but it may come across as whining to your date. Building a relationship starts with taking the time to know the person in front of you.

Who To Thank At The End Of The Year

It's no secret that the end of 2011 is coming to a close and many take time to reflect and look back on the year around the holidays. Looking at how far you have come can help you set your goals for the following year. Setting your goals for the upcoming year is useful but don't forget to take the time to thank those who helped you along the way in 2011. While sending out your holiday greetings, take several moments to thank those who have helped you personally or professionally during the past year.

When making out your list of people to thank, think of the following questions:

Who Really Helped Me Grow In My Professional Career During 2011?

Take a few moments to think of network contacts, people at work, or anyone else who helped you grow in your profession during the past year. Chances are, there was someone who helped you develop your skill set or helped you grow in your current position.

Who Really Helped You Grow As A Person In Your Personal Life?

I know I have a lot of people to thank in this category. A couple of friends of mine really helped me grow as a person in my personal life and I am grateful for the help they provided. Take a few moments to look back on those who have helped develop as a person. This may be someone who helped you with a personal relationship, be more comfortable with others or introduced you to a hobby.

Who Went Out Of His Or Her Way To Do Something Special?

Was there someone who included you in a special event? Was there someone who invited you to his or her wedding or let you be apart of the wedding party? Was there someone who went out of his or her way so you could participate in an event or hobby? These are some questions you can ask yourself when trying to come up with people for this category.