A Newbie Guide To Matchmaking

Reality TV show First Dates reveals the ins and outs of matching potential lovebirds

We all have that one datable colleague who seems to be the perfect match to that single, lovelorn friend from college. Playing the matchmaker sounds like harmless fun, but setting them up without knowing what they want in a partner, or whether they have anything in common, might just put them in an awkward situation that you unwittingly helped make.

Without practice and experience, you might end up with more misses than hits that could have terrible consequences on your friendships. It would help to pick up a few tips from the pros, like maître d’ Fred Sirieix and his crew on Blue Ant Entertainment’s British reality show First Dates. Not only do they give romantic hopefuls a chance at love over cocktails and dinner, they also pair people based on their personality and what they’re looking for in a partner.

Five No-Nonsense LGBTQ Dating Tips To Ignite The Spark of Love

Romance shouldn’t be hard to find wherever you are in the spectrum

Everyone deserves a love story, but let’s face it: dating within the LGBTQ community isn’t cakewalk. This is especially true for those just coming to terms with their sexuality and are unsure where to start. There are a few options to kick off the quest for love, from LGBTQ-friendly bars to online forums and dating apps. Still, the experience can be quite nerve-wracking without some kind of guide. In the spirit of Pride Month this June, here are five practical tips from people’s experiences to help kindle the chance for romance:

First Dates Premiere on April 3 at Blue Ant Entertainment

First dates can turn painfully awkward if you don’t come prepared. Whether it’s how you’ll dress for the meet-up or how you plan to break the ice after the greetings, first impressions can determine your chances of going out together for a second time. So rather than just showing up with only sweaty palms and frazzled nerves, here are a few tips to help you maintain the interest of a date you happen to like.

Dating Dos:

Comfort over style. Going for something stylish is okay, but it’s best to dress for comfort so you don’t keep on fidgeting or feel self-conscious the entire time. To be safe, choose a basic look, like a button-up shirt for men or a simple blouse for women. After all, it’s better to show more personality on the second or third date once you both become more comfortable with each other. Also, make sure your clothes are clean and freshly pressed, not like it was pulled out of the hamper. For the ladies, skip the heels for flats so you won’t have difficulty taking a stroll with your date.