“Dear Cheryl,” I get many questions on a daily basis throughout my matchmaking career. Three of the most frequently asked questions I get are as follows: Q: “If I go on a first date, and I don’t feel I am physically attracted to the person, should I even go out on a second date? Or should I tell him right away? A: When people meet, they want to have butterflies and hope it’s love at first sight. But that’s actually not the case. I always have a two date rule. I feel the first time you meet someone, there are nerves involved, and sometimes people feel they are on an interview. The second date usually people are more themselves, and you can see a different side of someone. So when it comes to attraction, there are 5 different types! As long as you have at least one of these, you should definitely proceed to a 2nd date! Look for either a physical, emotional, intellectual, romantic or sexual attraction. If you don’t have at least one of these, then thanking them for their time, and explaining you had a nice date but do not feel any connection and wish them the best of luck. Q: I have been out of the dating loop for a while. Is there any advice you can give me today for a first date? A: A first date seems very easy for some people that have been single a while. But sometimes when you’ve been out of the loop, there’s certain tips that you should remember: Ask questions to get to know each other, do not make it like an interview. And take turns talking. Sometimes being a good listener is most important. Do not talk about exes, reason for a divorce, religion, politics or medical issues on a first date. Dress to impress! You have one chance to make a great first impression! Cheryl Maida The Black Tie Club Women, always offer to help with the bill. Men, do not take her up on that offer! Men-always walk a woman to her car. If she saw Ladies, offering to pay for valet is a beautiful gesture. Women- always thank him! And when you get home, text him you’re home safely, and thank him again for the dinner. Be the date you want to have! Q: What types of pictures should I have on my dating profile? A: Pictures on a dating profile is what will capture the interest of others. Use as many full length photos as possible. Try to show hobbies and interests in your profile. Your pictures should tell a story about who you are.l! Try to display different types of looks, such as gym attire, a daytime look and definitely one formal picture. Minimize filtering as much as possible! And keep your pictures as recent as possible.! I always tell members in my database, every 4-6 weeks they should change up their pictures as well! Keep it interesting! Q: I have young children, and I don’t know whether I should list their ages on my dating profile. A: I believe there’s no point of hiding anything, but at the same time, everything doesn’t need to be disclosed either. I think listing that you have children and the amount of children is very important. Everyone has a different opinion as to what age of children will work for them. So I believe that could be a conversation after you start communicating with someone. You might hit it off so much, that having young kids won’t matter to someone. Other times, you may be in two different stages of life, where an empty nester might not feel someone with young kids would be compatible. But at least have that opportunity to speak with someone, before disqualifying anyone based on an assumption. COPYRIGHTED To speak with Cheryl and discuss your dating life, call us at: (561) 702-1419 80 | JANUARY 2024 | WWW.ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM
COPYRIGHTED WWW.ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM | JANUARY 2024 | 81