Food for thought – or what to look for on that first restaurant date

dining photoLet’s say you’ve met someone, and there’s a definite mutual attraction. Where do you go on that first date? Chances are, it’s a restaurant.

There are plenty of good reasons for this. There’s the food, of course. Hopefully, it’s delicious, but aside from that, it serves another purpose: it takes some of the pressure off both of you, because the focus isn’t entirely on the both of you. Automatically, it gives you something to talk about. Plus, no matter how busy we are, we all have to eat. Even if the date doesn’t go well, your time’s not completely wasted.

At part of our dating services, we always follow up personally with our clients after dates. That’s when we hear lots of restaurant stories. You can tell a lot about a person by how they act in a restaurant. So, aside from the obvious points about good conversation and physical attraction, here are some other things to look for.

How your date treats the wait staff

Was she kind and considerate? Was he too kind (like not wanting to “make a fuss” if the food’s not right)? Was she just plain rude? However your date treats the wait staff, chances are he treats others that way, too. This can be a good sign—or a warning sign.

How your date feels about sharing

Some people are very territorial when it comes to their food, and just the thought of someone tasting their order turns them off. This can be more of a personal tick than a bad sign, but it’s something worth noticing. On the other hand, if you both feel comfortable ordering and sharing different dishes, that’s a good indication of your willingness to try new things together. It can also be very romantic.

How your date eats—and drinks

It’s a given that if your date goes too heavy on the alcohol, things probably won’t turn out well. But notice how he eats, too. Admittedly, this makes lots of singles self-conscious on early dates, but that’s a good thing. It shows that they care about making a good impression. Say your date accidentally spills something she’s eating. Does she clean it up quickly and effortlessly? That’s a sign that she can roll with the punches. On the other hand, if he suddenly freaks out and thinks only about his suit stain, that can be a big red flag.

All this noticing can be a little overwhelming. That’s perfectly normal. Above all, it’s important to take deep breaths, and enjoy the experience.

And by the way, we at Elegant Introductions know great restaurants as well as we know sophisticated singles. That’s why, when you meet with us, we’ll even throw in restaurant recommendations if you need them. Just like you, we want that first date to sizzle—and not just the food.

If you’re looking to connect with other sophisticated singles, we’re here to help. To learn more about Elegant Introductions, call Barbara and Nancy today at 305-615-1900 or contact us for more information.

 

 

Handy tips for Jewish singles during Passover

Passover2Passover is right around the corner, and if you’re like us, you’re finalizing your Seder plans—if you haven’t done that already.

It’s a time of joy and gratefulness, as we gather with family and friends to celebrate the Jewish people’s victory over slavery and oppression. But it can also be an emotionally tricky time if you’re single and hoping to find a significant other. You might be slightly dreading the sight of lots of devoted couples at your Seder. Not to mention the questions:

So? Are you seeing anyone?

Or even worse:

Why AREN’T you seeing anyone?

We know. We’ve been there. We hear about this all the time from Jewish singles who use our dating services. So, gathered from our own experiences and expertise, here are some tips for navigating this potential minefield.

1. Start with the most important thing: self-confidence

Repeat this over and over: you are fine the way you are. This is the truth, no matter what others think. When you believe this, you can take those nosy questions with a grain of salt (or in Passover terms, a shmear of charoset.) Ironically, this is vital in your quest for a soulmate. We ask all our Jewish singles what they’re looking for in a partner. Self-confidence tops almost every list. If you come off as insecure, needy, or desperate, your chances of getting beyond that first date go WAY down.

2. Be a little nosy yourself

That said, there are some clever ways to continue looking for that special someone during Passover. If you’re going to a Seder, it doesn’t hurt to ask ahead of time if other singles are going to be there. You could even ask for an introduction if you’re feeling bold. If you’re hosting a Seder, think about some Jewish single you’re attracted to, and invite him or her to your Seder. You’re not asking for a date here, so the pressure’s off. You’re showing your concern and your big Jewish heart. You don’t want this very attractive Jewish single person to be alone on Passover! Even if they decline, you’ll win major empathy points that can make this desirable person take notice.

3. Find Passover events in your community and go!

Passover3We all know that Passover is much more than family Seders. There are community Seders, synagogue Seders, pre-Passover classes, you name it. Whether you’re in Miami or Boston, there’s so much going on! Find something that interests you, and reserve your spot. (Seriously, you should do this now, as many Passover events sell out quickly.) Chances are, there will be singles for you to meet. You just have to be open to that possibility. We’ve been involved in the Jewish community for many years, and we’ve lost count of couples who first met at Jewish programs and events. Think about it. You already have one important thing in common: Jewish community involvement!

We hope these tips help. Just remember: our people once wandered the desert for 40 years. They made the best of their situation, transforming a desolate wilderness and turning it into a community. They always searched for something better, and they never gave up. If they can do it, so can you!

Chag Sameach!

If you’re looking for that special Jewish soulmate, we’re here to help.   To learn more about Elegant Introductions, call Barbara and Nancy today at 305-615-1900 or contact us for more information.