How to hit a home run in dating

Baseball Couple
Home runs are heavenly–in baseball and in dating.

Anyone who loves baseball loves this time of year. The new season just started and hope springs eternal, no matter how your team did last year. As matchmakers, we think baseball and dating have a lot in common.  We’ve even created an interactive presentation, How to Hit a Home Run in Dating.

As any ball player who’s just gone through spring training will tell you, baseball takes lots of practice–and lots of heart. (As they sing in Damn Yankees, You Gotta Have Heart.) So does dating. When we give our presentation, we tell singles two things right off the bat (pun intended.) We tell them that dating takes lots of practice. And it takes a willingness to open your heart. The heart is more than a symbol of love; it’s a symbol of dedication. A positive dating experience is much more likely if you really put your heart into it.

How do you do this? The answer starts with one important word: communication. Certainly, everyone communicates. It’s just that we all need practice in communicating well. When it comes to dating communications skills, it’s important to remember that you communicate with others all the time. Even when you’re not speaking, you’re still sending powerful non-verbal messages to your date. Today, with texting, emails and phone messages, communication takes many forms. It’s wonderful to have these options, but they also make communication more complicated.

During our presentations, we ask two people to “role play” a first date scenario. Participants watch them, then rank this “couple” on verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Are they dressed appropriately? Do they make eye contact? Do they ask questions? Do they speak positively? These are just some of skills that we ask participants to consider. Every time we’ve done this, our role playing couple finds skills they did well–and skills that could use improvement. It’s this sense of self-discovery that makes the presentation fun and illuminating, both for the couple and for the participants.

As part of our matchmaking services, we always coach our clients on effective communication skills.  Just like our presentation participants, our clients learn a lot about themselves. Everyone wants to hit a home run when they date. Even so, we know that–like the best baseball players–we all strike out sometimes, despite our best intentions. That’s why we’ll always follow up with our clients. As matchmakers, we give them everything they need to keep stepping up to the plate with confidence.

Baseball players always rely on coaches. If you’re a single in Miami or Boston, let Elegant Introductions be your dating coach. We’re also available to speak to organizations and groups. Contact us today or call us at 305-615-1900, and find out how we can help you or or your “team.” We can’t put a World Series ring on your finger. But if you want a wedding ring on your finger, we’ll do whatever we can to help you get it.

 

 

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.

Change is good for relationships—and for Elegant Introductions!

You’re not the same person you were when I first met you.

As matchmakers, we often hear this line. But here’s the thing: everyone grows and changes. It happens for many reasons, including parenthood, a new career opportunity, or sometimes just growing older and wiser. Yet, when it comes to their partners, many people forget this.

It’s especially smart to think about this when you start dating. Sure, it’s magical when that “first spark” ignites. Yet, for that spark to become a lasting flame, it’s important to realize that your partner will change. The more you expect and embrace change, the stronger your relationship will be.

This also holds true in business. Since launching Elegant Introductions in Miami one year ago, we’ve been astounded by the tremendous response. Already, we’ve helped more than 100 Miami singles on their journey to find lasting relationships. We’ve learned as much from our clients as we hope they have from us. Now, we’re taking what we’ve learned, and making some exciting changes of our own. You’re looking at one of them right now. Our website is completely redesigned with a fresh, contemporary look that reflects our mission to create exciting, fun, and meaningful connections for singles.

paul-revere-bostonWe’re also excited about another big change: we’re expanding into Boston! It’s a logical next step for us. We both have strong New England roots, and we know there are many singles there who want a personalized dating service like ours to help them find the right partner. If you know someone in Boston (as well as in Brookline or Newton) who is and single, please have them contact us.

We may be growing and changing, but we promise our existing clients the same level of commitment and personal attention they’ve come to expect from us. See, we’re not the same as we were when we first met you; we’re even better!

Whether you’re looking for your soulmate in Miami or in Boston, we’re here to help you. To learn more about Elegant Introductions, call Barbara and Nancy today at 305-615-1900 or contact us for more information.