It's Just Lunch :: The Dating Tips Blog

Stay Fit

Now that summer is past, get into the routine of heading to the gym.  Not only will you get in shape, but you'll meet other singles who are as into working out and staying healthy as you are.  The gym is a hidden singles spot in every city that is often taken for granted when it come to meeting people.  Most people go to the gym around the same time every day.  See someone special?  Be sure to go the gym at the same time for your next work out.  Leave your ipod at home and strike up a conversation when you are lifting weights or running on the treadmill.  If that doesn't suit you, take a class.  Most health clubs offer night time classes - a great place to meet other busy professionals after work who have similar interests when it comes to working out. 

Enlarge Your Social Circle By Trying Something New

The concept is simple:  the way to meet new people is to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. 

How about a dance class?  Learn to rumba, cha-cha, or ballroom dance.  Every city is full of dance studios offering classes nearly every day of the week.  Then take your new dance moves and spend a night on the town showing off what you've learned. 

Dancing not you thing?  Try a cooking class instead.  Classes are typically held in the evening and most cooking schools offer specials if you bring your friends.  Grab a group of friends and learn how to make something new too.  If you don't have anywhere to show off your new recipe, bring it into work.  You'll score points with your co-worker.  Plus who knows, they may rave to their single friend about what a fantastic cook you are. 

What's Their Biggest Turn-off?

A recent It's Just Lunch survey found that 56% of women say they hate when their date is more interested in the waitress than them and shows it.  When in comes to hygiene and appearance, 42% of men and 53% of women dislike when their date is un-groomed.  59% of singles agree that bad body odor is their biggest turn-off.  The survey also found that 71% of men would accept a second date with a women even if she displayed one of his pet peeves.  Women, however, are not as forgiving; only 42% would attempt a repeat date in the same situation.

What Should You Order On A First Date?

• 72% of women on the West Coast ordered red wine and49% of East Coast women ordered white wine, while 21% of Midwestern women prefer an ice cold beer on a first date.
• 31% of men order wine (64% of those men ordered red, usually Pinot Noir, hmmm... anything to do with Sideways?).  58% of single men will skip red and order a bottle of Chardonnay if white wine is their date's preference.
• 75% of single women would skip sharing a bottle when wine preferences differ from their date and insist they each get their own glass.
• Although 15% of singles order a mixed drink on a first date, the type of "mixed drink" varies by gender.  Men prefer Gin & Tonic or Scotch on the rocks as cocktails before their meal and wine with dinner, whereas women prefer martini's or Cosmo's as "mixed drinks" before and during dinner.
• 39% of singles pay $25-$40 on a bottle of wine on a first date; however Texan men save the extra cash to get their shoes shined and spend only $15 on a bottle on a first date.

Unique Summer Date Ideas

Sick of dinners and movies?  Here are some unique date ideas to try before summer wraps up.

• Go to an outdoor music festival
• Check out your local county fair
• Pack up a picnic and go for a hike
• Check out the animals at the zoo
• Get some healthy eats and beautiful flowers at the Farmer's Market
• Pick your favorite horse and place a bet at the race track
• Ride some roller coasters at your favorite amusement park
• Go for a bike ride and stop for some ice cream to take a break

The Quickest Ways to Kill a Conversation

A survey conducted by It's Just Lunch, the premier dating service for busy professionals found that 26% of men and 37% of women say one of their pet peeves is when their date talks too much and only about themselves.  Men and women also agree that it's better not to talk about your "ex" on a first date, 30% sat it's the quickest way to not get a second date.  Singles also think that the best first date conversations consist of getting to know what the other person likes and dislikes and what their hobbies are. 

Uplifting News for the Dating World

According to a survey by It's Just Lunch, 80% of singles believe that a relationship is more important than a career.

How to Decide What to Drink for a First Date

When their date says "I don't drink" , 62% of single men will order water or a soda and skip the alcohol with their date.  On the other hand, 41% of single women will order a glass of wine even if their date orders water only.   Something to think about the next time a date opts for ice water. 

Positive Thinking

It's Just Lunch has found that  45% of single men dislike when their date talks about her weight or newest diet.  Instead, keep the conversation fun and lighthearted.  Stay away from health issues or the latest fad diet you are trying.  Talk about something pleasant - your favorite hobby, the last book you read or your fondest childhood memory.  Let your date get to know the positives about you. 

Don't Drink and Date

Men and women agree, when the waiter asks if you want another drink, better watch your limit.  86% of U.S. men and 91% of U.S. women agree that 2 alcoholic beverages is the maximum on a first date, and one in five would not drink at all.