This time of year Fireworks may seem like a fun activity and taking your date to a fireworks display can also be a great opportunity to share an experience, cuddle in the cold or seek out a cheeky kiss.
But if you have a dog or other pet, it can be a scary time.
Keeping your pet happy is important
Think about whether it is OK to leave your animal at home when there are fireworks outside. They may need you at home if they are likely to be scared or nervous.
What Can you do to help your pet?
Play your dog Firework sounds
Some say soothe your dog or offer treats so they associate fireworks with treats. But the best tip is to acclimatise your pet by playing them firework sounds through your sound system all year round. There are plenty of videos of fireworks on YouTube.
Play these sounds gently at first and during normal activities like meal times, cuddle times or during a game of fetch. With any luck they will ignore the sounds completely. You can then gradually turn the sound up.
Search on Youtube for “Firework Sounds” “Firework Desensitizing Sounds for Dogs” etc.
I have found this to be a really helpful strategy. My dog completely ignores fireworks.
Happy Pet – you can then enjoy Firework night with your date.
A “coffee date” is often something our members do before a “real” date. The idea behind a coffee date is that you’re in a neutral location, often somewhere public. You have the chance to really talk, which gives you the opportunity to get to know someone a bit better. Unlike a date, there is no pressure to present yourself a certain way. This leaves room for casual conversation or intense questioning, if that’s the direct you end up in. Neither of you are trying to impress each other, you’re just getting a feel for each other’s personality. A coffee date is used as a screening test to determine compatibility.
If you hit it off, that’s great! The next step is making plans for a more serious date. If you don’t get on then perhaps it’s time to rethink your strategy.
Since there is no pressure on a coffee date, it should be easy enough, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case and you can find your date turning into a disaster. One of the most common mistakes on a coffee date is talking about relationships (exes, relationship goals, etc). Although it’s not a “date”, you still have to follow basic dating etiquette. A potential love interest doesn’t want to hear about previous relationships, whether they are good or bad. If you only have negative things to say about a previous partner, you sound bitter. If you only have positive things to say, you sound hung-up. You don’t want to give your date the idea that your heart/head is elsewhere. Instead, avoid the topic of past relationships altogether. It’s best to keep a coffee date light-hearted.
You are encouraged to ask questions and get to know each other. That is the whole point of the pre-date coffee date. The best subjects to talk about are hobbies & interests, things you’re passionate about, music & movies, etc. These are easy questions to answer and they provide enough information about each other. You can really get to know a person through the things they are passionate about.
The secret to making coffee dates work is to view your “date” as new friend instead. This should help to take ALL the pressure off for both of you. By allowing a more casual interaction, coffee dates give you more opportunity to express your authentic self. If you’re prone to making cheesy jokes, go for it. If your favorite outfit includes 3 different patterns, wear it. You’re not trying to impress anyone, which actually makes you more likely to be impressive.
You are just two human beings enjoying conversation over coffee. Doesn’t that sound easy?
The most important thing to remember is to follow the direction of the conversation. There are always going to be awkward silences. You only need to worry when they are frequent and long. If you find you have to manually steer the conversation, that could suggest you don’t share enough common ground. It never hurts to have conversation starters in the back of your mind. This can help get the conversation flowing again. If you’re both having a good time, sharing stories and laughing together, you’ll be seeing each other again soon.
When you’ve known someone for a long time, it’s usually easy to buy them a gift for the holidays. You know enough about what they like and don’t like. But if you’ve recently started seeing someone new, you’re likely at a loss for the perfect gift. After all, you don’t know much about each other yet. You’re not sure of their hobbies or interests. You have no idea what they would want for the holidays. You don’t want to ask because it puts them on the spot. You can always opt out of getting your new partner a gift, but you want to make a good impression, right?
This is your guide for buying your new partner the perfect holiday gift:
Let their social media guide you
You can tell a lot about a person from their social media accounts. Look at the type of content they post, especially when it comes to Facebook posts. People often share videos or make comments about products they wish they owned themselves. You can use that to find something your new partner will adore. With Instagram, you can see the type of hobbies your new partner is interested in. You can also see what your new partner already has and hopefully avoid buying a repeat gift. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use this trick if you haven’t exchanged social media information.
Choose something simple
When it comes to a new partner, you don’t want to get crazy with gift-giving. That means you don’t want to buy them a pile of presents and you don’t want to spend a fortune on a single gift. You can usually get away with something simple when it’s your first holiday together. If you do opt for an expensive and dazzling gift, you may scare off your new partner. He/she may believe you are moving too fast with the relationship.
Personalised is always a prize
It is never a bad idea to get your partner something with his/her name on it. This is a fun gift idea that works for any occasion. It’s rarely expensive, but always appears thoughtful. Of course, you need choose a gift that falls into your partner’s interests/hobbies. If you choose something random, your partner may think you aren’t serious about the relationship or getting to know them. Opt for something you have seen them use or you believe would be useful.
Choose a gift that represents your relationship
This gift idea depends on how long you’ve been seeing each other. If you’ve only gone on a few dates, this idea won’t work. If you’ve been seeing each other for a few weeks or even months, this is a great idea. You can choose a gift that symbolises your first date. You can choose a gift that represents something you both have in common. This gift doesn’t have to be store-bought either. A handmade relic of the relationship may be significantly more sentimental to your partner.
Of course, the best way to choose a gift for your new partner is by listening to them. Since the holidays are approaching, they will likely drop a few hints about what they want. If you pay attention to these subtle clues, you’ll be able to get them the perfect gift!
If you haven’t got a partner yet, it’s just a case of sending out some some messages on our dating site and going out on some dates. There’s still time!
Well, we’ve come to the end of our 12 dates of Christmas series. Oh yes we have! (Oh no you haven’t)
For this one, we’ve saved the best until last. Why not book up a pantomime and bring your fuzzy childhood memories flooding back?
There’s nothing more festive than seeing celebrities singing, dancing and telling rubbish jokes. You’ll both laugh together and your single days will soon be….behind you.
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
Unless you live somewhere cold and hilly, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to visit a real ski lodge. However, much like ice bars and igloos, there are ski lodges opening all over the place.
Decorated to give you that “alpine” feeling, they are a wonderful place to sip wine and get to know each other. They are cosy and you can try seasonal drinks such as eggnog or hot chocolate with a shot of your favourite tipple.
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
Everyone loves afternoon tea. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is as it’s a dining experience that makes you feel quite special.
Lots of hotels do their own version during the winter filled with festive treats including mince pies and Yule Logs. Take your date to one, preferably in front of an open fire.
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
Everyone has their favourite Christmas Movie. Maybe it’s Elf, Santa Claus the Movie or Home Alone. Find out what your date likes and take them to see it on the big screen. There are lots of outdoor cinemas scattered over the UK that show the very best films. Don’t worry about the cold as you’ll get blankets and heaters. It really does make for a fun and unusual experience!
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
Kew Gardens really goes to town at Christmas. It’s heavily decorated with baubles, lights and even singing trees. It’s the perfect date to walk around peacefully and take in the sights.
If you don’t live anywhere near Kew Gardens then don’t worry. There’s bound to be somewhere similar near where you are. Have a look for stately homes, gardens or even parks. You’ll soon find one that’s appropriate.
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
Wine Tasting is a great way to have fun getting to know each other while learning something new at the same time. You’ll get the chance to try five or six different varieties, usually along with some nibbles too.
As it’s the Festive Season, do make sure you include a glass of Mulled Wine too! It’s the perfect way to warm up the cold winter nights.
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
Ice Skating is always a very popular dating idea. There are rinks popping up all over the place and it’s the chance to try a fun outdoor activity, often with great scenery.
Many people are put off as they find it hard to do or don’t want to look stupid. This isn’t really an issue though as you’ll probably be the same position. If you keep falling over you can grab hold of your date and you’ll have something to laugh about. If they are a better skater then they will enjoy teaching you to how to skate. It’s only for an hour so you’ll soon improve anyway.
Do remember to warn your date to wrap up warm and have somewhere to go to after – perhaps with a log fire.
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
Ice bars are a wonderful place to meet for a first date as they are different to your usual pubs and clubs. You are only allowed to visit for a limited time and you’ll be given a warm coat to wear once you are inside. When you visit, you’ll discover the whole bar has been carved out of ice. There might be sculptures or artworks for you to enjoy.
Entry usually includes at least one drink which is served from an ice luge. You’ll enjoy a naturally “ice cold” cocktail while talking to your date.
Afterwards, you can go to a warmer bar nearby or why not go for a hot meal to continue the evening?
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
The London Lights are turned on each year in areas around Oxford Street and Regent Street. They make the streets look so much more beautiful and give the shops a really Christmassy feel.
Of course, there are Festive lights all over the UK in every high street. Blackpool and other seaside towns compete to have have the best ones so if you are near there you can meet nearby and enjoy them.
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
The Asian Single Solution absolutely adore Winter Wonderland. The biggest one takes place each year in Hyde Park, but there are small versions in other major towns in the UK.
For one month only, Christmas is brought to life in this spectacular event. There are lots of fairground rides, shows and activities for you to walk around during your date. It really does make you feel very special in such a unique atmosphere
Do keep in mind that it can be quite expensive and the food/drink is often quite overpriced Budget for this and then it won’t spoil your fun. Think of it as a charge for admission to such a magicial display.
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
If you want an instant talking point, you can find Christmas Markets in many high streets. They are usually copies of European markets, with lots of pretty lights and wares to buy.
No reputable market is complete without it’s own hot dog stand. Bratwursts are a very popular delicacy and they usually have a variety of the sausages available.
Take a stroll around you’ll find homemade goods and lots of art and crafts. This could be candles, paintings, perfumes or Christmas cards. Maybe you can buy each other a small trinket as as souvenir?
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
As a bit of Festive Fun, we will be giving you 12 fun dating ideas over the next few days. You can use them for inspiration for when you go out on dates with members of the site.
Idea One – London Igloos
You might not have realised, but igloos are popping over all over the place. These are modern little outdoor bubbles that give you the chance to meet someone in a fun,private environment. You can see the stars at night and eat or drink to your hearts content. With some you can try fondue together if you fancy it.
Don’t worry, these igloos are heated and many also come with blankets just in case you get a bit chilly. We think they are the perfect romantic environment to warm up your love life. If nothing more, you’ll have a great night to remember for years to come.
They are extremely popular so if you are interested you will need to book up early. They sell out very quickly each year so if you don’t want to miss out start planning today.
If you have your own Christmas Dating Ideas please do add a comment to this blog. We’d love to share the most original ones.
