There are always images of beauty beyond our reach. Twiggy, Farrah, and Christie...these were the icons of beauty as I was growing up. I was pretty lucky. As a blond, I was part way there. But at age 13, when I compared my body to Twiggy, I was in for problems. I was short and overweight, and so I began a ‘flirtation’ with dieting. »more»

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Last year Newsweek ran an interesting article on online dating for middle age adults. Among the interesting points:

According to Jupiter Research, 15 percent of Internet users between the ages of 45 and 54 browsed dating sites last year—almost as much as the average online user. »more»

Jane Ganahl is a 50 year old single mom who has penned the "Single-Minded" column for the San Francisco Chronicle for the past five years. She is also a "determined romantic" in search of her perfect soul mate, one that is "enlightened, not crazy, creative guy who is not about money, but successful enough to be able to afford a weekend in Mendocino." Her column was a frank account of her often frustrating social life and formed the basis of her book, "Naked on the Page: The Misadventures of My Unmarried Midlife". »more»

I compare my philosophy of dating to visiting Baskin-Robbins where I ordered vanilla for 20 years (maybe it was Rocky Road at the end!). While I enjoyed vanilla, I want to try new flavors. And I didn’t want to jump from vanilla and make a commitment to butter pecan without having tasted a little pistachio, chocolate, mint chip, and more. »more»

Your date is pleasant and cordial, not a jerk. But there are signs that there won’t be a second date. »more»

I’m dismayed that I even have to write this post. After all, I date midlife (37-64 year-old), successful, educated men. You would think they’d have enough common sense and common courtesy to know what to do — and not do — with their cell phones on a date. But some apparently don’t, as I’ve been tempted to educate them with the following. So if the guy you’re dating (or dated) has had cell phone lapses, send him this and tell him he needs to shape (and hang) up. Or if you see some of your own habits listed here, take heed. »more»

Often men say they are romantic in their online dating profiles. I’ve learned this means different things to different people. One may think that calling every day is romantic, while the other is expecting regular cards, letters, and candle-lit dinners. »more»

When I first started dating, I asked my dating friends, "How do you greet someone upon first meeting?" Shaking hands seems so businesslike. Doing nothing seems cold and aloof.

I've settled on a quick hug. Since I've often been flirting with potential suitors by phone and email for at least a few days if not a week or more, I feel they aren't strangers. Heck, if I'm at a church service, I hug people I've had much less contact with! »more»

Recently I've had six dates with a guy, but only one passionate kiss -- on the fifth date! Before that I got pecks hello and goodbye. I began to wonder if he thought of me as a pal -- or worse, his sister! But he treated me and touched me in ways that said otherwise. I'd think, "This guy just doesn't like kissing," but before we even met he asked me if I liked to kiss and I said yes. So I don't think that's the problem. »more»