linda answers:

Very easy situation. Though personally, I don’t think you should go to the movies with him for a first date. I think you should ask him to take somewhere else where you could really bond and talk to each other. When you’re at the movies, you obviously can’t talk to each other, so it really much of a first date. Maybe movie dates in the future, but try going to the beach or what not as a first. The park is even better than a movie.

But here are the tips you’ve asked for.

#1: Don’t be negative about dating. Why should a man pursue someone who isn’t happy? It’s ineffective manhandling to dump your dating disappointments on bachelor No. 3.

Romance Rule: Be a romantic challenge, not a mental health challenge.

#2: Don’t get tipsy. Always maintain enough sobriety to assess your date’s character. Practice restraint, and don’t have more than a drink or two when you’re out on a first date. Otherwise, how in the world can you possibly observe him and decide if he’s remotely right for you?

Romantic Rule: Always stay sober enough to remember how naughty you were the night before!

#3: Don’t talk badly about your exes. I don’t care if he cheated on you with your sister, don’t recite a laundry list of grievances about your exes. This will only make you sound unavailable at best, or worse, wounded.

Romantic Rule: We all have baggage. Keep it in the closet on first dates.

#4: Don’t spook your suitor. Now is not the time to point out your physical flaws. Only bring these complaints to people who can actually do something about them, and not to men who will now be forced to lie to you if they possess good manners.

Romantic Rule: Confidence is sexy! Sometimes, thoughts are for the inside.

#5: Don’t talk about your personal pet peeves. Although your therapist might get butterflies inside when you talk about how traumatized you are by the staggering number of germs that thrive in public restrooms, the typical male will be horrified. You’ll have violated the sacred air space of “romantic quality time” and these little monologues of strange pain will be as off-putting as if you started sorting unwashed laundry in a restaurant.

Romantic Rule: You already know all about you. Keep your problems to yourself and get to know him.

#6: Don’t chase your date. Never deprive a man of the thrill of the chase. Besides, it’s so much fun being caught! A woman can always initiate a first tea date, but after that, it’s up to a man to decide whether he wants to pursue you. Entice men, play with them, and then release them! Allow men to initiate and take the lead in moving your relationship forward.

Romantic Rule: When men chase you, they’re much less likely to fly away.

#7: Don’t keep squawking.

“Don’t feel pressured to try to fill up every second with meaningless chatter.”

If the conversation falls silent for a moment, don’t panic, just let it happen. Natural pauses are sexy, and body language can be so much more powerful than words. Slowly smile at him and breathe. You may be surprised when he blurts out in the middle of a deliciously pregnant pause, “Come here and kiss me!”

Romantic Rule: Remember, sometimes less conversation really is more.

#8: Learn how to leave. Anyone can be pleasant when they’re enjoying themselves, but the true test of character is how one behaves when terribly bored, or worse, treated shabbily. There’s nothing to be gained by suffering through a terrible date, so if you’re having an awful time, depart quickly and gracefully, without being rude. When you’re itching to leave, say: “Thank you so much for meeting me. I think it’s time for me to go on home, Jerome. (Smile) Take care.” Extend your hand for a quick shake, swiftly turn on your heel and depart.

linda answers:

Ask her if she WANTS to meet at the park, or someplace similar to that, someplace private yet still public and safe sounding. Most girls would like to feel like they’re safe and protected, its in their evolutionary genetic code.
This may sound stupid but find out what sign she is and go from there too. For example, if she is a Cancer then ask to take her out to eat because cancers love to eat.

linda answers:

>Avoid acidic and salty foods. Foods such as chocolates, peanuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat are high in arginine, therefore they should be restricted. Avoid tea and coffee. Eat vitamin rich diet. Your diet must include vitamin A, C and E. Zinc and iron are also necessary. Include garlic in your diet. Eat fresh food with high antioxidants and high complex carbohydrates. Avoid processed food. Eat lots of fruits and green leafy vegetables.

> http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/2403/1/Home-Remedies-For-Fever-Blisters.html

linda answers:

BE OPEN MINDED! College is a culture shock. This is the first time you are completely on your own so you have to be responsible. No matter what anyone else says, academics always come first. If you work hard you play hard. You will meet so many different people and experience new situations so whatever comfort zone you had in high school will be challenged. Be your own person. And don’t be nervous. Everyone is in the same situation as you so don’t feel like you’re the only one. Really pay attention to the syllabus because each professor has a different teaching style. And never feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to do. Best of luck! You will do great!

linda answers:

Hi Simi, congrats! You are right on track with picking out your month, but don’t choose a day yet! Find the venue you want, and choose a day based on their availability. Most places offer discounts on Sunday weddings or weekday weddings (weekdays are hard for guests to do).

Definitely sign up with theknot.com. Keep an eye on their checklist, budgeter, and clearance shop!

First find your reception hall. Pick your colors after (so they don’t clash), and search for a place to have the ceremony nearby (if you aren’t going to do it all at one location. It IS typically cheaper to do it all together). Look into some hotels, some of the less “fancy” chains like Holiday Inn might surprise you with how nice their event spaces are (in some cases).

Try to pick a place that does wedding packages, not only will this save you a ton of effort, but it can sometimes save money. A reception hall will contract with the same vendors each time, which means they get discounts. Many times, it is cheaper to book a wedding package with a cake and centerpieces included than to buy them separately yourself, but do the math and figure it out.

Good luck!