Embracing Growth and Reflection in Dating: A New Approach for the New Year

As the calendar turns, many of us find ourselves embarking on a journey of self-improvement, commonly known as New Year’s resolutions. While these resolutions often focus on tangible goals like hitting the gym more frequently or saving money, there’s one aspect of our lives that often gets overlooked: dating. Instead of setting rigid resolutions this year, why not take a more introspective approach by prioritizing growth and reflection in your dating life?

At South Carolina Matchmakers, we understand the significance of personal growth when it comes to finding meaningful connections. Rather than fixating on external benchmarks of success, we encourage our clients to delve deeper into their own emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Here are some ways to embrace growth and reflection in your dating journey this New Year:

  1. Explore Your Values: Take some time to reflect on your core values and what truly matters to you in a partner. Are you looking for someone who shares your passion for adventure, or perhaps someone who values honesty above all else? Understanding your own values will help guide you in finding a compatible partner who aligns with your vision for the future.
  2. Practice Self-Compassion: Dating can be challenging, and it’s easy to be hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Instead of dwelling on perceived shortcomings or past mistakes, practice self-compassion and kindness. Treat yourself with the same empathy and understanding that you would offer to a close friend facing similar struggles.
  3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Growth often occurs outside of our comfort zones, so don’t be afraid to try new things in your dating life. Whether it’s trying a matchmaker, trying a new hobby, or initiating a conversation with someone you find intriguing, pushing yourself beyond familiar boundaries can lead to personal growth and unexpected connections.
  4. Reflect on Past Relationships: Take some time to reflect on past relationships and the lessons you’ve learned from them. What patterns or behaviors have contributed to the success or failure of your relationships in the past? Use these insights to inform your approach to future connections and to avoid repeating past mistakes.
  5. Cultivate Authentic Connections: In a world dominated by superficiality and online dating apps, prioritize authenticity in your interactions with others. Be genuine in expressing your intentions and interests, and seek out partners who value authenticity as much as you do. Authentic connections are built on mutual respect, honesty, and vulnerability.
  6. Focus on Personal Growth: Ultimately, the most fulfilling relationships are those that complement and support our own personal growth journeys. Instead of seeking validation or fulfillment from external sources, focus on cultivating a strong sense of self and pursuing your own passions and interests. When you prioritize personal growth, you’ll attract partners who appreciate and admire your authenticity and ambition.

This New Year, let’s shift our focus from rigid resolutions to a mindset of growth and reflection in our dating lives. By embracing our own personal evolution and nurturing authentic connections, we can create meaningful relationships that enrich our lives and bring us closer to finding the love we deserve. At South Carolina Matchmakers, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to finding lasting love.

Make Your First Date Fun!

 

Going on a first date can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people. The pressure to impress your date and make a good first impression can be overwhelming, and the traditional dinner date can add to that pressure. That’s why thinking outside the box and planning a more unique and fun first date can be a great way to break the ice and relieve some of that pressure. In this article, we will explore some out of the box dating ideas that you can try on your first date.

  1. Take a hike: Instead of sitting across from each other at a restaurant, why not take a hike together? This activity not only gets you moving and active, but also allows you to have some beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere to chat and get to know each other. Make sure to pick a trail that is suitable for your fitness levels and bring plenty of water and snacks.
  2. Have a picnic: Another great way to enjoy the outdoors and get to know each other is by having a picnic. You can choose a scenic location, prepare a delicious spread of food and drinks, and enjoy the sunshine together. It’s a low-pressure activity that allows you to relax and enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful setting.
  3. Attend a cooking class: If you both love food, then attending a cooking class together can be a fun and unique way to spend your first date. You can learn how to prepare a new dish together and then enjoy it as a meal afterwards. It’s a great way to bond over a shared interest and learn something new.
  4. Play mini-golf or go bowling: If you’re looking for a more active and playful date, then mini-golf or bowling can be a great choice. It’s a fun and casual way to spend time together, and you can show off your competitive side while enjoying some laughs and good-natured teasing.
  5. Volunteer together: If you both are passionate about giving back to the community, then volunteering together can be a great first date option. You can choose a cause that you’re both interested in and spend the day making a positive impact together. It’s a great way to see each other’s values and priorities, and it can also be a bonding experience.
  6. Attend a live music or comedy show: If you want to enjoy some entertainment together, then attending a live music or comedy show can be a great idea. It’s a low-pressure way to enjoy each other’s company while also enjoying the performance. You can even discuss the show afterwards over drinks or dessert.
  7. Visit a museum or art gallery: If you’re looking for a more intellectual and cultural date, then visiting a museum or art gallery can be a great choice. You can discuss the exhibits, learn something new, and enjoy each other’s company while surrounded by beauty and history.

In conclusion, there are many out of the box dating ideas that you can try on your first date. The key is to choose an activity that you both enjoy and that allows you to have fun and get to know each other without too much pressure. Whether it’s hiking, picnicking, attending a cooking class, playing mini-golf, volunteering together, attending a live performance, or visiting a museum, there are many ways to make your first date a memorable and enjoyable experience. So, get creative and have fun!

 

Tips for Dating Over 50 

Tips for Dating Over 50 

Age is a big factor in the dating world. When thinking of the major milestones in life, many singles will consider a certain age to be their deadline. As in, I’ll have met the love of my life by this age, and I’ll get married by this age, and everything will be all settled once I’m this age.

That isn’t always how it works out though. Romantic relationships can be unpredictable, life often takes sudden turns, and some people end up single in their 50s, 60s, and up.

Dating over 50 may not have been part of your plan, but it can be an exciting time to start a new chapter in life. All it takes is the right attitude and some smart strategies to build the relationships you deserve and desire. Here are a few tips for 50-somethings who want to make the most of their single status.

  1. Put Yourself Out There

We’re not getting any younger, right? So there’s no reason to spend time fretting alone at home if you’re serious about dating over 50. Go ahead and try all the ways you can to meet new people. Don’t be shy about getting out there. Follow your interests, and use all the resources you can find to help.

You’re not going to meet a partner while sitting at home. Go attend a book club. Download a senior dating app. Hire a matchmaker. Take action to put yourself out there and find the dating opportunities that are right for you.

2. Be Clear About Your Wants & Needs

One of the big advantages of dating in your 50s is that you have more of your lifestyle and goals established. You probably already know what suits you and what doesn’t when it comes to a relationship because you’ve been there, done that before.

Singles in their 50s often don’t want to waste time with incompatible dates and bad relationships, so it’s best to be honest from the jump about who you are and what you want.

If you’re looking for a long-term partner, then go ahead and say that. If you’re not ready to commit to a new person right away, then bring that up in conversation on those early dates or chats. Talk about your personal goals for senior life, and let your potential partner know what you have to offer.

3. Don’t Give Up

With the right guidance and tools, older singles should feel confident that they have date options at any age. Disappointments may happen along the way, but those should only be temporary roadblocks as long as you keep moving.

Whether you’re divorced, widowed, or never married, the modern dating world can offer you a fresh start and a lot of potential matches in the same age range – or younger, if that’s your preference.

Take your time exploring the different options out there and getting to know single people who fit your model of a dream date. You never know where the next conversation will take you!

Amber Brooks is chief editor for DatingAdvice.com and DatingNews.com. She has worked in the dating industry for nearly a decade and written over 1,800 articles about dating and relationships. Her insights have appeared in multiple publications, including the Urban Dater and The Washington Times.

Holidate to Remember

Holidate to Remember

When the weather outside is frightful, snuggling with your loved one is more delightful! The holidays are in full effect, and while your social calendar may be filling up with holiday mixers, office celebrations and Ugly Christmas Sweater parties, nothing beats one on one time with your love. Get ready to fa la la la in love all over again because we’ve prepared the perfect holi-date for you and your Santa Baby. 

First things first. Ask your partner what his favorite holiday movies are and add them to your lineup. We all have our favorites from child- and adulthood, so while you’re planning a special movie marathon, make sure your sweetie knows he’s being considered. There are so many genres and subgenres to select from, but we’re sticking to the romance and holiday theme. We’ve listed a few of the ones we can’t live without for inspiration. 

Holiday Romance Movies

  1. Best Man Holiday
  2. The Last Holiday 
  3. The Family Stone 
  4. The Preacher’s Wife
  5. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Holiday Favorites 

  1. Elf
  2. Holiday Affair
  3. This Christmas 
  4. Love Actually 
  5. Home Alone 2

Romance Movies We Love

  1. Love Jones
  2. P. S. I love you 
  3. Poetic Justice 
  4. The Notebook
  5. The Vow

*50 Shades Trilogy

Now let’s talk setting, food and fun. Movie nights usually consist of junk foods, dark rooms and plenty of pillows to go around. But with the magic of love in the air, we recommend adding a little Christmas spirit with decorations and plenty of mistletoe. Keep the room dark and comfy, but make sure your tree is lit or that there are lights hung to give the room a nice glow. Enhance the food table with a tablecloth and scattered candy canes, Forrero Rocher, Hershey’s kisses and seasonal Reese’s cups. You can even make naughty and nice cocktails. This romantic movie night can be as fun or sexy as you want it to be. Every couple is different, so keep an open mind and read-on for more ideas on how to make this holi-date one to remember. 

The New Couple

This pair is in the beginning stages of their romance. With only a few dates under their belt, this evening would be the kickstart to their intimacy. They don’t mind a little romantic ambiance, but they want to have fun and see where the night goes. 

Attire 

Plan to wear your favorite holiday shirt or ugly sweater and have matching Christmas socks you both can wear that night. Keep things fun by adding antlers or a Rudolph nose to your look and be camera ready for a not-so-impromptu photo-op during the slow parts of your movie. 

Food & Drink

Order in! Delivery services are a God-sent during cold winter nights. Spend more time with your date and less time preparing dinner. Decide what you both want, and have it delivered as soon as or before he arrives. If your takeout arrives late, be prepared with a meat or veggie tray and a bottle of wine. You can even make a few sugar cookie Jell-O shots beforehand to settle any nerves you and your new boo may have. 

The Casual Couple

This couple is all about comfort and joy. These two are in a loving, steady relationship but could really use a romantic date to relax and enjoy each other’s company. 

Attire

Wear matching pajamas! Now before you roll your eyes or stop reading because you think it’s a corny (but cute) idea, hear us out. It doesn’t have to be the holiday-pattern pajamas you see couples on social media wearing. While there are some nice, couple-friendly ones available, you can also wear a silk gown or shorts set and get matching boxers or pants set for him. There are tons of choices and all are easy to put on and take off! 

If your romantic pajama movie night gets a little boring, have a few games lined up to play. The whipped cream bubble gum challenge is a little messy but lots of fun; and there’s jingle bell toss (beer pong w/ spiked eggnog) or naughty/nice sensual couples’ games to add a little vava voom to your evening. Whatever you do, keep things fun and go with the flow of your evening. Spending time together is all that matters. 

Food & Drink

Have a smorgasbord of holiday goodies for you and your baby love. Your spread should include but not be limited to holiday Chex Mix, Christmas kiss cookies, popcorn, and your favorite pizzas. To make your stress-free movie night complete, have holly-jolly punch, peppermint cocktails or hot chocolate milkshakes prepared and ready at a moment’s notice. 

The Couple of Love Birds 

This dynamic duo has been in it for the long haul. They’re no strangers to intimacy but have fallen into a comfortable routine that rarely includes date nights. This couple needs a romantic night (or weekend) to reignite their passion for each other. 

Attire 

Surprise and seduce your love with a sexy outfit that will stop him in his tracks. Pair a Santa hat with red, black or white lingerie or grab a naughty Mrs. Clause costume. Either way, you want to make sure he won’t be able to keep his eyes (or hands) off you for long. Have a little something for him too. Santa boxers or peekaboo holiday-themed underwear are perfect options. 

Food & Drink 

Set the mood with frozen grapes, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne! Who says you need to wait until Valentine’s Day? Enjoy these sweet treats throughout the night. 

You lovers should start your movie night with a candlelit dinner. This can be steak and lobster, chicken Parmesan, stir fry or your favorite dish. The meal itself is less important than the ambiance you create. Make a playlist beforehand that includes your favorite slow jams and Christmas love songs—keep it playing through dinner. And for dessert? Well you of course!

During your movie marathon, you may want to give him a massage or have him rub your feet. With you in sexy lingerie and him half naked, you two may not even make it through the first movie without a little lovemaking—that’s one way to get on Santa’s Nice List.

A South Carolina Matchmakers Love Story

A South Carolina Matchmakers Love Story

Love is always something good and worth celebrating and this month we are celebrating one of our amazing couples!

Cynthia Greene, South Carolina Matchmakers Executive Matchmaker, got the great privilege of attending the couples nuptials. She was over the moon to receive an invite and reflects back on meeting them both prior to their engagement. “Shawne and Doug are a great example of two people who set their intentions clearly and then committed to the matchmaking process. In the very beginning Doug verbally told me, ‘I am looking for a serious relationship, I want to get married.’ He let his matchmaking journey be an adventure with each new match staying focused on the end result.” Shawne’s story wasn’t much different Cynthia explains, “Shawne had a great mentality. She wasn’t narrow-minded about her idea of Mr. Right. She was open to the process of meeting someone her matchmaker felt aligned with her personality, character, and lifestyle. They both remained very open about what they were looking for but both agreed that if the match was the one, the end result would be marriage. Flowers on the first date, meeting the parents, an engagement and the rest is history!

The excited pair planned a wedding weekend with their family, friends, and South Carolina Matchmakers, Cynthia Greene, said it was a day she will never forget. Open hearts and open minds are the holy grail of matchmaking. Of course, fostering those two qualities takes time and mindful effort. But together, the two can promote blissful connections and make our job as matchmakers fruitful and so rewarding.