Dating can be one of two things...tons of fun or disastrous; you decide which one it is going to be. So what pushes ones experience to either side of the spectrum? How well you prepare for them. Stay with me...

Let's say you decided that this year was going to be the year in which you opened up your dating experiences. Maybe you recently divorced, ended a relationship or decided to dust off the cobwebs and come out of hiding (giggle). No matter where you were when you made the decision to date as a new "contact sport" being adequately prepared is key.

So how does one adequately prepare? I'm so glad you asked...

1. Take time to really understand who you are and what you REALLY want by...
2. Creating your Three Lists taken from "The 5 Phases of Dating" to assist you with identifying what you truly want and desire in another person - even though you are dating and not necessarily looking for a relationship, understanding what you want will assist you in passing up those people that will only be a waste of your time.
3. Utilize the information you learned at www.5phasesofdating.com on "How To Identify the Dating Potential of Another Person in 10 Minutes or Less" to assist you with purposeful conversation
4. Understand that every dating situation is not a potential relationship. Date for the fun of dating. Practice what you have learned along the way, try new outfits, new shoes, new types of people based on who you are today vs. what you've always attracted before.
5. Get you some business - meaning find something else to occupy your time so that you are not frantic/desperate and throwing off the wrong energy
6. Read "The Five Love Languages - Single Edition" by Gary Chapman - This book will assist you in getting clear on what YOUR love language is and how to finally articulate to the person you deem worthy of really getting to know YOU!
7. Get in touch with a Relationship Consultant or other professional to help you "grow through" your previous experiences so that when that person comes along that "fits" you are emotionally healthy enough to receive them.

Of course there are many other things you can do to prepare...but this is a short list and one that I know will get you started on your way. As with all books, they are written from the perspective of the author. Read their words, try them on to see how they fit, make adjustments if needed based on your personal preferences. The only way you' re going to attract "Mr. or Mrs. Right for you" is by getting very clear on what YOU want. And if it happens to be a "non-traditional relationship" according to societies standards...as long as it works for you and the person you are with...more power to you.