James Preece, dating expert for new dating app Lovoo, offers his top 10 Christmas dating tips. Lovoo is a new location based dating app that allows you to be spontaneous and meet people near you via its live radar. Available for iPhone and Android.
Christmas on Female First
Why are apps becoming such an integral part of the dating scene?
Dating apps such as Lovoo are being used more than ever right now. They are usually free services that can allow you to find a date nearby in seconds. We all have our mobile phones nearby at all times and are becoming increasingly dependent on them. Dating apps are an extension of texting which most people are extremely comfortable with, so they are easy to learn to use. They can also be very addictive as they provide a quick ego boost each time you make a match. You only hear from the people who like you back, so there is no rejection either. This means they can be a fun way, less pressured way to find dates.
Why is flirting with people before a date effective?
Flirting before meeting helps build rapport much faster. It's the closest you can come to actually chatting and can speed up the dating process considerably. It cuts out all the timewasting and you can find out if you are compatible quickly. Flirting can set the scene before you meet up and makes your intentions clear. If you don't flirt then you'll probably find yourself stuck in the dreaded "Friends Zone". So flirting beforehand allows you to push the boundaries a little. You can say things that you might not normally be able to get away with in a face to face environment!.
Why are people keen to set up dates before they reach a destination?
This allows them to be spontaneous which is an important element of romance. We'd all much rather meet a partner by our eyes meeting across a crowded room, so this is the closest way of doing that. So rather than the usual long drawn out process that happens with online dating, singles already know that they are nearby and available to chat. You can find out where someone is and go and meet them almost instantly.
What are the biggest dating trends that people are engaging in at the moment?
Dating apps like Lovoo are extremely popular. There's also recently been resurgence in singles parties. Speed dating was a novelty a few years ago but the cost put people off from doing it more regularly. However, there are now more free singles events taking place. This brings larger crowds of singles together in a bar environment which is a fantastic way to meet more people quickly.
What are your tips for creating the perfect dating profile?
Your dating profile is your chance to really sell yourself and tell the world why they should date you. So you have to take the time to shine, stand out from the crowd and avoid writing the same dull things everyone else does. The perfect profile is two thirds about you and one third about the person you want to meet. You should talk directly to the person reading so it's easier for them to connect with you. Avoid negative statements as you want to be seen as a happy, positive person that would be great company on a date. So never complain and talk about the things you are want rather than what you don't want. Talk about the interests you are passionate about and what makes your world spin. Ambition is a very attractive character trait. Above all, you MUST have a fantastic photograph or you'll never get anyone even reading your profile. This is especially true when it comes to dating apps as decisions can be made in a split second. Get some professional shots taken for maximum impact and remember to smile!
Please give us some hints and tips for dating over Christmas!
The Christmas period is a fantastic time for dating. We all in great moods and in the party mood thanks to the festive cheer and time off.
- Accept every invitation to attend Christmas parties. You never know who you will meet! Dress in an outfit that makes you feel sexy and use the hosts to introduce you.
- Join an online dating site. The Christmas holidays mark the start of the peak dating time which goes on through New Year and up to Valentine's Day. This is time when people are most optimistic about dating, making a fresh start and meeting new people. So make sure you have your profile up and ready to make the most of this.
- Don't worry if you are single. The darker nights can make people feel lonelier and it can hard if you don't have someone to enjoy Christmas with. However, it's your chance to have some fun and you are free to do anything you wish.
- Be creative with dates. Don't just go for coffee or cocktails - do Christmassy activities like ice skating and hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire. A little effort and imagination can build the romance and make it more likely you'll see them again.
Can you tell us a little bit about you?
I'm a leading Dating Coach and Dating Expert. I'm a trained actor and I used to host at singles parties as a way of making extra money. I realised I loved doing this so started hosting for all the other big speed dating and singles companies in London. As a single guy, this was also a fantastic way of meeting women! Within a few years I'd dated hundreds of women from the parties, online dating and from my acting. So I learned exactly how (and how not) to date from my own experiences and from helping and observing others. I help coach 100s of singles fined love year which is extremely rewarding. I did eventually meet and marry my very own Miss Right, which I always say is my biggest "Dating Guru" qualification.
For more dating tips from James, visit his website www.jamespreece.com
@JamesPreeceGuru