Holiday Love: Holiday Dating Tips

By, Celli Arenas

Tis the season to be jolly. Take your time getting to know new people, date, court, and find that person who adds a twinkle to your eyes. The holidays provide great opportunities to go out and enjoy the company of someone special. Dr. Helen Fisher offers the following tips:

1. “Family and romance don’t always mix. Be careful about including him or her in family holiday activities.” Unless you feel that both parties can mix well together, you may want to wait until after the holidays to have a meet and greet.

2. “Curb your generosity when buying your date presents or she/he may think you are more serious than you really are.” Remember it is the thought that counts. A nice scarf, bottle of wine, gift certificate for a mani/pedi, a nice candle or set of candles, are all thoughtful and appropriate for someone you are dating casually.

3. “Do something “different” with your date like a carriage ride, skating, sledding or driving.” Do something different. Definitely don’t do the office party, unless you are ready for the co-workers to start planning your wedding.

****Unique activities drive up dopamine in the brain and can stimulate romance.****

4. “Holding hands with your date can affect oxytocin levels in the brain and increase feelings of trust and attachment.” Kiss if and when you are ready. Lots of oxytocin involved, for sure.

5. “At holiday parties, introduce your date to your friends, explain who people are, how you know them, and then continually include your date in your conversations.” DON’T CALL YOUR DATE “A FRIEND”. If he/she is your date, be honest.

6. “There is a fine line between bragging and telling your date about yourself.” Let him or her get some airtime in the conversation too. Don’t hog the conversation talking about yourself.

7. “If you are drinking alcohol, be aware of how much you are drinking during your date.” Two is plenty; but, if you are driving try to space out your intake (drink water in between and no drinks for at least an hour before you drive). Trust me on this…😏

8. “Don’t listen to everything your friends and family say about your date.” You’re dating this person, not them. Remember, they aren’t in the relationship, you are. Unless there is physical, emotional, or financial abuse going on, keep your business to yourself.

9. “Be on time or call your date and let them know you are running late.” Everybody has things that come up, be flexible, but don’t be a doormat.

10. “If you have the holiday blues, try not to let it affect your date or consider waiting to date until after the holidays.” Keep it at home sad Sally! It’s time to turn up!