By Nicole Lee from Weekender, edited by Mothership.sg

Forever alone?

Bid a fond farewell to your dating woes with these pro tips from Professor Jean Liu and Master Stylist Kyla Tan and co-founder of Paktor, Charlene Koh.

1. Find a dinner place with candle light/ dim lighting

No, not because both parties would look better with tricky lighting. It is because dim lighting has a calming, relaxing effect. It loosens up both parties and opens the conversation to something deeper, beyond the What-do-you-do-for-a-living chatter. But please do not fall asleep.

2. Meet your date at a place that promises an adrenaline rush

Did you know that it is best to meet someone while they are experiencing an adrenaline rush? When your date is experiencing adrenaline, it causes him/ her to see you in an instantly more attractive light.

This opens up a variety of places to meet a person. It could be the gym, in the park or at an amusement park. Or while jaywalking. Hurhur.

3. Always show interest

This is a given. Even if he is talking about the fabric of his shirt or mathematics equations, persist and keep on your million dollar smile.

4. Never talk about old flames

Kyla reminds us that it is easy to lapse into talking about a past lover. You will not realise it, but it will come to play, for example, when you realise how your date picks out all her green peas reminds you of of your ex. You may feel like mentioning it – don’t. This is not a kamikaze date.

5. Maintain eye contact

Prof. Jean adds that, for females, you can opt for a contact lens that accentuates the shine in your eyes. Serious. Watery, dreamy eyes mimic an dilation, which is the clearest sign of interest. And guys, her eyes are on her head, don't stray downwards.

6. Have quality conversation

This goes out to the women: try to stay on one topic. Yes, it is easy to meander and talk about shoes after talking about your new Birkin handbag. But men prefer to stay in one topic. As co-founder Charlene put it, “Men think in grids, try to not veer off the topic. Stick to one!”

7. Do not treat it like a business pow wow

You don’t have to whip out your newly printed name-cards and you don’t have to bring up work every three minutes.  You don't have to check your emails . And do not treat your date as a potential client. Do not try to sell her an insurance plan or a new health supplement. Please do yourself a favour and leave business out of it.

8. Sleep more, eat more veggies

Prof. Jean swears by a good night’s sleep and a well diet before a first date. There is a kind of radiance that only good rest and healthy food can exude.

Kyla adds that certain “pink-ish” foods such as beetroot and dragon-fruit helps bloom an effeminate glow on your cheeks.

But the most important tip...

9. Be yourself

Cheesy as it is, this is truly the most important rule of all. How long can you keep up with a facade? Might as well be yourself and be loved for it. Tricks and tips can get you so far – the rest depends on you.

You can do it.

Original article contributed by Weekender.com.sg can be found here. For more articles on fun, food, travel, and what to do in Singapore, visit Weekender.com.sg

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