Hey Beautiful people,

The dating game has changed a whole lot to where people are so so wary of meeting people or it is just to hook up. Over the past few months dating has come up a lot more in my life as I attempt to meet people in Dallas area. I tried Tinder for 3 days, Plenty of Fish for a couple of weeks and recently Meld and for my personality I have a hard time connecting with worthwhile guys. Met a few but no real connection.

I recently heard about a girl that went on a date and was murdered and of course that makes me nervous however, that doesn’t mean that if you go on a date with someone you meet online is going to murder you. It really trips me out when people say, “See you all need to stay off of those dating sites and let the Lord lead you” (cracking up) or “You can’t trust people on those sites” or “There is probably a reason why they are online dating!” Truth is, people were getting killed long before the internet, and it is 2016- people live lives where it can be difficult getting to know people!

One of the best ways to meet someone to date is through friends and family. But that is hard too because if it doesn’t work out, sometimes it ruins your relationships with friends and family.

But just in case common sense does not run too deep with you or a loved one that wants to date in this wonderful and crazy world, here are some tips to help you stay alive on the first date.

1. Do not add them on your social media– Social Media is the devil when it comes to potential dating partners. If you are like me and like to post what you are doing, where you are at or where you are going at all hours of the day, then you may not want to add them and then all of a sudden you just happen to run into them the same place at the same time during their lunch break. Sometimes your social media has your location, turn that off!
2. Research them– Ok yes you do not want to be a stalker but if you just happen to find them in the public records, or their public conversations talking about “I am going to go see A&T” or photos of the unspeakable, you may want to consider different options!
3. Do not get in their car– meet at a public place in the daylight. I know it is romantic when they come to your door and open the car to pick you up on the date but times have changed. Movies are cool but it is hard to converse and get to know them when the movie theater says, “Silence is GOLDEN” First dates with someone you have never met are unproductive. I mean you do get to see if they are the type to talk back to the characters on the screen or they are the ones still on their phone without turning the volume off.
4. Tell your friends the info– Give them the place, the time, when you get there, when you are leaving, their name, their number, the picture they sent you so that you know you are not being catfished! I know it is hard these days with everybody in your business but your life matters friend and they care about your wellbeing.

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      5. Trust your gut- If this person is too pushy, too nosey, too forward or too anything for you, it is ok to not give them your           number or to not meet up with them. Be aware of those feelings and red flags. If they get mad, they will get over it! Don’t force       it just because you may think they are cool! If something makes you feel uncomfortable even for a second, trust your gut

     6. Double date– Sounds juvenile but group dates are cool still, I hope. Or if you have that type of friend that is willing to spy         on yall, that is cool too 🙂

These are just a few tips on staying alive on the first date so that you can have plenty more. Although times have changed, people still love to be in relationships and engage with people in hopes to build!

I have been on some dates and I thank God I am alive to write this post. Although, we are living in the hookup era there are plenty of Tinder and POF success stories!

For those who look down on people who date online, quit judging and pray that they find their mate and live happily ever after. If you are single, won’t date, judge those who online date, we are going to pray for you for a softer heart! 🙂

Happy Dating beautiful people.

What are some tips and advice you would give someone who wants to date in this era? Do you have an online dating success story? What are some ways to meet people on and offline? What are some of your struggles when it comes to dating?

If you care, please share! Thanks for reading!

Peace and Blessings
CicelyRenee