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Why Instant Chemistry can be a Big Mistake

Posted by Annie
Annie
I team up with single midlife men and women who are frustrated and disappointed with their search for love. I'...
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on Thursday, 01 March 2012
in Dating Advice

Are you having a hard time finding someone to date?

“There is no one here for me.” Lisa frowned as she surveyed the ballroom filled with hundreds of single men and women. “I know some of these guys. They’re all boring. I can tell just by looking.”

Lisa places a high value on charm and good looks. She’s horrified to see the pool of handsome, eligible men shrink as she ages.

She’s not alone. Like many women, you may have passed over men whom you have briefly encountered—or haven’t yet met. Perhaps he’s not your “type” or you don’t feel any chemistry.

He could be a nice guy who meets most of your dating criteria. But, you just aren’t that attracted when you meet him. And, maybe he's a little shy. So you never discover his intelligence, charming personality and sense of humor.

You move on, meet the next man to try on, and become frustrated because you can’t find an emotionally available guy who gives you the zing that you’re looking for.

Cindy is using a different approach. She met Ray a few weeks after she’d broken her foot, as she was crutching to get coffee in her neighborhood. He asked her if she would like help with shopping.

Their first date was spent in the aisles of Costco. They went for coffee afterwards and had an interesting conversation. We talked after they had gone on a few dates.

“He’s growing on me,” she told me.. “At the very least I have a new friend. As I get to know him, he’ll either become more attractive, or not. I’m in no hurry to find out. I’m not seventeen and being driven solely by hormones.” A few weeks later, she’s still enjoying their slow brewing romance.

Cindy is taking a win-win approach. She values Ray, whether he turns out to be a friend or a lover. If a romantic relationship doesn’t come of their connection, she’ll include him in her circle of friends, and perhaps he’ll introduce her to someone.

Like Cindy, most women discover that chemistry often develops as they get to know a man. When you like his personality, he is likely to become more attractive. Give yourself permission to go on a few dates and discover whether a connection begins to grow before you jump to any conclusions.oesn’t come of their connection, she’ll include him in her circle of friends, and perhaps he’ll introduce her to someone.

In our fast-paced, goal-oriented culture, women often want to have the thrill of instant chemistry—which often results in frustration when reality kicks in. Next time, why not try the slow-bake kind? It’s a kinder, gentler way to experience romance.

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How to Keep His Interest When You Say No

Posted by Annie
Annie
I team up with single midlife men and women who are frustrated and disappointed with their search for love. I'...
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on Friday, 06 January 2012
in Dating Advice

The art of saying "no" without hurting his feelings

Hi Annie, I'm a fifty year-old woman who just started dating after the end of a twenty-three year relationship.

The men I'm dating are becoming physically affectionate much too quickly. My last date wanted to hold my hand in an overly affectionate way. I felt awkward and uncomfortable, but didn't know how to handle it without hurting his feelings.

I need to allow chemistry to build slowly. How can I respond to this type of situation in a diplomatic way? Susan

Susan, Give yourself permission to move at your own pace. Expressions of physical affection are only appropriate if they are welcome by both participants.

Most men will respond well if you are kind, honest and playful when you tell them that they are moving too fast. Those who don't respect your wishes are unlikely to honor you in other situations; so it makes sense to interpret disrespect as a sign that you should move on.

Make the assumption that he's getting physical because he likes you. He'll probably respond best if you reinforce his romantic feelings as you set your boundaries.

I suggest that you use this three-step technique. You can use this method to deflect most unwelcome attention, but I'll use hand holding as an example.

The key is that you deliver it with a flirtatious smile and a friendly tone of voice. Say:

  1. "I really enjoy touching and holding hands in a romantic way. It's such a great feeling."
  2. "But it takes me time to feel comfortable when I'm just getting to know you. I need to take things slowly. I'm not ready yet."
  3. "I'm so looking forward to feeling like I know you well enough to feel the kind of chemistry it would take to make me comfortable with this. I'm really enjoying your company."

Keep smiling, withdraw your hand and change the subject, while you maintain the friendly tone of the conversation. The key is to discourage his action without accusing him of acting inappropriately. If you give him positive attention, let him know you like him, and signal that there is a possibility of mutually enjoyable physical contact in the future, his feelings will likely emerge unscathed.

Most men expect to be told "no" at times during courtship. The key is doing so in a playful, generous and compassionate manner. 

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He breaks up when she says no to sex

Posted by Annie
Annie
I team up with single midlife men and women who are frustrated and disappointed with their search for love. I'...
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on Thursday, 15 September 2011
in Dating Dos and Don'ts

She wants an emotional commitment before they sleep together

Dear Annie, Where can I meet a man who is not in a hurry to have sex? I tell the men I date that I need an emotional commitment beforehand. But if I don't sleep with them after a few dates, they break up with me. Stephanie

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Looking Good?

Posted by Annie
Annie
I team up with single midlife men and women who are frustrated and disappointed with their search for love. I'...
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on Thursday, 04 August 2011
in Dating Advice

Attraction: influenced by appearance

Attraction is visual, so if you're looking for love, make sure that you're looking good whenever you encounter people! This is easier said than done. The other day, I needed a locksmith when I was not looking my best.

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How to Decipher a Mixed Message

Posted by Annie
Annie
I team up with single midlife men and women who are frustrated and disappointed with their search for love. I'...
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on Friday, 10 June 2011
in Meeting new people

Chemistry on the dance floor

Recently, I met a guy and immediately felt a strong attraction. We danced a couple of times and chatted afterwards.

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Five Steps to a Charming (and Sexy!)Voice

Posted by Annie
Annie
I team up with single midlife men and women who are frustrated and disappointed with their search for love. I'...
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on Friday, 25 February 2011
in Science of romance

Dr. Carol Fleming, has generously offered to post information on how to improve your voice while I am away dealing with family.

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How fantasies can actually damage your romance

Posted by Annie
Annie
I team up with single midlife men and women who are frustrated and disappointed with their search for love. I'...
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on Monday, 25 January 2010
in Chemistry
Alyssa has her sights set on her coworker, Jeff. They are just friends, but she's spent a great deal of time thinking about what kind of a boyfriend he would be. She loves their lighthearted, flirtatious banter, and imagines that their romantic life will follow suite. She is sure that they will have an effortless, passionate love life, filled with humor and fun times.
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Why hasn't he called?

Posted by Annie
Annie
I team up with single midlife men and women who are frustrated and disappointed with their search for love. I'...
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on Thursday, 29 October 2009
in Breakup, rejection
Dear Annie, I met this wonderful man about a month ago. We had an awesome conversation - our connection was electrical. I can't remember having felt so in sync with someone... Anyway, as we parted, we exchanged email addresses, and he said that he'd love to get together for a glass of wine sometime.
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I don't want to settle

Posted by Annie
Annie
I team up with single midlife men and women who are frustrated and disappointed with their search for love. I'...
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on Saturday, 15 August 2009
in Dating landmines
Dear Annie, My friends keep telling me that I'm too picky. But when it comes to finding true love, I think that it's really important to get exactly what you want. I think that my marriage failed because I didn't choose the right person.
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How can you create chemistry with a friend?

Posted by Annie
Annie
I team up with single midlife men and women who are frustrated and disappointed with their search for love. I'...
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on Tuesday, 02 June 2009
in Chemistry
My friend likes the thrill of instant chemistry.  We keep telling her to get to know him first, as a friend - and that is indeed what they become-- just friends. She now has lots of male friends but still no one special.  Her husband passed away 13 year’s ago now and all her choices have been bad ones.  What can we do to help her find the right Mr Right. She is English - I think she needs an English man…..Suzie
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