Dating

1) Do you speak Dutch?
Sure, it may seem a tad old-fashioned, but I don't think it's so prehistoric for a guy to buy a drink, dinner or even pay for the whole date. This is no time to play it cheap. If you are truly interested in the one you are dating, even if its your first date you don't speak Dutch.

2) How do you feel about dating a co-worker?
Mixing business with pleasure is a dangerous bet and office romances are risk-laden from the word go. Your place of employment may be the single best environment to meet and date new women. You already have lots in common. But how often do office romances work? And when it ends, what will your life be like? First of all, you want to know how your company responds to this kind of thing -- there are some companies that strongly discourage relationships among employees. If your relationship ends badly, will she tell HR you were making unwanted advances? Will you be peering around corners to make sure she is not in the hallway or break room? Avoiding the company picnic or Christmas party for fear she will flaunt her new love interest? Is this any way to live? One of you may need to leave the job if things don't work out.If after all this, you still feel that your co-worker is The One, what do you do? If you work for a big company, get yourself transferred to another department or facility. If that's not an option because of your profession or company size... quit, and get yourself a new job.

3) Do you enjoy watching sports or going dancing?
Her perfect date is dining out at an nice restaurant and then hit the dance club. While yours could be watching your favorite team play or a pay-per-view movie at home. Its always best to identify those things you have in common early on, as well as the things you don't.

4) Do you prefer spending time with family or friends?
You can tell a lot about a person just from knowing their family and friends. In addition to sharing as much time with the person you are dating, the more time you spend with her family and friends the more you know about the person you're dating. Who knows her best, but her closest friends and family members?

5) Have you ever gone on a blind date?
Whether it's a well meaning friend or family member looking out for your best interest, and setting you up. It's always best to be honest and upfront when meeting someone new. Don't mention your "ex." Its easy to tell when someone is still hung up or still hurt by a past love. Be yourself. Who knows where this relationship could lead? Who wants to spend the rest of their life being something or someone they are not.

6) Have you ever tried Online Dating?
Now relationships have a better chance of success if you meet online rather than through other avenues. The Pool of people you meet is much greater with common interests already set. Meeting a mate through the Internet was considered deviant -- maybe even dorky -- but now it's how many singles are connecting with long term relationships. Here is a short list of what to include in any ads you might place. It's not hard to create a profile that not only attracts more attention but produces more responses. It just takes a bit of creativity and inspiration. Start with a crafty headline. Use it to say something distinctive, as well as highlight your best attributes. Choose the right photo that compliments you and not someone else. Keep it interesting but be reasonable. Your profile should be both informative and entertaining. Keep it light, engaging and refreshing. Most importantly be truthful and have fun.

7) Have you ever been in love or do you believe in a Soul Mate?
Finding the answer to this question will tell you if this person really knows what love is and how strong are or were the feelings she may have had towards a past boyfriend.

8) Have you ever dated someone of a different race?
There are many who choose to share their love and life with one of another color, which is wonderful because love sees no color. Unfortunately, not everyone sees it this way and that includes family and friends. Remember that many people grew up in a different time and place. Many such adults remember when dating outside of ones race could result in violence. Thus some parents or relatives will not be completely accepting of this relationship. No one should date a person just because she has the same skin color as himself. Instead, dating should be linked to attraction and compatibility. Dating people of all races is a way to meet a lot of new people and experience new things and ideas, from food to the way you look at life itself. Everyone says stupid things. When you're in an interracial relationship you will hear more than you might expect, even from your partner. If you ask me, all women are special no matter what color or background.

9) To SMS or not to SMS?
As recently as five years ago, dates were invited and accepted over a much-anticipated phone call. Today, it's more likely that you'll be asked out via a SMS text message or email. Some folks actually find a person-to-person call too forward now, while others believe picking up the phone wins the pursuer extra points. My advice is to ask your date how they like to communicate -- simply expressing your interest in a direct manner goes a long way.

10) Can you name three things that are very important to you and your life? Are you a heavy or light sleeper? What is your religion if any? Ever been in trouble with the law? Are your parents still together? What are your pet peeves?
You want someone who is optimistic about their life and future. Asking the right questions can tell you a lot about a person. Start with some of these and you'll quickly know if you want a second and third date. Start by just trying to have fun, but be yourself. Questions are always best when they don't seem rehearsed. Timing is everything! There's no better way to get to know someone other than spending time with that person. The more time you spend the better, and all your questions will be answered in its proper time.

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