Making The Connection: Tips For Getting Noticed

Chances are that you have had a wide variety of experiences in your quest for meetingnsingles. These can range from an event that yields several nice interactions and at leastnone offer to get together for a date, to going home feeling frustrated and convinced younare destined to be a dating failure.

If you had made a note of your mood, your general attitude, your level of comfort, (andnother related factors) after each experience, you would have some very useful information.
For the attributes you carry along with you to these social gatherings will have angreat impact on the outcome of each.

The following are tips for helping you to present the best you to others. As you read each,ndo a quick inventory of how you rate in that area. It's always helpful to ask friends tonweigh in with their observations. The more information, the better.

1. Present yourself as confident and in possession of a healthy self-esteem.

In general, people are attracted to those who appear confident and who feel goodnabout themselves. Certainly, this is a turn-on for you as well. If you feel desirablenand sexy, it makes sense that others will too.

If low self-esteem is a problem for you, this should be the first area you work on innyourself. It is not necessary to have over the top confidence, just a sense that younare someone that has a lot of positives to offer others.

Do some reading, take a class that teaches assertiveness and/or practice dailynaffirmations. Remember also that when you treat yourself with respect and adherento healthy boundaries with others, you will foster a healthy sense of self.

2.Be Yourself

NEVER try to be someone you are not. Not only do you come across as insincere, younalso will present as uncomfortable and make others feel this way right along withnyou.

Trying to be cool, aggressive, (etc.), generally just makes you awkward and unapproachable.
Relax, be natural, be the you that your friends and others who know and like you, seenand appreciate.

Think back to the times you have witnessed someone "acting" in a social situation,nand the general reaction of those around them. Then think about the people younknow who are good at meeting others. These are the people who present their truen(best) side.

3. Smile and Show Enthusiasm

Certainly you have encountered strangers who were sullen and appeared negativenand unapproachable. A smile can change all that.

Have an open and inviting expression. Make good eye contact. People are DRAWNnto others like this. Let that attractive stranger know you are open to meeting themnand happy to be there. If they have an interest back, this will pave the way for anfirst interaction.

If you don't feel like smiling it may be a good idea to sit this one out at homenwith a movie or a good book or a low-key get together with a good friend.

4. Present Your Best Appearance

Always make your best effort in your grooming and choice of clothing.
Attractive is just that. It's not about having beautiful features or a fantastic body.
It's all about presenting what you have in the best light possible.

This also includes presenting an attractive personality. Be friendly, not pushy.
Be open, not indiscreet. Have opinions, don't be a know-it-all. Always remember tonconsider others' feelings and needs. These interactions are not just about you.

5. Have Some Good Openings Lines Available

Hint: Natural conversation is best.

Some possible ones to consider:nn*Do you know so and so?
*I noticed you were enjoying the music a lot, isn't this a great band?
*Your drink looks good- what is it?
*I noticed you standing here alone and thought you may want some company.

Of course, the direct approach is ok too.
*Hi, I'm so and so, what is your name?

Remember that there are no rules anymore about who goes first. If you seensomeone who interests you, go for it. Just remember that they may not returnnyour feelings. Then you move away gracefully, look around for someonenelse that attracts you, and make an overture towards them.

Also remember that rejection is part of the process. If you let the fear keep younfrom taking that first step, you will greatly lessen your chances of meeting andnconnecting with compatible singles.