DATING SITUATIONS

In this series of episodes you will read about dating situations that can occur to anyone. After you read the dating situation please choose the ending of your choice. All endings will be reviewed, and the most popular ending will be selected and will be the opening background to Episode 2. It will give you an idea what the most common reaction in this situation is. At the end the Dating Coach will comment on the chosen option and its meaning in today's dating world. Keep coming to this page for more episodes and more insight on dating today!

Episode 1

Neil and Janet met at John's birthday party in the Market. He is John's best friend. She is John's sister. They are both 39. It was not the first time they met. But never before did they have the chance to spend so many hours together. At the party they chatted, they danced, and they flirted. Janet felt Neil could be the guy she was waiting for… Neil was excited about the prospects of taking Janet with him to visit his cousin in upstate New York. At 2:10 AM when most guests have left, Janet and Neil helped John clear the food from the table and get all empty bottles and glasses from the living room. They thanked John for a beautiful evening, wished him once again happy birthday, and were planning to leave, each driving back home. Neil lived in Kanata. Janet's apartment was a few blocks from John's flat.

This little anecdote has three endings. Please choose your favourite, and we will publish the most popular version.

A. Just as they were about to get out of the door Neil turned to Janet and excitedly asked her if she would like to come with him to NY the following weekend. Surprised and confused Janet instinctively said she was busy on Saturday, but inquired about Neil's plans for NY. He said his cousin Max has invited him to spend a few days at his chalet and that there would be about 10-15 people staying at his chalet on that weekend. Neil repeatedly said that Janet would have great time if she joined the gang since his cousin Max was very generous and his guests were always very interesting. Before parting ways they briefly hugged and Neil said to Janet that she could change her mind and let him know by Thursday.

B. Janet and Neil walked out to their cars in the street, and were exchanging impressions from the party. After a few minutes Neil said he had to get up early the next morning. Janet then quickly said that she had a great time at the party. Neil said he enjoyed the evening too, especially dancing with her which was great fun. They said good night to each other and went each to their cars. The next morning Janet called her brother John and told him she had great time at the party, and that she really liked Neil. She asked her brother to find out from Neil if he was equally interested in her.

C. As they were saying their goodbyes to John, Janet asked Neil where his car was. He said he parked it two blocks down the street. Janet, whose car was parked at her brother's driveway, offered to drive Neil to his car, and as Neil got in, she told him how much she enjoyed the party. They chatted for a few minutes and as they got to Neil's car Janet reached for her purse and took out one of her business cards, then gave it to Neil and said that it would be great to hear from him sometime. Neil took the card, smiling, said he enjoyed Janet's company, and that he would give her a call the following week, and got out of the car.

Should Janet go with John to NY? Would John ask Janet out on a date? Or will they be too shy to connect again? Please tell us where you would like the story to go, and in the next episode see what happens plus read Irene's advice to both John and Janet.
		I choose option
	A	B		C
		My gender
	M		F
		My age
under 25	25-35	35-45		45-55	over 55
	My Country

Because Dating Trends have so dramatically changed in the last 5-10 years, our perception of dating has also altered. Only 50 years ago and for many centuries, marriages were pre-arranged for convenience by social and financial status. In the second half of the 20th century a new pattern has emerged where people started choosing their partners. Two people met, they fell in love with each other, they became known as "going-steady", and there was a period of courtship, usually leading to marriage. A man courting a woman was a man seeking the affections of that woman in the hope to marry her. Nowadays, because sex has become so available and marriage has lost its appeal to many people, courting has become redundant.

So people don't court anymore; they date. And they may date for a very long time! If you consider that there are a lot of people who remain single until their 40's and even 50's, the amount of time you will spend just dating, (as in going out on dates, and hopefully getting to know the person you're dating), could sometimes be one third of your life! (Assuming you start dating at 20, remain single until 45, and die at 75). It is safe to say that in many cases singles don't get to the stage of long term relationships because their dating practices are wrong. Can you imagine dating for 25 years without knowing how to do this right?!

Dating Situations will help you be aware of what can be expected of you. That alone will increase your self confidence. Self confidence is one of the most sought after qualities in a mate! And perhaps, with a little courtship and some good old chivalry you could see more results and even start enjoying your dating experience... After all, no woman will chase away a gallant gentleman, and good manners always matter, whoever you're interacting with!