Want to approach the hottie you see at Starbucks with confidence? Marni Battista and Christian Anderson give you specific strategies and how-to advice to help squash those pre-approach nerves. Listen closely, and you’ll even get some great lines you can use today!

When standing in a circle of friends, OPEN UP the circle. Make sure that there is an entry point. Don’t hide behind the buffet table with a plate in your hand. And, last, PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY. If you are engaged in Facebook, texting, or checking your email men will not approach. Even if you are standing in a group of friends, don’t take out your phone. Practice leaving it in your purse until you are safely in the confines of a bathroom stall.

Here’ s the truth dignity daters; whether you want to believe it or not, is up to you.
All men are not jerks. Women are attracted to men who are nice, polite and respectful.

It seems, however, the most common reactions to the frustrations of dating come from a place of blame. It’s easier, somehow, to believe that what we have experienced is the absolute truth.

today you have the pleasure of getting inside the mind of Jason Miller, Chief Creative Officer of Peaceful Media. Jason has contributed two posts describing how to successfully identify and date “Mr. Elusive.” Mr. Elusive is different from “Mr. Quality Casual,” because he often states he wants a relationship yet isn’t willing to commit to exclusivity. He thrives on girlfriend privileges, often acts the part of boyfriend quite well, but will directly tell you he isn’t comfortable, or ready for commitment. Jason believes, however, that you can engage in a relationship with “Mr. Elusive,” if it is managed properly.

I went on no less than 100 Internet dates between January 2004 and February, 2009. I met my first post-divorce boyfriend on Craig’s List, experimented with Jdate, Match.com, Nerve.com, Plentyoffish.com., Elitemeeting.com, and more. I went on coffee dates, dinner dates, drink dates, hiking dates and dates that lasted less than 15 minutes. I even traveled to New York city to meet someone who, for the 10 day prior to our face-to-face meeting, I truly thought was my soul mate.

He wasn’t.

The Tough Girl also fears that if she puts her heart into the dating realm it will be most assuredly be broken. And as someone who has experienced heart break before, she is reticent to risk losing the new life she has built at the expense of a potential partner. In her core, she believes she will be hurt and that her tough exterior is the key to keeping her safe.

we discussed how Limiting Beliefs, which are things that you accept about life, yourself, or the world, and how it drives what kind of men and women you meet. Here are some examples of common Limiting Beliefs: “Men over 40 only want to date younger women.” Or, “All men/women in LA are superficial.” Or, “If I get into a relationship I will have to lose my independence.” If you believe these thoughts to be true, it is most likely that this is what you will create in your life.

It was difficult to leave him the following night. We had dinner in Laguna with friends, sneaking in kisses between the banter. I leaned into him, walking back to the car after dinner, planting bittersweet kisses on his neck. We kissed for nearly an hour in the car outside my house, my heart ricocheting off my ribcage as I wrestled with alternate feelings of elation then sadness before forcing myself to walk inside, alone.

When it comes to dating, women don’t want to waste time investing in a man who most likely isn’t looking for a long-term relationship. However, most often the tell-tale signs are camouflaged with good looks, being taken to a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant, or even consistently following thru on the basics such as calling when he says he will call, or arriving on time for dates. He will pick you up. He is polite, and respectful. These men, however, fall into the category of the MANimal Species known as: Quality Casual.

“Hah,” you say, furrowing your brow as you remember your last Internet date with the guy who looked more like George Jetson rather than George Clooney. This search for love is not fun, you argue. It’s disappointing. Frustrating.

Here’s the Dating With Dignity news flash this Labor Day, 2009: Dating could, in fact, be fun. Let me suggest two strategies to test this week as you launch into Fall.