First dates get all the glory. Our anticipation, worry, excitement and fears can all culminate into this highly-charged situation we experience with a veritable stranger. But after all is said and done, (and the date's over), the decision to go on a second date isn't always as cut and dry as we'd like it to be. In today's disposable society, we're certainly in danger of making rash decisions, throwing the proverbial baby out with the bathwater, not to mention judging others too harshly when they don't live up to our preconceived image of the perfect mate. But since we're dealing… more

We all know how important compatibility is in growing relationships; some might even argue it's the most important factor in building a successful partnership. But how many times have we heard things like, "They're really nice, but there was no chemistry..." The chemistry between two people is impossible to measure, hard to define, but can be just as important as compatibility in a couple's success. So how do you measure something so intangible before really committing? Here are some subtle signs to help you know if you've got chemistry...

Initial Signs of Chemistry During a Date

1. You Don't Know… more

We all know that being in love can put us on top of the world, but what happens when we love someone and our affections aren't returned? Unrequited love can be one of the most painfully confusing relationship issues we go through. It can be all-consuming, disappointing - even devastating, and 100% unhealthy. Trying to understand why someone doesn't feel the same way we do when our feelings are so strong can result in a sort of emotional paralysis, stopping us from moving forward with our lives. But even when there seems to be no relief in sight, there are… more

Like the song says, all you need is love. Ever notice that when you're in love everything else doesn't seem as hard in life? Work is less stressful, people are less irritating, and we tend to be just generally more content and positive. We spend a lot of time thinking, hoping and wishing to find love, not to mention searching, dating, losing and then searching again. And with so much societal emphasis put on it, with so many things seemingly beyond our control, it's easy to subscribe to the theory that love is chance, happenstance - that it's elusive. More… more

So you've met this really great person. They're smart, funny, attractive - you can't wait to get to know them better. Then they tell you something you weren't expecting - they've got kids. Suddenly, things seem more complicated. It's not like you have anything against children, in fact you want your own someday. But getting involved in a ready-made family wasn't in your plan...

The world of dating can be a complicated place. As more and more people are divorcing or getting married later in life, you will almost inevitably be presented with the possibility of dating someone with… more

We all know it, we've all been through it, and the song says it: Breaking up is hard to do. One of the most difficult things we encounter with the break-up of a long-term relationship, is not the ending of the romantic side, but the ending of the close friendship that has built between the two of you. When two people spend so much time together, they learn to share everything, from time, to hardships, to joys. They often become each other's best friends. Staying friends with an ex can be complicated, given the history and unique dynamics involved. However,… more

Communication is probably the most important tool we have when it comes to co-existing with others. Not only does it alert us to the needs and feelings of others, but self-expression is an absolutely essential factor in our own individual happiness. When communication isn't running smoothly, our relationships suffer, resentment builds, misunderstandings ensue, and we can feel bottled up, unheard, and frustrated. Early on, we're taught certain styles of communication, which are modelled after our parents. These styles are not always the most effective or healthy, and can get carried into our adult lives, wreaking havoc on our primary relationships.… more

Growing older is something none of us can avoid, but for some reason that doesn't seem to stop us from feeling surprised and/or depressed when it starts happening. We look in the mirror, shocked to see fine lines and grey hairs, our bodies taking on new unfamiliar shapes before our very eyes. We start to see technology and trends pass us by and we feel disconnected - we're becoming our parents! To make matters worse, when we're single, we tend to notice aging even more, feeling out of place in such a youth-oriented media. But as Mark Twain said, "Age… more

First dates can be like a journey into the great unknown. We're (hopefully) excited about the all the possibilities, and at the same time, we can't help but imagine all the potential things that could go wrong. We all like to be a little prepared prior to new situation, and though we can't predict the outcome of a first date, we can certainly have a few things in mind to keep the date moving forward in a positive way.

First Date Tips to Help you Click

1. Arrive Alive. Showing up for your date with enthusiasm and a smile… more

Oh dreaded Valentine's Day! Let's face it: when you're single, it's not the most enjoyable thing to be constantly reminded (through every possible media outlet) that you don't belong to a couple. But like every other holiday that's exploited beyond its meaning here in North America, the key is to remember and honour the essence of the day! Once we get suckered into believing we're "less than" because our experience doesn't mirror what the media tells us it's supposed to, we've lost the plot. Valentine's Day is about honouring love. It's a chance for us to let the people closest… more