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Physical
Do people judge a book by its cover? Like it or not, overwhelming evidence suggests most do. We hate to perpetuate stereotypes of beauty, but let's face it - looks matter. Sure, we've all heard those placating proverbs like "beauty is only skin deep", and "it's not what's on the outside that matters, but what's on the inside." Anyone want to bet that whoever coined these phrases had a "great personality"? Call us haters, but the first impression created by an individual is highly dependent on his or her physical prowess. The perceived impression results in a reactionary response affecting how a person is judged and treated, at least initially... and that's all it takes to make a first date go south in a hurry.
Before taking permanent refuge in your room, remember a few things that can help you compensate if you're not a trophy date.
Dating Development Tips: |
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Leverage your strengths
Keep in mind that even a beautiful mug and hot bod can't compensate for a horrible personality. During the date, make sure to highlight your exceptional features (e.g., your deep knowledge of fire ant mating rituals) so that your physical attributes don't become the supreme factor in your date's decision whether to see you again. While searching for a supermodel may be the goal for some, it won't be the determining factor of someone seeking a meaningful relationship.
Minimize your shortcomings
You may be bald, short, sport a ginormous nose, or have pheromones that smell like an aged salami. These are physical characteristics you simply can't hide. Nevertheless, we're sure you've seen ugly people accompanied by attractive individuals (No... there not ALWAYS escorts). What's their secret? They play up the positive features they do have - be it a winning smile, a great sense of humor, or a yacht in the French Riviera. Discover your greatest assets and guerilla market them like a Ronco product.
Cover the basics
Shower, use deodorant, brush your chompers, and run a comb through your hair. This basic grooming protocol is the price of admission to the dating scene. If you're heavy, would it kill you to drop a few pounds? If you're short, invest in some bigger heels. You get the idea...
Dress for success
We're not saying you need to don Armani and Boss 24/7, but putting on some decent duds every now and again will demonstrate you care about your appearance. Not to mention, people wearing nice clothes report much higher levels of confidence than those whose wardrobe consists of nothing but fat pants and sweatshirts.
Assess your physical health
Do you eat right? Do you exercise? Do you get enough sleep? Your dating mojo could be dramatically affected by poor health habits. Make improvements in these areas and you'll see huge returns on your investment.
Treat your body. Before your next big date, indulge in something that makes you feel more beautiful - like a new haircut or a soothing mani-pedi. It will help boost your confidence and bring you one step closer to loving your looks.
Consult a professional stylist
Stylists are experts who can help you polish your look. Hair, skin, nails, and even fragrances are details that should not be overlooked and stylists can give you the best advice for all of these.
Observe others
If you are looking to make a change in your appearance, look around you. Think of those people whose style and manner you admire and copy what you like. Collect pictures from magazines and take the pictures with you to consult with friends, personal shoppers, or stylists.
Practice good posture
How you walk, stand, and hold yourself makes a loud statement about who you are. Stand and sit upright with your shoulders back and head up. Force yourself to do this until it becomes comfortable. Even if you don't feel confident, you will appear to be, and give the impression of being in control, when you stand or sit tall.
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