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About.com 2012 Readers' Choice Awards


Monday
Apr162012

Top 5 Worst Pick Up Lines From Guys

By Alyssa Fleisher, Copy Cutie

Guys, we know you want to make a good impression when meeting a lovely lady for the first time. While being original can set you apart from others she may have met before you, don’t blow it by trying out a new pickup line you’ve heard — especially if you’re unsure of what a woman’s reaction will be. You don’t want to ruin any chance of future before you even get to know her! While the rule of pickup lines is to simply not to use them, if one happens to slip out, make sure it isn’t one of these. Here are the top five worst pick up lines.

1. Looks like you’ve got first row tickets to the gun show. While initial attraction is important during any flirtatious encounter, starting a shallow conversation about your muscle definition isn’t the way to go. And let’s be serious — this is only funny coming from anchorman Ron Burgundy himself. Put down the weapons and surrender because your guns are simply no match for anyone with common sense!

2. Just call me milk; I’ll do your body good. A word to the wise: not everyone likes milk, nor will they fall for this line. If a conversation leads to a night that ends with the two of you heading home together, let her find out whether you’ll do her “body good” herself. After all, what if you don’t live up to her expectations? Keep your milk in the fridge.

3. Are you a terrorist? Because you have great bombs (point to chest). This isn’t even cute in the I-sort-of-feel-bad-for-you kind of way. And considering recent history (or any history for that matter), this line will never be in fashion. 

4. Does this rag smell like chloroform to you? Just … no. Don’t be surprised if the woman hearing this runs away and calls the police. And let’s be serious — who came up with this anyway?

5. Great legs. What time do they open? If this is ever uttered out of your mouth, you may experience a slap across the face, along with redness and irritation, or feelings of embarrassment and rejection. If any of these symptoms occur, refrain from future use.

Did we miss any bad ones? Share some of the worst lines you’ve heard with us below!

Friday
Apr132012

Reading Between the Lines: What Your Online Dating Profile is Really Saying

By Paola Hernandez, Copy Cutie

Your online dating profile is a match’s first impression of you. What you say in your About Me or For Fun sections will contribute to whether or not someone contacts you. With that said, what you don’t want to do is scare people away from your profile. Make sure your info let’s you shine in the best possible light. If it doesn’t, you’re sure to turn away users that might otherwise be interested. Below are some lines we’ve seen in people’s profiles and the negative messages they’re sending to others.

On a typical Friday night I’m trying to get arrested.

Why Not?! No one wants to date a flight risk or a cop magnet. And if you’re trying to show off how “adventurous” you are, it’s not working. Limit handcuff use to the bedroom.
What You’re Saying.
You’re a risk taker and don’t think of the consequences. Or, you’re really bad at showing sarcasm online.

I’ve been told I’m a decent musician, though I beg to differ.

Why Not?! Giving yourself a backhanded compliment to appeal to potential matches is instead doing the opposite: highlighting your flaws. Also, it shows that you’re insecure, which is definitely not sexy.
What You’re Saying. You lack confidence.

The first thing people usually notice about me is my bulge.

Why Not?! It’s TMI — especially in a first impression. Also, it’s just gross.
What You’re Saying. You have a perverted and/or sarcastic mentality.

Yes, I drank three bottles of wine and am looking for a fourth. Who wants to party?

Why Not?! Sounding like a complete lush isn’t flattering and gives off the same impression as posting drunk pictures do: trashy. Unless you’re only looking to have a good time, don’t expect people to take you seriously.
What You’re Saying. You love to party and it tops your list of priorities.

What I’m doing with my life? Living it, I suppose.

Why Not?! Vague (and somewhat depressing) answers to profile questions aren’t a good way to show you off. Without adding anything fun or interesting to the conversation, how do you expect someone to reach out and message you?
What You’re Saying. I’m a Debbie/Daniel Downer.

I am not what you would expect.

Why Not?! How do you know how others will perceive you before meeting them? Making assumptions about how someone will react to you is never the way to go.
What You’re Saying. I’m too lazy to come up with something more descriptive.

Ask me anything. I'm an open book.

Why Not?! There are some questions that just shouldn’t be asked right away; why would you invite others to dig into you personal life? While you want to seem like “an open book,” it’s something that just doesn’t need to be said.
What You’re Saying. You feel the need to reassure others about how inviting you are.

I’m a badass mofo. I don't need anything.

Why Not?! This sentence will drive away any potential match, who probably won’t waste the two seconds it would take to analyze your words.
What You’re Saying. That you’re completely independent and don’t need (or seem to want) to be in a relationship. To put it simply, you sound like a jerk.

What crazy statements have caught your eye when dating online? Share what you’ve read in a comment below!

Thursday
Apr122012

Mi Casa es Su Casa: Moving in Together

By Kristin Manganello, Copy Cutie

For couples, signing a lease together is a lot more than agreeing to a legal contract — it symbolizes a step forward in the relationship. But taking on the dual role of lover and roommate can be tricky, as dealing with practical matters like location and finances can add to simpler concerns, like what to eat for dinner. No matter how well you know each other, there will be an adjustment period while the two of you fuse your respective lives together. Here are four tips to help you smoothly navigate this exciting journey.

1. Improve your habits.  In the months leading up to moving day, both you and your honey should think about “the toilet seat” — literally. If you often forget to put the seat down, remember that your lover might find it inconsiderate. Moreover, work towards breaking the habit (and any other ones) in question. And if you’re the offended party, don’t give your partner grief if they forget every now and again. Realize that things like this aren’t such a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

2. Compromise.  You should never compromise your core values and needs, but when you're starting to share your life with another person you have to let go of at least some of the little stuff. So will your significant other. Maybe your sweetie would rather live sans TV but you can’t imagine living in a place where you can’t watch the latest episode of The Big Bang Theory. Talk about your differences openly and without judgment so that you can find solutions that you’re both comfortable with (like streaming episodes online).

3. Get acquainted with each other's hobbies.  You don’t have to adopt them as your own, but it’s good to participate a few. If your lover can’t get enough of video games but you haven’t played since Super Nintendo days, pick up that controller and give it a try. Remember: the couple that shoots digital zombies together stays together. How else will you find out if you can count on your lover in the event of a zombie apocalypse? All joking aside, showing interest in each other's hobbies is an easy way to create a comfortable, homey environment.

4. Practice makes perfect.  Until you sign that lease, use the downtime that you have together effectively. Channel your inner child and play house with your significant other. Go grocery shopping, pick out curtains and paint colors, or take up a domestic hobby and cook together. You’ll get a better sense of what’s important to each other and what your preferences are.

Once you’ve finally snagged an abode, you’ll possibly still face challenges. Incorporating everything you’ve prepared for into real life is easier said than done. For now, don’t get ahead of yourself. Moving in together is indeed a big step, but it’s still just one single step in a series of many.

What are some of your suggestions to make moving in together easier? Tell us about it in a comment below!

Wednesday
Apr112012

Fail to Fab: The Sense of Humor

By: Jess Downey, Copy Cutie

Fail: A few weeks ago, I went out with a guy I met online. While I sat at the bar, someone approached me and asked, “Do you come here often?” He then just stood there, staring at me. I was pretty sure it was my date, but I wasn’t positive if he knew who I was so I didn’t know how to react. When he noticed my discomfort, he introduced himself. After going on (and on) about how he was just joking, we bounced back from that snafu with small talk about music and movies. Then, he asked if I liked to work out. In true fashion I laughed and said, “Do I look like I work out?” Our chatter immediately turned to silence as he stared into his beer. In attempts to smooth things over, I talked about how exploratory walks in my neighborhood and using the stairs for the subway usually counted as my cardio. Still, he stared into his beer. The more I talked, the more obvious his is-this-chick-crazy? look became. And I’m pretty sure the only time he actually looked up was to make sure he emptied his cup. #Awkward

I’d love to say this date turned into a smash hit but we never got in sync. In fact, I’m positive the only laughter was mine … at my own jokes, that is.

Fab: As we saw in Zoosk’s study, humor is a big part of attraction. While not having a funny bone at all is probably a deal breaker, having different ones doesn’t always have to be. Sometimes, wit mishaps aren’t a matter of incompatibility, but a result of your date trying to be cute and charming — especially if you're on a first date.

When your jokes aren’t delivering the hit you expected, don’t push too hard with more punch lines. It looks desperate and it’s sometimes hard to come back after from this. Instead, try a topic change and let the funny flow naturally.

If swapping subjects doesn’t work, mix things up with a change of scenery. Instead of sitting at the bar trying to salvage conversation, do something. Go for a walk or find a lounge with live music. When you switch up the locale you provide a different experience, which can bring out different aspects of your date’s personality — and yours.

Some of us make jokes at our own expense while others don’t think that’s funny. At all. If your humor isn’t clicking, keep your date from feeling like a total idiot. Simply bow out gracefully at the end of the night.

Remember: You don’t have to think everything your date says is clever. But it wouldn’t hurt to give them a chance to redeem his or herself — especially if your jokes have fallen flat, too.

Tuesday
Apr102012

Best Fashion Pieces for Springtime Date Night

By Jessica Hartman, Certified eFlirter

It’s official — spring has sprung! It’s time to say hello to blue skies, warmer weather … and of course, a new wardrobe. Put away those dark, hideous bubble coats because this season is all about color! And of course, more skin, the perfect accessory for your next warm weather date night. Here are the top 10 spring 2012 trends for the ladies, straight from the runway to your first date!