To make matters worse, Christian relationship advice isn’t easy to find. After all, the Scriptures are fairly quiet on the subject of dating. If you’re starting to feel lost, here are some things to keep in mind.

Don’t feel pressured!

You and only you are responsible for your behavior. Modern society can be pretty casual about things like club hopping and having “friends with benefits” and it’s easy to feel like there’s something wrong with you if you don’t want those things.

Don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong about maintaining Christian values, so don’t let anyone make you feel like “uncool” for doing so. Compromise your morals and not only will you be angry with yourself for it, you’ll end up with a relationship you’re not happy with. There really isn’t anything to gain from it.

Get a Christian perspective!

If you’re getting your relationship advice from a hodgepodge of self-help books and daytime talk shows, well, you’re bound to get confused. If you want solid Christian relationship advice, seek out material by and for Christians.

Advice on things like breaking up, dating someone of a different denomination or a non-Christian, and how far to take physical intimacy are all going to be a little different coming from a Christian than from anyone else. After all, that’s the whole point of Christian relationship advice. That’s not to say you should only read material written by Christians, of course. Getting a different perspective is useful, too. Just make sure you consider the source before you actually take the advice.

Hang out with other Christians!

Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But do you actually do it? If you want to date Christians, you’ve got to go where the Christians are. When you’re busy with school, work, and other responsibilities, though, it’s easy to forget to set a side time for that. You need to make a point of looking for Christian volunteer activities and fellowship groups where you can meet some new people.

Date for marriage!

If you’re dating because you want to find a life partner, dating specifically for marriage will save you both time and a whole lot of heartache. Keep in mind, too, that just because a Christian isn’t dating just for the chance to sleep around, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re dating for marriage.

They may just be dating to have some fun on the weekends. Don’t be shy about asking your date if they’re currently looking for “the one.” If they’re not and you are, you may want to stop seeing them and look for someone more marriage minded.

If you’re hoping to find a fulfilling, loving relationship with another devout Christian, have faith that there’s someone out there looking for someone like you, too. With a little determination and some trustworthy Christian relationship advice, you stand a pretty good chance of finding them.

Article source: HealTalk.com

Here are some tips to help you build better online dating profiles that will help you attract as many dating partners as possible.

First of all, you should be positive in your profile. Don’t complain about your work, your last flame. If you are positive, you attract people like a magnate.

Too many people use their timid ness about using online dating profiles services in a negative fashion. They say “I wasn’t sure about this, but…” This doesn’t leave a positive feeling for potential partners.

Next, you want to be unique. Too many people say they want “long walks on the beach at sunset.” Try to stand out. One way to do this is to use the word “because.” For instance, instead of saying you like country music in your online dating profiles, tell people you like the music “because it speaks to the small town boy that I am.” Go through your profile sentence by sentence and see how you can make yourself unique.

Don’t be generic. Everyone thinks they are honest, creative and spontaneous. Give examples of how you live these values in real life. Tell stories.

Don’t fill your profile with sexual innuendos unless you are prepared for a lot of one night stands. People who are looking for long term relationships are turned off by these comments.

You can also use your online dating profiles to keep people who you don’t want to date from contacting you. Be specific about what you want. Don’t be afraid to specify the age group, professional status, looks, and temperament of your potential date. Also, be descriptive. For instance, tell a man that you would like him to romance you by going to a farmer’s market followed by a stay at a bed and breakfast in a small, picturesque town. Spend at least one third of the profile specifying who you are looking for.

Change your online dating profiles often. Add photos and details of your life. This will push people who were on the edge of asking you out over the edge to actually do so. It will also bring people to your profile who might otherwise have missed you.

Think about the short introduction you would make if you were meeting someone at a singles bar. While you wouldn’t have the benefit of thinking about it ahead of time, you would try to impress the person. With online services, you do have the chance to think about it. That’s how come you can make the best of your online dating profiles.

For most dating services, women made up 40 percent of the dating pool while men made up 60 percent according to a recent survey. Also, men are more likely to pay for dating services with many paid programs allowing women to register for free while men have to pay a hefty fee.

Why is it that when it comes to a dating service, women are so reluctant to “put themselves out there?” It boils down to women not wanting to be seen as the aggressors in a relationship.

Women want to flirt, to be teased, to have a little bit of a dance before a date is made. On a dating website, these women have to come out and say “I want a date. Here are the things I want in a man. Here are the things I offer.” That’s too blunt for many women.

But that doesn’t mean that men should despair about using dating services. For instance, while many women won’t start by putting up a profile of their own, they may browse through the profiles men have created. Once they see someone who looks interesting, they may be willing to create a profile so that they can contact the person.

Further, while the odds are stacked in favor of the women, there are still a fair number of women in the dating data banks.

Here’s some advice about how to use a dating service. Women love specifics. Don’t blend into the crowd. A lot of men say they like walks on the beach at sunset. Instead, say something funny or different.

When you do make a declarative statement in your profile, use the word “because.” I like foreign films because they remind me of the time I spent in France as an exchange student in high school. I like anime because I love my inner geek. Not only does this explain your choices to your potential new girlfriend, it also helps you refine what you write.

But, you are not just writing about the things you have to offer in a relationship. You are also able to write about the things you want in a woman you are dating.

Too many men don’t take full advantage of this when using a dating service. Women aren’t helped by general terms like “no psychos please.” They need specifics too. They need you to weed out the women who you would never spend more than one short date with. If more women were confident that a dating service date would lead to a relationship, more women would use the service.

So, when using a dating service, women need you to be as specific as possible.

If you attempt to use one of the many dating websites online as part of your new strategy to find a kind of love that you never found, or a new love; then you need to consider these few, but important facets that are part of most dating websites online:

Your Photo

Your photo, most of the time, will be responsible for making your first impression on others at the dating website you choose to become a member of. Always use current pictures of yourself; it is also necessary that you try to make a good impression by posting the most flattering pictures you have of yourself. Your photos should capture your personality. It’s best if you can have a good mix of tasteful, candid, shots and professionally done photos.

Your Profile

Another major component of most dating websites online is a profile. You will have to determine the kind of information you would like to include in your profile. It’s important that you don’t treat your profile like a boring, autobiography. It’s best if you can keep your profile light, witty, and make yourself a tad mysterious. You want the other person, after reading it, to have a real desire to want to know more and to want to contact you.

It’s never a good idea to put false information in your profile, just to make yourself sound better. You should never start
a relationship under false pretenses. Remember, honesty is just as important as being witty and mysterious.

Knowing what Attracts the Opposite Sex

Most people who browse dating websites online are trying to find someone to get into the right relationship with; it is vital that you have an idea of what really attracts the opposite sex. By knowing this, you can better tailor your profile to attract members of the opposite sex.

Women, in general, are looking for men who are handsome, mature, confident, funny, stable, and interesting. Also; guys, at least have a clean, unwrinkled, shirt on in your photos. A little fashion sense can go a long way with women.

Men, on the other hand, in general look for women who are sexy, funny, smart, confident, and fun to be around. Ladies, while showing off in your profile picture in a bikini may bring you more messages than you can handle, it’s also not recommended. Do you really want guys who are after you for that proverbial one thing? You can be sexy, but tasteful and still have a lot of success with those browsing the dating websites online.

Man or woman, if your looks aren’t the best, don’t fret. It doesn’t mean you’re doomed. Your personality can go a long way. You’ll just have to put extra effort into what you write in your profile. Also, remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The more people you get yourself in front of, the better the chance you’ll find someone who thinks you’re the perfect match for them and vice versa.

As the new age of dating unfolds, don’t you think it’s time to give your love strategy a boost, by checking out some dating websites online to join?

When people see someone they like, sometimes the only thing holding them back from making an approach is the thought that maybe their crush isn’t single. Imagine this scenario:

An attractive girl sees a group of people standing across the room from her at a bar. She has her eye on one of the guys in the group, and uses the gazing technique to let him know she’s interested.

He’s a bit slow on the uptake or maybe just a little nervous, so she decides that maybe its time to go over there and give him an opportunity to talk to her. At the same time this occurs, she notices that her crush is standing next to another attractive girl, who seems to be part of the group.

This throws the question “Are these two together?” So should she stay where she is, or still go over to his area?

Personal Territory

It is a scientific fact that the closer two people are emotionally, the closer they will stand, sit, or lie next to each other. Imagine a bubble around each and every person. This bubble encompasses the person

and a small surrounding area. To that person, everything inside that bubble is ‘theirs’, and is known as their ‘Personal Space’. The size of this personal space varies a little from person to person but doesn’t differ to a great degree.

When two people are very close i.e. Lovers, Parents, Spouses, Close Friends, Children, they will stand for the majority within 1545 centimeters of each other. Only those who are emotionally close to us may enter this space and anyone else who enters may make the person feel intimidated and take a step back from the invader.

Touch and Personal Claim

People touch or lean against something that they feel is theirs. For example a person will sometimes lean on their walls at home, but wouldn’t dream of being invited into a stranger’s house then leaning on their walls. Lovers will hold hands, brush each other’s arms, or ‘tidy’ their partner up by brushing imaginary lint off their partner’s shoulder.

One of the most unmistakable signals made by women to show claim to a man is when she places her flat palm on his chest. Similarly a man will place his hand on his partner’s waist or back.

The key things to remember here is that we touch things that we feel are ours, and we do this in a variety of ways. Watch for the slightest touches, fingers, arms, or even feet.

When in the company of the opposite sex, the body language of both genders will change dramatically. Men will stand a little taller, no slouching or slumping.

He will also stick his chest out and suck in his stomach – this makes him appear more dominant, and happens automatically around someone he likes or has taken a fancy to.

If a woman takes a liking to the described man, she will respond to his gestures by drawing attention to her breasts, tilting her head, touching her hair, and exposing her wrists –thus making her appear submissive.

There are of course, more deliberate flirting and attraction gestures, but these are gestures made consciously, whereas the ones described above are automatic, and made subconsciously.

Attraction Gestures Used by Men

Compared to women, men don’t have a large repertoire of attraction gestures. When a man likes a woman, he will use gestures that emphasize his masculinity.

The common gestures used by men are the expanding of the chest, straightening of the back and pulling the stomach in. He’ll also adjust this clothing or touch his hair.

Men typically use their thumbs to display dominance and masculinity; subsequently a man will tuck his thumbs into his belt, pointing them at his crotch to emphasize his manhood.

Attraction Gestures Used by Women

Fortunately for guys, women send out a whole plethora of signs and signals to let him know she’s interested in him. Unfortunately for women, many men are slow on the uptake, completely oblivious to the signs and signals she is sending out. What makes things worse is that women sometimes send out mixed signals, to manipulate men into showing how they feel about her – this often leaves men confused and subsequently, they won’t try to approach her.

When a woman looks around a room and sees a man she’s interested in, she’ll often send a gaze his way until she catches his eye. During this first look she typically holds his eye contact for 23 seconds, and then she looks away. Women may then perform other gestures to show interest in her chosen guy.

A woman will use something known as the ‘Hair Flick’ around a guy she fancies. This gesture involves flicking the hair over her shoulder or away from the face. Even women with short hair use this gesture.

Another gesture to watch out for is the ‘self touch’. When a woman slowly and sensually strokes her thigh or neck she implies that if the man plays his cards right, he may be able to touch her in these ways too.

The limp wrist is seen as a submission signal by many men, and as such is used by women everywhere to make a guy feel that he could dominate her. The limp wrist gesture is often used for maximum effect when fondling a cylindrical object.

A similar gesture to the limp wrist is also used by women to reel in a man. This gesture is known as the ‘exposed neck’, and is exactly as the name says – the woman will tilt her head to one shoulder, exposing her neck to the man. This gesture is seen by men as submissive in much the same way as the limp wrist.

It is true that the body points to where the mind wants to go. The angles at which people stand when speaking to each other give us clues as to how they feel or where they want to go.

Open Positioning

Just like with palm gestures, when a person likes you or is interested in you, they will adopt an open body position. An open body position can be spotted by looking at the angle of their body relative to yours.

Typically in friendly encounters, the other person’s body will be pointing at an angle 45 degrees relative to yours – subsequently you’ll find that you’re body will be doing the same.

Closed Positioning

Closed positioning is used when two people want a bit of intimacy. Their body angle will change from the ‘friendly’ 45 degrees to 0 degrees, i.e. they will face each other. If someone uses closed positioning with you, it’s a signal that they like you a lot.

Try taking half a step forward, into their intimate zone – if they seem uncomfortable with this or they take a step back, don’t follow.

Leg and Foot Pointing

As stated in the blurb for this section, the body points to where the mind wants to go. Equally true is that a woman’s feet will point to the most ‘attractive’ guy in the room, and vice versa with guys on girls. This same principle applies to leg pointing. If you watch carefully, you’ll see that a guy’s knee will be pointed in the direction of the girl he finds most attractive.

We see these principles every day, for example when someone wants to leave a room, at the very least you’ll see that their feet point towards the exit.

There are 2 basic rules you have to remember when looking at hand gestures: Open palms (when you can see the palms of someone’s hands) suggests openness, honesty, and a liking, whilst closed palms(when you can see the back of someone’s hands) suggests that they may be hiding something, are closed to your ideas, or are feeling like they are in authority.

Classic examples of this are seen in every day life. When people are apologizing, they may say something like “I’m sorry” coupled with presenting their two open palms. The open palmed gesture is like saying “I feel comfortable around you, I like you, I am being honest, and I have nothing to hide.” If you see someone making open palmed gestures at you, take this to heart and read their other gestures to confirm how they are feeling.

Closed palm gestures are used frequently too. For example when a child is lying or concealing something they will hide their hands behind their backs, and when someone doesn’t feel like talking they will put their hands in their pockets – symbolizing that they are ‘closed’ and don’t want to talk.

Again it is important to bear in mind that hands in pockets may also simply mean that the person is cold, or something else. Remember to read all gestures in groups and context.

Arm Signals

In body language, the arms are known as barriers that are put up to protect a person from harm. Arms gestures are typically used when a person is lacking in self confidence, feels threatened, or just doesn’t want to hear what you are currently saying.

Arm gestures aren’t a definitive “I don’t like you”, however they do indicate when a person is having negative feelings towards you.

When someone is using repetitive negative arm gestures, coupled with crossed legs or ankles, you’ll know its time to change the conversation.

Crossed Arms over Chest

Both arms are folded across the chest – this is a universal signal used everywhere. Its meaning is clear, “I don’t agree with what you are saying, I am uncertain, I don’t like this situation”.

Self Hug

The self hug is characterized by one arm at a person’s side, and the other arm clutching at their elbow. As children, our parents or carers hugged us when we were feeling sad, uncertain, or tense. The self hug is an attempt to recreate the feeling of security we got from those hugs. A person using this gesture is likely feeling insecure.

Elbow Touching

Everyone likes to be touched. Interestingly, studies shows that people who touch others elbow are more liked than those who do no touching. I say elbows in italics because it is just that, elbows only.

The reason elbow touching is acceptable is because it is far away from the intimate parts of the body; touch a stranger anywhere above or below the elbow and their reaction may be a little different.

It is a fact that girls do more touching than guys, but equally: if a girl or guy touches your elbow it is a sure fire sign that they like you, and that they want your attention.
Joanne, thank you for making this available

Many people use fake smiles to make them appear approachable and submissive. A fake smile can be spotted because it involves only the jaw muscles working, whereas a true smile involves both the jaw muscles and the muscles around the eyes.

A true smile will often produce ‘crow’s feet’ around a person’s eyes, and the person’s teeth are usually visible. A true smile is an indicator that a person likes you, however there are many types of smile that we see from day to day – not all of them mean positive things.

The Tight Lipped Smile
A tight lipped smile is spotted frequently in every day life. It is exactly what it says on the tin – the lips are stretched across the face forming a straight line, and the teeth are not visible. The tight lipped smile is often used by someone who is hiding something that they don’t want to share with you.

It is a favorite used by women who don’t want to show that they don’t like someone. Most men are completely oblivious to the true meaning of this smile.

Sideways Looking Up
This gesture consists of a tight lipped smile coupled with the ‘Looking Up’ gesture from the ‘Eyes’ section in this Blog. Contrary to the meaning of the solitary tight lipped smile, this gesture is used mainly by women to convey that they like someone. This smile invokes the parental, caring instincts in men, who see the smiler as playful, and juvenile.

Ground Rules for Accurate Body Language Reading

One of the most common mistakes a rookie body language reader will make is to interpret individual gestures in isolation of other gestures.

For example, when someone rubs their left hand on their right arm it can indicate many things – negative feelings, sore arm, or maybe they are just cold – it all depends on the other gestures they are using at the time.

Another key factor is the circumstances under which certain gestures are made. A classic example of this is ‘the woman in the short skirt’, who sits with her ankles crossed tightly in front of her. Ankle crossing is usually associated with negativity and defense, however a woman with a short skirt may cross her ankles for certain obvious, necessary reasons – i.e. she may not be being negative, she may just be trying to stop people seeing up her skirt.

Remember that practice makes perfect. Body language isn’t always easy to read because there is often so much going on at one time that it’s hard to keep track of it all. My suggestion is that you take 15 minutes each day and dedicate it to reading peoples’ body language. This way in time, reading body language will become second nature.

What Do The Eyes Tell Us?

Often described as the windows to the soul, the eyes can give us great insight into the true thoughts and feelings of a person in any situation.

Dilating Pupils

When someone is feeling positive, when they like the company they are keeping, and when they hear something that they agree with, their pupils will dilate. When someone is feeling negative, when they don’t like the company they are keeping and when they hear something they disagree with, their pupils will contract.

Dilating and contracting pupils are known as ‘micro gestures’ – they cannot be consciously controlled and often go unnoticed by the untrained eye.

Although dilating pupils are often a signal that a person likes you, it is important to read this gesture in context. As we all know, changing light levels also affect how dilated or contracted our pupils become, low light will result in dilated pupils, and bright light will results in contracted pupils. Always look for this micro gesture and evaluate it against other gestures being used by the particular individual.

Looking Up’

Used particularly by women, this gesture involves lowering the head at the neck, and looking upwards at the other person. This gesture makes people appear more childlike, and evokes a parenting reaction in both men and women. If someone uses this gesture on you, it is likely that they’d like you to perceive them as ‘cute’ and vulnerable, i.e. in need of care.

Eye Contact

Making lots of eye contact is a way to show interest or respect. The more eye contact a person makes with you, the more that person likes you. Studies also show that even if you aren’t initiating the eye contact, the more you look into someone’s eyes, the more romantic and enjoyable they will find your company.

It is important to remember that making too much eye contact early on in a relationship can sometimes make people feel pressured and insecure. If you are trying to make a good impression on someone, build up a slight rapport first, and then gradually increase the amount of eye contact you give them.

Joanne, thank you for making this available