Soul Mating

By Christina Laun

Whether you’re a few hundred or a few thousand miles apart, being away from someone you’re in a relationship with can be difficult. There are ways, however, that you can make long distance dating easier on you and your partner so you’ll both be happier and healthier. Here are a few suggestions we’ve come up with to help ease the difficulties that come along with dating someone living in a different zip code, state or even country.

General

Follow these basic tips to make your time apart a little more bearable.

1. Agree on an end. It’s nearly impossible to be in a long distance relationship that doesn’t have an end in sight. One or the other of you will eventually have to relocate. Figure out when you want this to happen and work towards keeping to this goal.
2. Schedule visits ahead of time. Give yourselves something to look forward to by figuring out when you’ll see each other next well in advance. The time will seem to go by more quickly and you’ll get the happy anticipation of a visit.
3. Lay out expectations. Don’t expect your partner to automatically know what you expect from your long distance relationship. Talk about what each of you needs in terms of talking and visits to feel happy.
4. Keep traveling equal. Unless there is some reason your significant other can’t travel, try to keep the visits between you about equal. That way, one person won’t feel like they’re shouldering so much of the financial burden of the relationship.
5. Have faith in your relationship. If you believe from the outset that your long distance relationship won’t work, it probably won’t. Have faith in the ability of both of you to make it work and take a more positive outlook on things instead.
6. Don’t take the other person for granted. Just because you won someone over in the first place doesn’t mean they are stuck with you now. Make sure you’re doing things and acting in a way that makes your partner want to be with you, even when you’re hundreds of miles apart.
7. Have something to look forward to. Whether you plan a vacation for two or just send a package or letter to your sweetie, having something to look forward to in the relationship can take a big weight off the stress of missing each other.
8. Maintain personal boundaries and limits. While your relationship should be important to you, it shouldn’t be the only thing in your life. Maintain some limits so that your time on the phone or the money you spend on traveling doesn’t get out of hand.
9. Set ground rules. If you’re going to make your relationships work, and be easier for the both of you, set some ground rules at the start. They can be related to how much you talk or visit or even whether or not you’re open to seeing other people.
10. Get unlimited calling plans. Anyone who’s been in a long distance relationship knows how much time is spent talking on the phone. After all, that’s all you have. So keep yourself from stressing about astronomical bills by getting an unlimited plan for your cell or land line.
11. Be flexible. It’s very important to be flexible when you’re trying to manage a relationship that may be taking place in two different time zones. Understand that your partner may not always be able to call or visit when you’d like, and work with it to fit into your life.
12. Create realistic expectations. When you’re in a long distance relationship it often isn’t fair to expect an unreasonable amount of phone calls and visits from your partner. Be realistic about what you can expect and you won’t end up disappointed.

Communication

Communication is key to making a long distance relationship work so give these tips a try.

13. Make time to talk. It may take a little rearranging sometimes, but it’s important to talk to your partner on a daily or fairly regular basis. You can share what you’re both doing and work at feeling close despite the distance between you.
14. Create a schedule. If you are having difficulty finding a time that works for both of you to talk, try creating a schedule of when to call. That way you’ll both know when to expect a call and you can arrange the rest of your day around it.
15. Take advantage of technology. Technology has made it easier than even for long distance couples to keep in touch. Use email, social networking, webcams and IM’s to talk to your partner when you’re apart.
16. Go old fashioned. Sometimes the most endearing methods of communication are the ones that have endured for years. Send your sweetie a love letter or a postcard to show your affections instead of a simple email.
17. Be open about your feelings. Don’t bottle up your feelings so that are just festering and helping you build resentment towards your partner. Talk openly about how you’re feeling, even if those feelings are negative.
18. Work on being a good communicator. Communication is about being good at talking and as listening. If you feel you’re weak in one (or both) of these areas work on strengthening your skills. Both you and your relationship will benefit.
19. Volunteer information about your life. Because your lives are so separate, it can be helpful to share as much information about your life as you can so you and your significant other feel as close as possible. Taking pictures of where you live and work can help as well.
20. Ask questions. Show an active interest in your partner by asking them questions. They can be as simple as asking how their day went or delve into your partner’s childhood.
21. Maintain a sense of humor. Long distance relationships can be difficult but it can help a lot to keep a good sense of humor about them as well as adapting a positive attitude.
22. Understand that miscommunications happen. When the bulk of your relationship takes place over the phone without the benefit of facial expressions and other body language, its inevitable that miscommunications will happen. Don’t let these erupt into huge fights. Be understanding and resolve them as soon as you can.
23. Be accessible. We all get busy with work, classes and other commitments but if you want your long distance relationship to flourish, make sure you’re readily accessible to your partner. They and you should feel like you can get in touch with each other whenever needed– within limits of course.
24. Reaffirm commitment. Being in a long distance relationship is a big commitment, just like any relationship. Make sure to reaffirm your commitment to the person you’re with. It will make you both feel more secure about where you stand with each other.
25. Don’t make assumptions. It’s easy to make assumptions about what your significant other is feeling, thinking or doing but many times you may be wrong. Talk out your concerns and feelings instead to make things more clear.

Relationship

Here are a few ideas on how you can improve your relationship while you’re in different cities.

26. Keep jealousy in check. Jealousy can ruin any relationship but it can be an even more common problem in long distance relationships. While it’s natural to feel a little jealous about certain situations, you have to learn to keep yourself from letting it take over your relationship. When you feel jealousy coming on take a minute to think about whether or not you have a valid reason to feel that way or if you’re just overreacting.
27. Work on building trust. Trust is a difficult thing for many people to find in a relationship but it’s even more essential to long distance relationships than close distance ones. Work on doing things that help build your trust in each other so you aren’t constantly worrying what your partner is up to.
28. Give each other room to breathe. Because you don’t get to see each other, there can be a temptation to overdo the calls, emails and other messages. Give each other time to do other things as well. You’ll be happier and have more things to talk about when you do call.
29. Keep it interesting. Surprise each other with little things now and again to keep things between you exciting. Plan a surprise trip, send them a sweet gift or even an unexpected card in the mail.
30. Give each other homework. Keep a little fun in your relationship by giving each other "homework" to complete. Send your significant other a list of things to do this week or month and have him/her do the same for you.
31. Do the same things. You can make the distance seem smaller by sharing experiences with your sweetie even when you’re apart. Watch a movie together, read the same book or any other interest you both share that you can do together.
32. Be creative. You don’t always have to just rely on phone calls to keep in touch. Be creative about how you communicate– leave notes around their place to find when you’re gone, for example, or send them a singing telegram.
33. Share memories. One way to feel closer is to relive your favorite memories of when you were together. They can be funny or romantic but they’re guaranteed to make you feel warm and fuzzy.
34. Make your relationship a priority. Life will always be busy but taking the time to focus in on and dedicate time to your relationship is essential to its survival over a distance. You may need to rearrange some things in your schedule but make an effort to put your partner near the top of your priorities.
35. Learn about your partner’s interests. Feel closer to your partner by engaging in some of the things they love when they’re not around. For instance, if they love tennis and you’ve never played give it a try. You’ll learn more about your partner and maybe find some new interests of your own.
36. Be willing to compromise. Just like close distance relationships, those dating over a distance will need to be willing to make compromises to help their relationship work. It may mean spending extra hours at work or not talking as much as you’d like, but in the end it can be worth it.
37. Look on the bright side. Being away from someone has a lot of downsides, but it can also have its perks. It forces you to talk more and develop a more emotionally intimate relationship, which may benefit you more in the long run.
38. Send a care package. Let your sweetheart know you’re thinking of them by sending them a care package. Fill it with their favorite things or items that will remind them of you.

Personal

Make sure you’re someone healthy and happy enough to be in a relationship by follow some of these suggestions.

39. Use the time to build personal interests. If you love to play a sport, paint or cook spend the free time you have developing these interests. You’ll be more personally fulfilled and it will give you something to talk about with your partner on the phone.
40. Enjoy your own life. Just because your significant other isn’t around doesn’t mean you have to sit around and do nothing. Get out and enjoy doing all the things that matter to you.
41. Spend time with friends and family. It’s hard to feel lonely when you’re surrounded by friends and family, so spend more time with those that matter to you.
42. Plan for the future. If you do plan on moving to be close to your significant other then work on figuring out just how you want to go about doing that. Planning for the future will give you something to look forward to and keep you feeling on track to your goals.
43. Do interesting things on your own. Give yourself something to talk about when you’re on the phone or sending emails by getting out and doing interesting things on your own or with your friends and family.
44. Concentrate on things that are important to you. Since you don’t have your significant other around to dote on, focus your attention on something else that matters to you like work, school or even your favorite hobbies.
45. Stay busy. Keep your mind off of the absence of your significant other by staying busy with work, friends and your own hobbies. You’ll have more fun and feel better about the situation.
46. Have patience. Easier said than done, but working on being a more patient person can benefit not only your relationship but your life in general. You’ll be less likely to get angry when your significant other doesn’t call on time and better able to deal with the weeks or months that separate the time you spend together.
47. Don’t sit by the phone. While you may look forward to a call from your sweetie all day long, it’s not an excuse to sit by the phone and wait for them to call. Get out and do the things you need to do instead of waiting around and you’ll still be able to find time to chat with your significant other.
48. Know your own weaknesses. Getting in touch with your own weaknesses that may make a long distance relationship difficult can be a valuable experience. Take an honest look at yourself and work on factors like jealousy, insecurity and absentmindedness that could affect your relationship over the miles.
49. Determine what you really want. A key factor in a long distance relationship is determining what it is you want out of it and where you see yourself going in life. Sit down and really think about where your relationship fits into your life. You may realize you really do want to relocate or change careers and it can reaffirm your faith in your relationship.
50. Nip moping in the bud. When you’re really missing your special someone it can be tempting to sit around your house feeling sad. Don’t let yourself engage in this kind of behavior. When you feel mopeyness coming on make it a point to take a walk, call a friend or just get out and about doing something else.

By Laura Milligan

Besides the stresses and frustrations of ordinary dating, animal lovers have a lot of issues to consider before settling down with a new partner. Finding someone who is compatible with their lifestyle and their pet’s lifestyle poses a challenge, even more so when the new partner comes with a pet of his or her own. To help single pet owners make sense of it all, we’ve come up with an animal lovers’ dating how-to for meeting other animal lovers, understanding how your pet increases your chances of getting a date, and even bringing your pet along on romantic getaways.

Optimum Spots to Meet

From rare animal exhibitions to the dog park, make yourself a presence on these circuits to increase your chances of meeting another animal lover.

1. Dog park: Dog parks are great places to scope out a crush: you can easily blame stalking and tangled leashes on your pet wanting to make friends.
2. PETA rally: PETA rallies attract all kinds of passionate animal lovers, so sign up to volunteer at their next event.
3. PETCO Saturday adoptions: On Saturdays, PETCO invites volunteers from the local humane society to bring dogs and cats for adoption. Volunteering will get you a chance to play with and show off cute animals and cute PETCO shoppers.
4. Shows: Even if your cat, bird or dog isn’t blue ribbon material, you can still get tickets to attend a show and hang out with other animal lovers.
5. Conventions: Many animal groups, especially ones for rare or exotic animals, birds and reptiles, sponsor conventions around the country for networking and social purposes.
6. Humane society: Hook up with your local humane society to support all kinds of animals and meet others who are passionate about protecting the environment and rights of animals.

Social Media Sites

Set up a profile for yourself or your pet on one of these sites so that you can network, get invites to special events, upload pictures of you and your pet, and eventually meet up with your pet-friendly crush.

7. Dog Star Daily: Manage a profile, submit photos and interact with other dog lovers on this site, which has a blog and shares training tips.
8. MyCatSpace: Cats — with a little help from their owners — get profiles, kitty badges, and a chance to play games, watch videos, upload pictures and meet other kitties on this networking site.
9. PetBrags.com: PetBrags.com is "where all pets deserve a web page." The community features a space for all pets, as well as a page just for dogs and one for cats. Members can join groups, share photos, post events send notes, connect on the forum and more.
10. PetPop: Here, your pet can create his or her own customized website, including the space for uploaded photos and videos. Meet other pet owners by joining groups, looking at other profiles, and finding pet-friendly events to attend.
11. PETA on Facebook: Join PETA’s Facebook page to learn about rallies and meet other supporters online and in your community.
12. CatChannel.com Community: The community portal on this site welcomes cat owners to chat on the forums, browse photos, watch videos, send ecards and more.
13. Dogster: Access all kinds of dog resources on this site, including health information, breed resources and adoption information. Dogster also lets you create an account, join groups and meet other dog owners.
14. Facebook Pet Profile: If you’re looking for a date through Facebook, check to see if your crush has a pet profile so you can determine if he or she is pet-friendly enough for your clan.
15. BirdChannel.com: Learn about breeding, bird shows, training and more on this site, which also connects bird owners through forums, photo sharing and more.
16. Meetup: Search for or start a common interest group for pets or animals on Meetup. Once you have enough members, you can schedule an event or club meeting in your area and scope out all the hotties.
17. Pikapet: Pikapet features a dogs area, cats area and a spot for all other pets. Pets get their own web page so that they can meet other pet friends, play games, share pictures, connect on the forums and more.

Date Ideas

Once you’ve experienced the spark, get creative with date ideas that appeal to your romantic side and your passion for animals.

18. Obedience training: Steal a peek into your future as a couple during a doggie obedience training session; you’ll find out a lot about your partner’s dedication and beliefs about discipline.
19. Pet shopping: Go to the pound or visit a breeder to pick out a pet together and test out your relationship. You’ll also need to do a lot of research first, including deciding where your pet will live, how you’ll split the bills and more.
20. Enter a show: Enter your pet in a local or national show to pamper and show off your little friend together.
21. Go to a pet-friendly restaurant: Who says you have to leave your pet at home when you go on a date? Pet-friendly restaurants will give you a chance to connect without feeling guilty.
22. Volunteer: Volunteer together for an animal cause in your area as a way to learn more about each other’s convictions and share a meaningful experience.
23. Watch a movie about animals: There are a lot of great movies about animals, from Homeward Bound to Black Beauty to White Fang to Bambi. Rent a DVD and curl up to indulge your romantic side and your soft spot for animal stories.
24. Go the zoo or aquarium: Visit the zoo or aquarium to learn about different kinds of animals, including endangered species.

Introducing Your Pets

Bringing your pet and the pet of your partner together could pose some challenges, so read these guides to figure out how to make the transition a smooth one.

25. Dogs and Cats Get Along Just Fine: This article from Live Science debunks the myths that cats and dogs will always fight.
26. Helping Multiple Dogs Get Along in the Same Household: Understand how to manage pack order, dog aggression and introducing a younger dog to an older dog in this article.
27. Can Dogs and Birds Get Along?: This article shares advice for picking a dog that is compatible with pet birds.
28. Helping Cats Co-Exist: Creating Feline Friendships: Consider purchasing this CD if your cat and your partner’s cat are causing problems.
29. Cats and Dogs Typically Get Along: Here’s another article about how cats and dogs aren’t necessarily predisposed to fighting.
30. Teaching Two Dogs in One Home to Just Get Along Together: If you and your partner are moving in together but want advice on making the transition easier for your dogs, read this article.
31. Will Ferrets Get Along with Other Pets?: This article helps cat and dog owners determine whether or not their pet will get along with a ferret.
32. Love Triangle: Helping Your Pet and Your Partner Get Along: If the fact that your partner and your pet don’t immediately connect isn’t a deal breaker for you, read this article to learn how you can help them get along.
33. Bringing a New Dog Home: Teaching Your Dogs to Get Along: This step-by-step guide will help dog owners introduce a new puppy or older dog into the home of another pooch.
34. Bringing Your New Cat Home: This article has lots of great tips for bringing a new cat into a home that already has a cat or dog. Consider confining the new cat to a separate room at first, use a carrier during the first direct confrontations, and don’t let animals get too rough with each other.

How Pets Give You Game

Learn about the different ways pets make you more attractive to the opposite sex here.

35. Walking your dog: No one can resist a cute puppy, so taking your dog on lots of walks around your neighborhood is the easiest way to get people to notice you and start up a conversation.
36. It means you’re responsible: When people find out you have a pet, they’ll think you’re more responsible and compassionate, able to take care of something other than yourself.
37. They show that you’re flexible: Anyone who has a pet — no matter what kind — has to be flexible in order to manage unexpected bathroom accidents, trips to the vet and muddy paws.
38. Pets make you loveable: If your pet clearly loves you, you can’t be too bad, and so it’s easier for someone to imagine themselves with you, even if they know nothing else about you. Pet owners are generally perceived as being loyal, too.
39. Pet owners may have fatter wallets: While it’s true that anyone can have a pet, responsible pet owners are willing to pay veterinarian and vaccination bills, buy food and basic supplies, and on occasion pay for boarding, grooming and training for their pets.

Pet-Friendly Vacations and Honeymoon Resources

For information, resources and tips for bringing your pet along on a romantic vacation, visit the links in this list.

40. Pet Friendly Travel: This website gives information on pet-friendly hotel chains, restaurants, attractions, pet products and more.
41. Dogfriendly.com: Dogfriendly.com posts travel guides for U.S. cities and international locations, which include dog-friendly restaurants, tips for beach and hiking excursions, off-leash dog parks, managing road trips and air travel, and more.
42. PetsWelcome: Find lodging information and get travel tips for taking your pet on your next vacation here.
43. Travel Pets: Access this site’s free online directory to find pet-friendly hotels and lodging in the U.S., Canada and around the world. You can even post travel pictures of your pet
44. Trips and Pets: This resource posts information about airline pet policies, vacation rentals, pet-friendly lodging, animal hospitals around the country, state leash laws, and pet-friendly activities to try out on vacation.
45. Pets on the Go: Learn all about travel on this site, which posts ideas for pet-friendly activities, travel trends, and more for "air, sea and land pet transportation."
46. Doginmysuitcase.com: Check out deals and activities in featured pet-friendly cities, like San Francisco, San Antonio, Myrtle Beach and Seattle. You can also get access to pet-friendly lodging, flights, rental cards and travel packages.
47. Pet Travel: Three on a Honeymoon?: This guide from About.com has tips for traveling with your pet, including making sure they have time for exercise, enough food and treats, and will actually enjoy the vacation.
48. Cesar’s Travel Tips: Cesar’s Milan gives readers tips for traveling with their dogs in a car and on the plane in this guide.
49. Five Great Places to Vacation With Your Pets: Find out why San Francisco, New York, Key West, Washington, D.C., and Myrtle Beach are great pet-friendly destinations.
50. Airline Pet Rules: If you absolutely must travel with your pet, you need to know about all of the restrictions and recommendations. Find them here, along with advice for traveling by train, ferry and car.

By Jessica Merritt

In the dating world, geeks are often overlooked. However, many geeks are what you might call a diamond in the rough. Geeks make excellent boyfriends, girlfriends, and spouses. Although many of these are generalizations, we’ve found 50 reasons why geeks have a lot to offer the dating world.

Tech

Dating a geek means opening up a whole world of awesome technological abilities.

1. A geek can fix your computer: If you’ve managed to screw something up on your computer, your geek will be happy to come to your rescue, and will probably find a solution that will ensure you won’t have the same problem again.
2. Geeks can make your electonic life easier: Beyond computers, geeks can fix or improve upon your gadgets, home entertainment system, and any other electronic needs you have.
3. You’ll have the most awesome home entertainment center ever: Geeks have great gadgets, so they usually have TVs, DVD players, and entertainment servers with loads of cool features.
4. You’ll have awesome gadgets: Geeks love to share their passion for gadgets and geek toys, so you may just get a new smart phone for Valentine’s day.
5. They can find you good deals: Geeks make for expert online bargain hunters, so you can always turn to them for help finding the best price for a big purchase.

Geeks in Love

These are some of the great things you’ll enjoy as the significant other of a geek.

6. Geeks are passionate: A geek is someone that is obsessive or passionate about the things that interest them, including the person they are dating.
7. Geeks aren’t cheaters: Your geek will be passionate about you, and tend to stay loyal. They’re also usually not socially adept enough to carry on an affair, anyway.
8. Geeks are attentive: If you want someone who will dote on you and make sure that you’re always happy, a geek just might be able to give you that.
9. They have the patience of a saint: If your geek can spend hours and days writing lines of code, playing games, or mastering equations, they have the patience to wait or work for just about anything.
10. It’s easy to do your research: It’s almost always easy to find your geek on Google, so you can find out about all about them online.
11. Your geek won’t be a jerk in public: Geeks tend to be quiet, not loud and annoying.
12. A geek will actually call: Most geeks don’t understand how to be manipulative, so when they say they’ll call, they will.
13. Geeks care more about happiness than traditional status: Geeks weren’t the cool kids in school, often choosing academics over sports and other activities that would make them popular. That means that they can resist the desire to look good for others, and choose your happiness instead.
14. Geeks have good sex: Geeks are passionate about nearly everything they do, including sex. That means that geeks make very attentive lovers who work to make sure you’re pleased.
15. It’s easy to make them happy: Geeks are often very simple creatures with transparent desires. You can often brighten their day just by bringing them a new geek toy or showing interest in their favorite new obscure movie.
16. Geeks are not hard to find: Let’s face it, there are lots of geeks out there and not a lot of demand for them, so they are ripe for the picking. Better yet, they’re all over the Internet and easy to find on dating sites.
17. They’ll support your passions: Geeks are passionate, so they understand when you obsess over a new hobby or business venture.
18. Geeks enjoy creativity in bed: With a geek, you can try out new ideas in the bedroom, like cosplay and comic fantasies. Surprise the geek in your life with a sexy costume using this Costume Kingdom coupon code.
19. A geek will be grateful to have you: In general, geeks don’t get a lot of dates, so they are often much more appreciative of your affection.
20. They’ll be impressed by your cooking: While some geeks are excellent cooks, others are content to live on junk food. That means when you cook for them, they will be totally impressed.
21. Geeks can be romantic: Although their idea of romantic date might be a blog post professing their love, geeks will go to great lengths to show they care.
22. There are lots of good ones out there: Geeks tend to not be very active in the dating field, so there are plenty to choose from.
23. Geeks are easy to buy gifts for: It’s easy to know what a geek wants-it’s on their Amazon wish list, or they’ve been openly obsessing about it for months.
24. Geeks are easy to get ahold of: Geeks use multiple forms of communication, including text, telephone, email, and social networking.
25. They’ll remember important dates: Most geeks are pretty organized and have good memory skills, so they’ll never forget your anniversary or birthday.

The Geek World

Here you’ll learn about some of the great things geek culture has to offer.

26. Your geek will introduce you to new things: If you’re not a geek, dating one will open up a completely new world for you. Although the geek world may seem strange, you just might find that there are parts of it that interest you.
27. Won’t ever have to be athletic: If you’re not the active type, you don’t have to worry about letting your geek down, because there’s a good chance they’re not interested in athletics either.
28. Geeks can tell you about awesome movies: Your geek may not be interested in the latest blockbuster unless it’s based on a comic book or game, but they can introduce you to obscure and interesting movies.

Social Relations

Your geek may be better for your family and social life than you think. Here’s why.

29. Geeks aren’t concerned with social norms: Geeks don’t play a lot of the silly social games that other people do, so they’re much easier to deal with than regular people.
30. Their friends are nice: Geeks hang out with other geeks, so their friends will be just as sweet and polite as they are.
31. They don’t care if you have a weird family: Geeks are almost always just a little weird, so they’ll lovingly accept your quirky family and probably fit right in.
32. A geek will impress your family: Geeks show off for parents really well, as they often have good jobs, manners, and smarts. It also helps that they can help your mom ressurect her dead laptop and make an awesome slideshow for your Grandma’s birthday.

Geek Personality Traits

These are some of the personality traits that geeks tend to exhibit, and why they’re great for those who are dating them.

33. Geeks are successful: Geeks don’t do anything halfway, so they tend to be very successful in their chosen field.
34. Geeks take care of themselves: Most geeks are careful to avoid drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol.
35. Geeks pay attention to detail: Your geek will remember all of the little things that you love and hate.
36. They are intelligent: Geeks are often well read and well educated, so they are smart and can carry on an intelligent conversation.
37. They’re well informed: Geeks like to stay on top of news and current events, even if it’s just what they read on Digg.
38. Geeks have wonderful imaginations: Geeks are always finding new and creative activities, so you’ll never be bored.
39. They’re educated: As an educated person, your geek will have something interesting and intelligent to talk about, whether you actually understand it or not.
40. They have a lot going on inside their minds: Geeks have a huge internal world to tap into once you’re in their trust.
41. They respect grammar: Geeks tend to be perfectionists, and this habit extends to grammar.
42. Geeks are rich: Your geek is most likely employed in a well paying field like science and technology.
43. They’re not jerks: Although geeks have a lot to be proud of, they’re almost never full of themselves.
44. Good taste in food: Although some are content with Doritos and Mountain Dew, lots of geeks are also foodies, so you’ll be treated to delicious dishes, awesome microbrews, and sweet, sweet wine.
45. They make excellent parents: Your geek can tutor your kids and share video game time with them. They also make excellent role models for children.
46. Geeks are slow to judge: Geeks are often judged themselves, so you won’t find that they are quick to judge you.
47. Geeks are respectful: As intelligent people, geeks know well enough to be polite and respectful, even if they don’t always understand etiquette and social norms.
48. Geeks give a damn: Geeks just try harder and are more intense than regular people.
49. Geeks are straightforward: Playing games just isn’t logical, so you won’t generally find geeks playing mind games.
50. Geeks are good problem solvers: If you have a problem, your geek will work obsessively to help you fix things.

By Christina Laun

The old saying goes that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. For some foods, this old adage just might hold some truth. While chocolate is a more traditional way to get you an your sweetheart in the mood, there are many different foods out there that can be just as sensual and possibly even stimulate sexual arousal and performance. Here’s a list we’ve put together of foods you can prepare to help put you in the mood.

Fruits

Instead of romancing your sweetie with chocolate covered strawberries, try one of these sensual fruits instead.

1. Pineapple: Not only is pineapple a sweet and delicious treat, it also contains vitamin C, a homeopathic remedy for impotence.
2. Raspberries: Like strawberries, raspberries have been considered a sensual fruit for ages because of their ease in hand feeding to a lover and their sensual shape.
3. Avocado: The ancient name the Aztecs had for the avocado was Ahuacuatl or in English, testicle tree. Aside from this resemblance to genitalia, the fruit’s texture can make it a delicious savory treat for a date.
4. Figs: Figs have a long history as a sensual fruit. In some cultures, the breaking open of a fig in front of a lover was considered a highly erotic act. Regardless of your feelings about figs, they can be a great food to share with a partner to put you both in the mood.
5. Peach: While the peaches velvety skin and sensuous curves have often been compared to those of a woman, the peach packs more than just a great package to help boost sex drive. It also contains potassium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins A and C– all needed to enhance performance in the bedroom.
6. Grapes: The history of the grape as an aphrodisiac goes back to the Greek god Dionysus, god of both wine and fertility. Since then, grapes have enjoyed a reputation as an aphrodisiac and can be slowly fed to your sweetheart for a romantic night in.
7. Pomegranate: Ancient Greeks and Romans associated this fruit with the goddess Aphrodite as its many seeds, color and shape were seen as sensual. This fruit was also recommended as an aphrodisiac by the Kama Sutra. Pomegranates are packed with nutrients so share one with your special someone soon.
8. Banana: Besides the obvious phallic connotations of the banana, the banana contains potassium and B vitamins that are essential to the production of sex hormones. Originating in Asia, today the banana is eaten around the world and enjoyed as an aphrodisiacs in many countries.

Veggies

Veggies may not seem particularly romantic, but people have sworn by many of these foods for centuries when it comes to their sexual effects.

9. Arugula: This food, similar to lettuce, was considered an aphrodisiac by the ancient Romans and Egyptians. Its spicy taste can help clear the mind and it contains several vitamins necessary for sexual function.
10. Asparagus: Aside from its particularly suggestive shape, asparagus has many nutrients that can help boost sex drive. Among these is vitamin E, which helps stimulate production of sex hormones.
11. Chile Peppers: Adding chile peppers to a meal can spice things up in more ways than one. Chile peppers contain capsaicin which stimulates our nerve endings and gives us the sensation of heat when we eat a particularly hot chile. This chemical may also help stimulate the release of endorphins creating a natural high that can put you in the mood.
12. Carrots: Carrots not only have a sexy shape, they contain substances that can act as a stimulant for males. This veggie has been used to aid sexual relations since ancient times, so why not indulge in a piece of carrot cake?
13. Celery: Celery at first may not seem like much of a sexy vegetable, but it truly can be. Celery is thought to stimulate the pituitary gland, essential in the release of sexual hormones.
14. Leeks: This relative to the onion was considered to be an aphrodisiac by the ancient Greeks, probably due largely in part to its suggestive shape.
15. Radishes: Ancient Egyptians considered radishes among the best of the aphrodisiacs as its slightly spicy taste may have stimulated the palate and put lovers in the mood.
16. Onions: Often mixed with honey and sesame seeds, two other aphrodisiacs, ancient Greeks believed the onion to be a highly sensual food. Just make sure to brush your teeth afterwards!

Herbs and Spices

Spice up a dish or taste these herbs and spices on their own to help get you in the mood.

18. Gingko: While more commonly taken to prevent memory loss in aging adults, Gingko may also have some properties that can make it great for enhancing sexual function as well. It’s thought to widen the blood vessels in genital tissues, helping overcome some forms of sexual dysfunction. Those with heart disease should not take it, however, as it could cause serious side effects.
19. Anise: The ancient Greeks and Romans would suck on anise seeds as a means of increasing sexual desire. Today’s science tells us that anise does exude estrogenic compounds which can motivate sexual desire in much the same way as testosterone.
20. Basil: While it may seem more appropriate to top your spaghetti with, women in some ancient cultures used to dust their breasts with basil, believing it to drive men wild. Some research suggests that it may indeed have circulation boosting effects that can make it a valuable aphrodisiac.
21. Ginseng: New medical reports give credit to ginseng’s claim as an aphrodisiac. Subjects treated with ginseng were found to have significantly higher erectile function that those who were not. It’s thought to increase overall performance and libido as well.
22. Vanilla: The sexual power of vanilla, the real kind not the synthetic variety, is in its aroma. Add it to a bath to share with your special someone for a particularly arousing experience.
23. Saffron: Ancient stories place saffron as both a powerful stimulator for both men and women. Try a paella or a middle eastern dish that centers around the spice for a delicious and sensual experience.
24. Nutmeg: This spice has been found to increase mating behavior in laboratory mice (though the same effect hasn’t been proven in humans) and has been prized as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years. Just be sure not to consume too much, as the spice can cause hallucinations if taken in large quantities.
25. Ginger: Ginger has been a popular aphrodisiac in Asia for thousands of years, and is often purported as a remedy for impotence either by eating or rubbing the ginger on the skin. Ginger does have properties that stimulate the circulatory system, so these claims may have some basis in fact.
26. Garlic: Garlic is known to increase circulation, allowing more blood to quickly reach the sexual organs and aid in arousal. Both eating garlic and rubbing it on the skin directly have been said to aid in sexual stimulation, though many may be put off by the strong smell.
27. Cloves: Well known in China as an aphrodisiac, cloves also aid in digestion making you more comfortable and ready to get busy.
28. Cardamom: This spice has long been used as a preventative against sexual dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It contains cineole which has been shown to increase blood flow where it’s applied.
29. Fennel: Considered a powerful sexual stimulant in places like Greece and India, this herb has long been associated with increasing sexual desire and performance in men. Just make sure you don’t eat too much, as it can be toxic in large quantities.

Exotic and Expensive

These foods may boost your desire, but they can also be hard to come by, expensive and sometimes dangerous.

30. Spanish Fly: Spanish fly is made from the dried body of a special emerald green beetle, which irritates the tissues of the urinary tract and can send a rush of blood to the genitals. Of course, while it may be effective at stimulating sexual arousal, it is also incredibly dangerous and can cause permanent damage to the kidneys and genitals if too much is taken.
31. Yohimbine: This substance, extracted from the bark of an African evergreen, has proven to be an effective treatment for male impotence. Those willing to try it can often get it through a prescription from a doctor, but users should beware as it’s not without its side effects.
32. Coco-De-Mer: Sometimes referred to as the "most indecent fruit in the world", this rare nut not only looks like a female’s behind, but the interior is said to be a powerful aphrodisiac Getting your hands on one may be difficult, however, as they grow only on two islands in the Seychelles.
33. Caviar: This food is often associated with the lifestyles of the rich, and the rarer forms of caviar certainly are out of the price range of most. If you can procure this dish for you and your sweetheart, it can boost your levels of zinc, stimulating the formation of testosterone.
34. Absinthe: Absinthe enjoys a reputation as one of the more dangerous varieties of alcohol, blamed for many imbibers going crazy, and was banned in many places around the world. Today the ban has been lifted in many places and absinthe is readily available for consumption.
35. Shark: Much controversy surrounds the consumption of shark as an aphrodisiac as demand for the fins in Asia has driven some species to near extinction. Those worried about harming the environment should stay away from the shark fins, often harvested in a cruel and wasteful way, and focus on the meat of the shark instead. It contains loads of proteins for energy and magnesium and selenium which aid in sperm production.
36. Puffer Fish: Considered a delicacy in Japan, if this fish is not prepared correctly it’s incredibly toxic when even the tiniest amount is consumed. This brush with death can boost endorphins and raise sex drive, but of course it’s not for everyone.

Sweet and Savory

Explore both sides of your palate with these sexy foods.

37. Pumpkin Pie: This food may not seem sexy at first, but studies have shown that men find the smell extremely sexually arousing, in some cases causing up to 40 percent more blood flow to the genitals. Women also found the smell erotic, but found cucumber and licorice to be more so.
38. Whipped cream: Whether you choose to eat it off of a piece of pie or off of each other, this fluffy treat can be a great way to get you and your partner in the mood.
39. Oysters: Perhaps one of the most traditional of aphrodisiac foods, oysters at first don’t seem particularly sexy for many. While the texture may not appeal to everyone, it’s been found that they contain substantial levels of zinc– a mineral required to produce testosterone boosting sex drive in both men and women.
40. Buttered Popcorn: Don’t think buttered popcorn is sexy? A study found that the smell of this treat increased blood flow to the penis by 9 percent, so go ahead and order that popcorn at the movies.
41. Licorice: Licorice was used in ancient China to stimulate love and lust and that usage may have been right on the mark. Modern research has shown that the smell of licorice increases sexual arousal in males by as much as 13 percent, making it a decidedly sexy smell.
42. Truffles: People in ancient times as well as today prize this mushroom for its musky scent and unique flavor. Some believe that truffles’ scent resembles that of the male pheromone andostrenone and can stimulate not only the palate but the body as well.
43. Honey: Aside from the obvious sexual connotations of this sticky sweet substance, honey is rich in vitamin B– needed in testosterone production as well as boron which helps the body to use estrogen.

Miscellaneous

Get in the mood with some help from this variety of foods.

44. Pine Nuts: While pine nuts seem to lack any sort of sexiness, some consider them to be one of the most potent aphrodisiacs. The best of these come from high in the Himalayas and are a staple in the diet of the surrounding cultures, many of which have notably high birth rates. They’re also rich in zinc, a mineral necessary for male potency.
45. Mulled wine: Alcohol, when consumed in moderation can be a powerful aphrodisiac as it lowers inhibitions and in women raises the level of testosterone increasing sexual desire. Many ancient and medieval cultures consumed a variety of red wine concoctions in order to boost their libidos and you can too. It’s an especially good treat to warm up on a cold night.
46. Almonds: Almonds have been a symbol of fertility throughout the ages and the smell is thought to increase sexual desire in women so whip up a delicious almond dish for your lovely lady to help get her in the mood.
47. Salmon: Salmon can serve as an integral part of a romantic dinner and you can enjoy the effects of its aphrodisiac properties long after. It’s rich in vitamins which lift the libido, contains omega-3s which elevate seratonin levels, and contains loads of protein which is essential for energy and stamina.
48. Champagne: Champagne not only has an association with celebration but the steady stream of bubbles it emits allows it to be more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream giving the drinker a warm, fuzzy feeling of intoxication. Some studies have also suggested that the smells of certain champagnes mimics that of female pheromones.
49. Coffee: Due to the stimulating effects of caffeine, coffee can be a great way to wake up both your mind and body and leave you ready for a long night of passion.
50. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is near the bottom of most people’s lists of sexy foods but eating concentrated amounts of oats has been shown to increase testosterone levels and raise sex drive in men.
51. Damiana: This flowering plant has been used to make traditional teas in many South American countries since the time of the Aztecs. These ancient peoples may have been onto something as research has shown that it does contain chemicals that can increase sensitivity in the genitals.

By Laura Milligan

Whether you’ve recently separated from your spouse or you’re a single parent ready to move on to another relationship, you can find a lot of free legal advice, therapy and dating tips online. This list of 50 divorce blogs are published with the intention of helping out other separated and divorced individuals as they try to make sense of child custody issues, international divorces, dealing with grief and moving on, and more. Take advantage of these bloggers’ experience and the advice they offer to take back control over your life.

For Women

Women will find these divorce blogs helpful as they read about dating tips, domestic violence and more.

1. Divorce Diva: The Divorce Diva aims to make "divorce a manageable tragedy" for her readers by sharing news stories, book reviews, jokes and great tips for dealing with a divorce.
2. The Emergency Divorce Blog for Women: This blog posts articles about domestic violence "related to divorce" and children.
3. Women’s Divorce Blog: Learn about your legal options and get tips on managing your emotional state after a divorce on this blog.
4. What’s Love Got to Do With It?: This blog explores "why modern women don’t find their Mr. Right" and can serve as a thought-provoking, challenging guide during or after a divorce.
5. Solo Mother: Newly single moms can get tips on coping and managing their hectic lives here.
6. Seven Secrets to a Successful Divorce: What Every Woman Needs to Know: Women will find "divorce survival skills" on this blog.

For Men

These blogs are written by and for men who are experiencing divorce.

7. Successful Divorce Planning for Men: Scroll through the archives on this blog to learn about child custody laws and more.
8. Divorce and Evolution: Read the story of this man’s divorce process from his wife of eight years.
9. Divorced Dads Matter: Find support and links to divorce and custody resources here.

Legal Advice

Find free legal advice from these blogs.

10. Lawlady’s Divorce Blog: Get tips on "collaborative divorce" and more from this Seattle holistic divorce attorney.
11. New York Family Law and Divorce: New Yorkers going through a divorce will gain insight into their personal case by reading this blog, which covers news stories and more.
12. The International Family Law Office: Couples with international ties have an even more complicated struggle when trying to figure out a divorce. Turn to this blog for help.
13. NRI Divorce: South Asians and Non-resident Indian couples can use this site as a resource for figuring out relationships, divorce, custody and more.
14. Divorce Lawyers Blog: Get tips on finding a lawyer and navigating the legal process of divorce here.
15. Illinois Divorce Law Blog: Get news stories and advice that are both unique to Illinois cases and relevant to general cases.
16. Divorce Law Journal: This Kentucky divorce law blog also covers news and issues that divorcing couples around the country face.

Dealing with Divorce

From explaining divorce to your children to separating health insurance and other accounts, these blogs have all kinds of tips to help you deal with the different aspects of divorce.

17. Darn Divorce: Here you’ll find "random thoughts and news on the dreaded D-word."
18. The Evolution of Marriage: This blog can be a helpful resource for those thinking about divorce and those who are already divorced. Read about the natural ups and downs of marriage, as well as the freedom of living on your own.
19. Etiquette for Exes: If you’re having trouble being civil with your ex, turn to this blog for tips on how to stop fighting, especially if you want to make it easier on your kids.
20. Children and Divorce: Learn about children’s rights and how children deal with divorce here.
21. SurviveDivorce.biz: Learn how to manage practical problems, like health insurance and name changes, as well as emotional support on this blog.
22. Children of Divorce Blog: Children of Divorce Blog is another resource for parents concerned with the emotional well-being of their children during a divorce.
23. Divorce Hotline: Read all about divorce issues here, from preparing yourself for legal fights to moving on.

Moving On

How do you know when you’re ready to move on? These blogs provide support and ideas for transitioning to another phase of your life.

24. Thrive After Divorce: The blog for this ezine shares easy-to-remember mantras and gives tips to help divorced men and women move on.
25. Fresh Start After Divorce: Join this community to read articles, connect with others going through a divorce and more.
26. Collaborative Divorce Newsblog: Through regular posts and news stories, this blog aims to help "people make respectful, civilized, values-based transitions from couple to single."
27. Step by Step: This blog is run by a group of moms who are trying to manage life in a blended family.
28. Unfettered Cravings: Read about this newly divorced man’s X-rated adventures — and fantasies — as he gets back into the dating game.
29. Sexy Ex: Women who have recently suffered through a breakup get tips on how to rejuvenate their sex life here.
30. Prill Boyle’s Defying Gravity: This blog helps those experiencing a major life transition achieve what they want.
31. Life After Divorce: New Horizons: Get tips on recovering from divorce, no matter how old you are.
32. Maine Divorce Law Blog: In addition to covering issues about the legal side of divorce, this blog features stories about divorce culture, American divorce trends and more.
33. Dad’s House: This single dad writes about dating and parenting issues.

General Advice

In this list you can find general tips and advice about managing your divorce case, exploring child custody options and more.

34. Judith’s Divorce Blog: Lawyer Judith Middleton shares her reflections and advice on revenge, compromise and communication.
35. California Divorce Blawg: This blog from California lawyer John E. Harding posts about divorce legal news but also includes other divorce-related news stories, statistics, celebrity divorce news and more.
36. Chicago Divorce Lawyer: While this blog focuses on divorce news and legal information for those in the Chicago area, it also offers up divorce book reviews, articles on choosing a divorce lawyer and divorce etiquette.
37. Florida Divorce: Read up on child custody cases and divorce-related news to learn about settling finances and more.
38. Divorce Blog: Read news stories and other articles relating to divorce and legal issues here.
39. The Divorce Blog: Recent posts on this blog address news stories, politics and divorce, and remarriage.
40. Generation Ex Files: This blogger addresses divorce issues relating to children, surviving the holidays, working out family problems and more.
41. Divorce Information: Recent posts on this blog include "Should You Stay or Should You Go?" and "I’m Movin’ On."
42. Lifestyle of a Divorced Single Mom: This single mom writes about life lessons, relationship issues, managing work, and more.

Go-To Resources

These go-to resources include a directory to help you find a lawyer, news stories about family law, and personal blogs about getting through a divorce.

43. Total Divorce Blog: Recent posts on this blog include "Making Patchwork Families Work" and "Divorce Lawyers See More Digital Evidence," reporting legal news and giving tips on divorced families.
44. Divorce Find: This bare bones blog posts the 10 most recent articles on its site plus other divorce resources for finding lawyers.
45. Divorced at 50: This blogger got divorced after a 32-year relationship and now writes articles and posts information for those needing legal, emotional and financial advice.
46. Your Child - Your Divorce: If you’re going through a divorce and want advice on how to explain it to your children, turn here.
47. Daily Stories on Divorce and Family Law: Here you’ll find stories from different news services covering divorce, child custody and more.
48. Divorce Blog: This UK-based site has articles about about children and divorce, divorce law, moving on and more.
49. First Wives World: This networking community also features blog posts that offer support and practical advice for divorced women.
50. Divorce@Suite101: This resource features articles and more for those experiencing divorce and for divorced singles.

By Christina Laun

Meeting people you enjoy and can have a good time with isn’t always as easy as it seems it should be. Many find it gets even harder after they complete college and are in the working world without such a readily available dating pool. However, there are a few ways you can make it easier on yourself. Both the Internet and places around your town or city can provide many opportunities for you to meet men and women who share your interests, are smart, and are looking to connect. Check out these tips and resources to help you meet the nerdy, smart or artistic person of your dreams.

General Tips

Use these tips to reel in a smart and interesting single.

1. Have a conversation starter. So you’ve found someone you think you want to strike up a conversation with, but you don’t know how to go about it. Work on coming up with ways to strike up a conversation with someone. It can be especially easy if you share an interest or are at the same event.
2. Comment on what they’re doing. If you see an attractive young person reading your favorite book, strike up a conversation about it. It gives you an opportunity to talk about something and share an interest.
3. Don’t be condescending. You might be a total genius but you don’t want to make your potential date feel like you think they’re stupid right off the bat before they’ve had a chance to show you what they’re made of so keep the condescending comments out of the conversation.
4. Be open to new ideas. Just because you’re not familiar with something your date is talking about or maybe you don’t agree entirely doesn’t mean they’re necessarily wrong. A little controversy can make for a more interesting discussion, provided you keep it civil.
5. Figure out what you want. If you love reading and want someone who shares that passion then work on finding others with that interest rather than settling for someone who doesn’t. The same goes for any other interest. Figure out what are your deal breakers and what you’re willing to bend on as well.
6. Be yourself. Being fake with someone isn’t going to make for a good long term relationship. Eventually your true self will come out, so be frank, honest and open from the get go and see where that takes you.
7. Just ask. Want to go on a date with someone? Want their phone number? Just get up the nerve and ask. The worst they can say is no.
8. Look your best. While there are probably a few exceptions, approaching someone for a date while you look like you just crawled out of bed after a long night of drinking isn’t likely to win you many affirmative replies. Clean yourself up before hitting the dating scene to ensure you’re putting your best food forward.
9. Use your skills to impress. If you make a mean website or can write beautiful poetry, use these skills to woo the person you want to date. You’ll get to do something you enjoy while making the other person feel special.
10. Show genuine interest. Even if you don’t share in all your date’s passions, take a real interest in the things they do outside of your common interests. They’ll appreciate it and you might even find a new favorite hobby.
11. Stay positive. Anyone who’s been single for awhile can tell you that rejection is just part of the dating game. Learn to take your letdowns in stride and work towards more success the next time.
12. Understand you can’t share every interest. You may have a laundry list of interests you’d like to share with a potential mate, but be realistic. One person may not be able to fulfill all of those things but could still be a great match for you.

Places to Meet and Mingle

The internet isn’t the only place you can meet intellectuals and artists. Check out these places around town for additional dating potential.

13. Art galleries: If you’ve got a love of art or artists what better place to hang out than a gallery? If you hit them up for openings you may even be able to meet the artist him or herself.
14. Local museums: Why not find a like minded individual at a museum in your town or a nearby city? You’ll have plenty of artwork to talk about.
15. Coffee shops: Coffee shops have a reputation for being a hangout for writers, artists and thinkers of all kinds because, well, they are. Sip on some coffee or tea and scope the singles hanging out in your local coffee shop.
16. Bookstores: See a good looking girl or guy picking out your favorite book from the shelves? Use the opportunity to strike up a conversation and a new romance just might be born.
17. The library: While many libraries may be full of what can only be called "characters" it doesn’t mean that you can’t find someone worth meeting at one, especially if you attend college.
18. Local organizations and clubs: Want to meet someone who shares the same nerdy interests as you? Join a club. You’ll get to make some new friends and maybe meet someone you’d like to date.
19. Shows: Music can be a great way to have a good time and meet people who share your interests. Take the opportunity to check out your favorite artists when they come to town.
20. Colleges and universities: Whether you’re currently in school or looking to go back to take a few classes, college is one of the easiest places to meet people who are smart and who just might share a few of your likes and dislikes.
21. Public transportation: Not everyone can afford to have their own car and if you live in a major city the train or bus may be a great place to meet people to talk to. If you do strike up a conversation successfully, you’ll have a few stops to carry it out and who knows maybe you’re even going to the same place.
22. Volunteering: Whether you volunteer for things in your community or at big nerdy conventions, volunteering is a great way to meet people who care about the same things you do.
23. Conventions: Love books? Comics? Scifi? You can find numerous conventions on these topics which can often be chock full of smart, nerdy people also looking for love.
24. Stores: Hanging out at your local art supplies or comic book store can be one way to scope out others who are interested in the same things you are.

Smart Singles

Find someone to discuss everything from particle physics to politics with on these IQ focused sites.

25. IntelligentPeople: Screen your potential dates with this dating service that requires new members to pass an IQ test before they can join to ensure they’re in the upper ranges of intelligence.
26. Square Dating: This site builds its dating service around those who have graduated from colleges including some prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford.
27. Science Connection: Create a profile on this site to find love with someone else interested in the sciences. You may just find someone to share lab experiences or just gaze at the stars with.
28. iQcuties: Created to be "somewhere between Mensa and MySpace" this site requires members to take an intelligence test before they can join so you know you’ll be getting the cream of the crop in the brains department.
29. intellectconnect: Find yourself an equally brainy date by going through this site. It offers listings of events in your area where you can meet other singles who may just share your interests and intellect.
30. The Right Stuff: Those who graduated from a prestigious Ivy League school can find other graduates out there as well through this dating service. New members will need to provide proof they attended the institution, however.
31. BrainyDates: If brains are more important to you than perfect ten looks then you may want to try out this site. You’ll find loads of smart and still sexy singles at your fingertips.
32. Carmun: Carmun isn’t a dating site per se, but it can be a good way to meet other college students and educated individuals. You can create bibliographies, talk in forums, and even meet up with others to study or go on dates.
33. DocDates: This dating service screens its members by the level of education they’ve completed. Members must at least have an undergraduate degree and many have masters and doctoral degrees.
34. Educated Single: If you’re looking for an educated date that’s 40 and over, check out this helpful site. You’ll find others out there who are interested in lasting, intelligent relationships.
35. GoodGenes: Those who have graduated from Ivy League schools and who have upper level degrees can take advantage of the dating services provided by this site.
36. InstantChem: Successful grads and professionals can try their luck at finding an intelligent date on this site.
37. Intellectual Passions: This site provides a place to meet someone who shares your love or reading, crossword puzzles, and more.

Artistic and Alone

If you prefer dark brooding artists (or fun loving ones) these sites can help hook you up with dating opportunities.

38. The Whole 9: This site provides the perfect place to network and possibly date other artistic types. You can also post your portfolio and comment on other’s work.
39. Urban Seeder: While you’ll need an invitation to get into this closed beta site, it can be a fun way to add a little mystery and artistry to the dating scene with clues and flirtations.
40. Single Artist Dating: Give your creativity a little boost by finding someone to share it with on this art focused dating site.
41. Are You an Artist?: Whether you’re looking to date or just find friends, this networking site will allow you to chat with other members and share your personal portfolio.
42. Stags and Doves: Creative types will enjoy this dating site which promises a hip and fun environment to meet intelligent and artistic singles.
43. MusicianDate: Create a profile on this site to meet and mingle with musicians of all kinds.
44. Musicians Dating Service: Find someone else who plays the flute or form your own private band with the singles you’ll meet on this site.
45. Humble Voice: This site provides a community where artists can post their work, meet others and maybe even find a date.
46. Music Passions: Whether you’re looking for someone to listen to or play music with you’ll find music lovers of all kinds here.
47. Urbis: Get feedback on your work, writing or art, on this site and find other creative singles to date.
48. Poetic Singles: Check out this site for help meeting and setting up dates with other poetic types.
49. Stuart: Creative people can find like minds on this portfolio and networking site.
50. MakeOutClub: Geared towards the tortured artist type, this site is s perfect choice for those looking for creative, interesting people.

Lovers of Literature

Share your love of books, writing and reading on these sites.

51. Single Booklovers: Hook up with other book lovers on this site and find not only physical chemistry but intellectual chemistry as well.
52. London Book Review Personals: When you’re done reading the latest book reviews, head over to the personals section of this site for other bibliophiles looking for a date.
53. PenguinDating: Penguin publishers have set up this new site to help readers of their books, and books in general, find someone else to cuddle up with.
54. Goodreads: Here you can post what you’re reading and meet intelligent people who share your tastes.
55. Reading Passions: Share your deep love of books with others you’ll meet and network with on this dating site.
56. ConnectViaBooks: The idea behind this site is that people who share common interests in reading material will likely share other interests as well and uses this to help match people up.
57. BooksWellRead: Journal what you’re reading on this site for future reference and get a chance to network with others who love literature.
58. Shelfari: Shelfari is a social network for book lovers which is free to use and can help you hook up with new books and new people to discuss them with.
59. Library Thing: This site is a great place to enter what you’re reading and get connected with others who have similar reading tastes.
60. BookJetty: BookJetty provides a place to catalog and review books as well as find out what your friends are reading and meet others who share your literary interests.
61. The Atlasphere: Avid readers of Ayn Rand books can meet their perfect match on this dating and networking site set up for fans of the author’s work.

Nerd and Geek Central

Find geeks and nerds of every shape and size on these great dating sites.

62. Nerd Passions: Whether you love scifi, programming, or gaming you’ll find loads of singles on this site who’ll share your interests.
63. Sweet on Geeks: This dating site is popular with geeks, leaving you with thousands of potential partners who you can network with through blogs, links, videos, photos and more.
64. Bee My Geek: Join this geek-friendly social networking site to meet and flirt with other geeks through blogs, forums and profiles.
65. Geek 2 Geek: Here you’ll find numerous members who’ll be matched to you based on your common interests and you can set up a profile for free though advanced features will cost you.
66. impersonals: Geeks, nerds and other offbeat but not creepy people will find a home on this dating site designed for "awesome pegs in a square world."
67. Geek Match Making: Check out this site to find a geeky or nerdy match who shares you interests.
68. Geek Flirt: This site provides chatrooms and private IMs so geeks can network with those in their area or around the nation.
69. Find Your Geek: Find a totally geeky match on this site, designed to meet the needs of everyone from those into cosplay to those who are simply of higher intelligence.
70. Date a Geek: Create your own profile on this site to hook you up with other intelligent members in your area.
71. Sqzzy: Designed to be a dating site for those who don’t quite fit in with the rest of society, Sqzzy offer geeks and nerds a place to make new friends and possibly to find romance.
72. Nerdalicious: This online dating service works through emails to connect those who share a love of all things internet.
73. Its Just Coffee: Meet a lovely and nerdy man or women through this site for a casual coffee date to discuss your interests.
74. iminlikewithyou: Play games online and meet new people through this social networking site, many of which who will be as hopelessly addicted to the internet as you are.

Off the Beaten Path

Want to find smart, sexy singles that aren’t run of the mill? Then give these dating sites a look.

75. Faceparty: You’ll find all sorts of geeks, freaks and interesting people on this unique and sometimes silly site.
76. Anonidate: Join this network to meet singles that are into fairly run-of-the-mill things like WoW and gamers as well as less common interests like furries.
77. Tattooed Singles: If tattoos really get you going, check out this site which is chock full of tattooed singles.
78. GothicMatch.com: Meet men and women who share your love of gothic dress, clothing and culture on this specialized dating site.
79. Date My Pet: If you really, really love your pet, give this site a try. It gives pet owners the chance to find someone that will not only be compatible with them but their pets as well.
80. Pierced Passions: Enjoy a chance to meet other smart singles who have piercings of all kind through this dating site.

Specialty

Find men and women who share your intellectual and recreational interests on these helpful sites.

81. Trek Passions: If your ultimate fantasies occur somewhere on the USS Enterprise then give this dating site a try. You’ll meet other Trekkies looking for love as well as singles interested in numerous other sci-fi shows and authors.
82. Geek Space Nine: This geek social networking and dating site offers geeks and nerds the chance to meet someone else who shares their interests whether it be a love of sci-fi or of playing the Wii.
83. Gamer Dating Network: Check out this site to meet and get to know others who love gaming just as much as you do.
84. Datecraft: If you’re the type who’d rather spend an evening (and the next day) playing Warcraft you may just find a more than suitable mate through this site which allows you to meet other gamers though chats, forums and personal profiles.
85. Anime Dates: This site can be a great place to find a girl or guy who appreciates Ninja Scroll just as much as you do.
86. A Sound Match: Find your perfect musical match on this site, which allows users to take a short musical quiz before signing up to find members who match their tastes.
87. Act for Love: Intelligent people who are really into politics may want to give this site a look see, though it does cater to those who are on the more liberal side of things.
88. Shy Passions: If you’re the type who takes a long time to warm up to someone why not try meeting someone else who’s a little shy too? This site creates the perfect place to do that.
89. Whispers4U: If you’re a smart single type that just happens to also have a disability then check out this site. It can help hook you up with others for friendship or dating.
90. Lovetastic: Find the smart, sexy gay man of your dreams on this dating site, focused on helping men find lasting, happy relationships.
91. CyclingSingles: CyclingSingles can be a great place to meet someone as passionate about biking as you are. Make friends to bike around with or a special someone to bike into the sunset with.
92. Scientific Match: Want your dating to have a little (possibly questionable) science behind it? This service proposes to use your DNA to find someone you’ll have the maximum amount of chemistry with.
93. Veggie Love: Use this dating site to find someone who will share your commitment to vegetarianism.
94. Fitness Singles: If you’re the type who enjoys working their body as much as their mind, give this service a try. You’ll meet others who are interested in staying fit and active.
95. Green Friends: Whether you’re into vegetarianism or just want to live a more sustainable life, you can find someone who shares your interests and passions on this specialty dating site.

General

96. The Onion Personals: The Onion offers a great place to meet intelligent, witty and artistic singles from all over the nation who do everything from cartooning to stock brokering.
97. OkCupid: Embrace your inner matchmaker through this site. You create the test that will determine who is the best match for you so the criteria are entirely up to you.
98. FindMeDateMe: If you’ve gotten frustrated by finding people you think you’d match up well with on a variety of pay sites, give this site a try. It allows you to contact anyone from any dating site in the world for free.
99. Kizmeet: Everyone has had the moment where they see someone from across the room and think how much they’d love to talk to them but don’t have the nerve. This site is all about making up for those missed connections and meeting up with people you’ve seen out and about.
100. Meetup: If you’re looking for someone to join you at your local book club or at a large convention you may find just the person through this activity matching site.

By Laura Milligan

Younger men have undoubtedly been dating older women for decades, but only in the last several years has there been a more public display of this type of cross generational affection. But what is it that older women find attractive in younger men, and vice versa? Find that out and more in this ultimate guide to pursuing and dating cougars.

Before You Start

There are definitely some things you should consider before going after a cougar, from knowing how to keep older women interested and engaged to bracing yourself for disapproving friends and family.

1. Know your goals: Do you want a fling or a serious relationship that will leave you set for life financially? Narrowing down your goals will help you zero in on the right kind of cougar.
2. Do your research: The most sought after cougars are smart and sophisticated, so make sure you have enough to talk about.
3. Know how to please a woman: Older women who are dating younger men expect a lot of attention and enthusiasm in the sack, so don’t disappoint.
4. Be ready to be available: Don’t waste your time if you’re going to play hard to get. You’re the boy toy in this scenario, so be ready to go out on dates whenever she wants.
5. Shower compliments on her whenever appropriate: Make your cougar feel attractive and young again by showing her off to friends and showering her with compliments.
6. It’s not going to be all about you: Sure, you’re there to make her feel special and sexy in front of her friends, but the whole game is more about fulfilling her needs than yours.
7. Understand the social stigma: If you’re not planning on getting serious, you may want to keep your relationship on the DL, because there’s still a social stigma attached to cross-generational dating.
8. Use a condom: If your cougar is past menopause, you still need to use a condom to protect against STDs.
9. Beware of legal battles: Understand that your cougar’s children might call a lawyer if you suddenly replace them in their mother’s will.
10. Get defensive: If you’re legitimately looking for a long term relationship with an older woman, be careful of those cougars who just want a fling with a younger man.

Dating Sites

Find older women who aren’t shy about their affinity for younger men on these online dating web sites.

11. goCougar: A free sign up gets you in to rate pictures, see videos and chat online with cougars.
12. Date a Cougar: Check out this dating site to find cougars all over the country.
13. DateOlderWomen.com: Send and receive messages, maintain a dating profile and search for older women here.
14. Cougared: Join this dating site to view thousands of profiles all over the world. You can also keep a blog and upload photos.
15. Matchmaker: This site is open to cougar girls, men, gay individuals and lesbians.
16. Match.com: Check out this page devoted to cougar dating.
17. Cougar Women on Dating Sites: The blog Hot and Trendy explores the presence of older women on dating sites.
18. ToyBoyClub: If you’re in the UK, visit this online dating site "where mature ladies meet younger men."
19. CougarDate.com: While the dating service on this site is currently under reconstruction, you can still read all about cougars and get tips for snagging one yourself.
20. CougarsLair: This very simple dating site has a small dating pool, increasing your chances of getting noticed.

Understanding the Cougar

Gain some insight from these articles in order to prepare yourself for the seduction and your relationship.

21. MainStreet Cougar Dating Money Rules: Get some insight into the needs and wants of older women in this article, which claims that "it’s not money that cougars are after."
22. Why do older women date younger men?: This article points out different reasons why cougars have flings with younger men, including the ability to be in charge and call all the shots.
23. Cougars and Their Cubs: Read an interview with a lifelong cougar to discover some of the appeal of dating younger men.
24. Older Woman, Younger Man Relationships: MSNBC’s 2003 article takes a look at what was then considered a "pioneering" cougar moment.
25. Dating definition: cougar: Read this silly but somewhat accurate definition of a cougar.
26. What Older Women Want in a Man: This tongue-in-cheek checklist will give you an idea of whether or not you’ll make the cut.
27. The Secret Lives of Single Women: Find out how single women really feel about their independence.
28. How to Date a Divorced Woman: Many cougars looking for younger men are divorced, so understand what you’re getting into by reading this article.
29. Pursuing Successful Women: Learn how to snag a successful, independent woman here.
30. What to Do When She’s More Successful: If you become threatened by your cougar’s superior success and status, read this article to help calm you down.

Networks and Opportunities

This list includes several more networking opportunities and places that will connect you to cougars.

31. UrbanCougar: Check out the featured UrbanCougar of the month, take advantage of the dating services, and even purchase t-shirts and gag gifts that express your enthusiasm for older women.
32. Singlescene cougar discussion: Read interviews with cougars and participate in an online discussion to find out what older women expect out of their dates.
33. The Real Cougar Woman: Check out this site to read about what cougars want out of their relationships and lifestyles.
34. Woman Attract: This blog and dating tips site features categories on seduction and dating news.
35. Boomer Dating TV: Consider joining this dating service, which combines video dating and online dating.
36. Cougar Dating Reality Show TV Land 2009: Tune in or send in your application for this reality show that pairs a cougar with a much younger man.
37. Real Cougar Club: If you’re really desperate or sneaky, you can ask one of your older woman friends to join this network, and then introduce you to all of her new friends.
38. Meet Cougar Women at Hot or Not: This dating rating site has a page just for cougars and the guys who love them.
39. Create an ad: If you don’t feel like creating an online profile, write an ad that explains your situation and your desire to meet a a mature woman.
40. Go to fundraisers and charity events: If you’re set on meeting a benefactress, head to high-profile fundraisers and parties.
41. Ageless Love: Find support for "age gap relationships" here.

Dealing with the Family

Along the way, you may encounter children who are older than you are, ex-husbands and legal headaches. Figure out how to navigate the family situation here.

42. Anna Nicole Smith vs. E. Pierce Marshall: Who could forget the legal battle that ensued between Anna Nicole and her late husband’s son? Make sure this doesn’t happen to you.
43. Stay low-key: You may be the same age as your girlfriend’s kids, but that doesn’t mean they want to hang out with you.
44. Understand their suspicions: If a rich woman suddenly starts dating a younger man, her family is going to suspect you of gold digging.
45. Follow her lead: Only attend family events when your cougar specifically invites you. She may only want you for the sex, so don’t try to invade her family life too.
46. Don’t talk about money: The more you talk about money, vacations, and elaborate expense accounts, the more her family will mistrust your intentions.

Dating Psychology

Discover why older women are attracted to younger guys like you in these articles.

47. What do guys in their 20s want with women in their 40s?: This blog considers cougar relationships from the other end and decodes why younger men even want to be with older women.
48. What Women Want is a Younger Man: This article discusses the evaporation of sugar daddies and the new popularity of sugar mamas.
49. Cougars, Dating and Double Standards: This discussion between five women considers questions like "is an older women dating a younger guy a big deal?" and "Cougar: celebratory or patronizing?"
50. Older Woman Seeking Boy Toy: DatingThoughts.com’s guide categorizes women who date younger men as "pumas," "cougars," and "jaguars." Read all about it here.
51. Lifestyles, Dating and Romance: A Study of Midlife Singles: Learn the statistics of midlife single women, and you’ll be more prepared to date one.
52. Don’t Call Me a Cougar: Before coming right out and joking to your girlfriend that she’s a cougar, read this article.
53. Australian Online Dating Site Tells Why So Many Men are Attracted to Older Women: Learn why financial security and submissive personalities are two of the top reasons younger men turn to older women.
54. Younger Men, Better Sex?: CBS’ investigation discovers that younger men and older women are experiencing similar sexual peaks.
55. Younger Women Who Desire Older Women: This blogger has generated a list of testimonials from younger men who have experience with older women.
56. Are More Older Women With Younger Men?: Find out why "cougars" are more common and not as taboo.

Articles and Guides

For some guidance and insight into dating cougars, turn to these articles.

57. Confessions of a Cougar: Learn about "the pros and cons of cougar-hood" and the reasons why women date younger men.
58. Welcome to Cougartown: Use this calculation tool to figure out if you’re in fact dating a cougar.
59. Dating Older Women: Read this article, written by someone who has experience with "quite a few predatory felines."
60. Dating Older Women: Younger men will find tips for making it work with an older women here.
61. Tips from Cougar Valley: Learn the proper ways to approach an older woman online.

Celebrity Inspiration

If you’ve always wanted to date an older woman but wanted a little extra motivation to get started, check out these successful cougar couples.

62. Demi and Ashton: These two practically started the cougar trend when they got together several years ago and were the subject of a lot of praise and cradle robber jokes.
63. Halle Berry and Gabrielle Aubry: Berry is nine years older than her model boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, but the age difference hasn’t stopped the two from procreating.
64. Madonna and Guy Richie: The ultimate in successful career women and sexual liberation, Madonna is 10 years older than husband Guy Ritchie.
65. Samantha and Smith: One of Sex and the City’s hottest couples, Samantha Jones and Smith Jared proved an inspiration to older women everywhere.
66. Kim Cattrall and Alan Wyse: Taking a cue from her onscreen character, Kim Cattrall of Sex and the City fame has been dating chef Alan Wyse for a few years, despite a 23-year age gap.

Sex and Romance Tips

Wooing and dating an older woman is very different from hooking up with a college girl. Learn more sophisticated sex and romance tips here.

67. Sexuality at Midlife and Beyond: 2004 Update of Attitudes and Behaviors: This report explores the sexuality of a broad range of midlife individuals.
68. <