Should Single Mothers Date?

Unfortunately, some may have a different opinion.

In a supermarket the other day a woman was talking to a friend and said that her daughter was having a difficult time dating and couldn't seem to find the right man. Mother-dearest suggested that her single-mom daughter not date until the children were "older". Although "older" was never defined, it was taken to be adulthood.

Maybe the men aren't the problem, but the way the single mother is handling her dates.

In many cases, single parents who've been out of the dating game for a while have forgotten some of the rules. All they need for a successful date is a refresher course on dating. These few bits of dating advice will help.

Clothing should be appropriate for the date:
Dress to be with adults, not children.
Wear something casual, but not provocative.
What you wear should be appropriate for where you're going.
Stay away from anything with language or graphics that can be offensive.
Hint: if you're not comfortable going to church in it, put it back.

Perfumes are to be used in moderation:
Don't use your favourite perfume to excess.
Use a dab, not a splash.
Hint: Perfumes are to entice, not overwhelm.

Jewellery is an accent, not a statement:
Bling is nice, but you don't have to wear it all at once.
Know the difference between elegant and garish.
Hint: If your date needs sunglasses for the glare, it's too much.

Fragrances other than your perfume:
Be aware of odors that aren't your perfume.
Don't overdo the deodorant. The mix with your perfume could be over-powering.
Breath mints are mandatory.
Cigarette smoke on your breath or clothing is unpleasant to a non-smoker.
Hint: Always wear freshly laundered clothes.

Timing is important:
Be considerate, be on time.
Make sure your busy schedule leaves enough time to get ready.
Phone if you're running late, and the earlier the better.
If you're being picked up - be ready and waiting.
If you're meeting your date, it's better to arrive early.
Hint: Dates shouldn't be kept waiting more than 5 minutes

Emergency situations have to be planned for:
Make sure you have enough money to get yourself back home.
Don't assume that your date is going to pay for everything.
Take your cell phone, or borrow one.
Hint: Plan like you'll have to pay for everything.

Conversation is the key to a good date:
Keep it light.
Don't talk about kids unless your date brings it up.
Previous lovers, bad marriages and family problems are out.
Baby talk may be cute, but has no place on a dinner date.
Give your date a chance to be part of the conversation.
Don't let the conversation turn to silence.
Hint: Make a list of things to talk about before you leave home.

Fun is what a date is all about:
Don't worry about the kids and start calling them every ten minutes.
Limit your drinking - slurred words and falling off the chair aren't good things.
Crude innuendos and course language are for the gutter, not a date.
Hint: Relax and enjoy yourself

Ending the date:
If it's your first date, end it at the door.
Make it another time to meet your kids, don't rush things.
A Kiss on the cheek is appropriate.
Anything more will be dictated by your feelings.
Hint: From here on out, you're on your own!

This date is your time to have some fun and adult conversation, so enjoy it.