Freshen Up Your Attitude

Advice
  • Thursday, October 28 2010 @ 09:31 am
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By now, you've probably heard that freshening up your profile every few months is a good idea. Including just a few sentences about the current month or the latest movie you've seen instantly dates your profile – in a good way. It keeps it up to date, you're constantly reevaluating and editing it, and it shows that you haven't just put it out there and forgotten about it. However, there's something else that we should remember when we think about keeping up-to-date: ourselves.

Many people who use online dating sites are busy people, and the dating world as a whole is hard on self-esteem. Put those two factors together and you've got a lot of people who probably put everything else before themselves. So, we know how to freshen up our profiles; what about ourselves?

Stick with something small and inexpensive. A haircut is something that can instantly make a person feel more well-kept and neat. If you're looking to drastically change your appearance, however, beware! Try not to go when you're already feeling down – chances are it will make you more critical of the results. A simple trim, however, cleans things up and can put a bounce in your step without being earth-shattering. Someone with long hair might consider a blow-out, instead.

A new outfit – not a new wardrobe, just something simple – can also brighten someone's day. Not everyone likes shopping, but it can be rewarding to find something flattering and stylish. And for those who are self-conscious about how they look, finding clothes they like can be a first step in feeling better about themselves.

It doesn't have to be all about retail therapy; you could try taking a drive out to a beautiful location, just to drink in the view. You could set aside an hour to meditate and relax. You could run a bubble bath. The important thing to remember is that you're pampering yourself, taking time out just for you. A little self-care can refresh your appearance, your attitude, and your soul – a little shot in the arm that we all need every now and then.

Taking a little time for yourself also works great before a date. After all, who would you rather meet on a first date – someone who's grumpy, tired and cynical, or someone who feels refreshed, confident and ready to take on the world? It might seem silly that taking a bath could produce these results, but it's all about what works for you – and thinking of yourself in the first place.