Rev-Up Your Dating Life: Eight Things You Can Do Today

Are you ready to rev-up your dating life? Maybe you feel like the online scene is in a bit of a lull or your latest dates haven't been filled with anything resembling chemistry. Enough of the complaining! It's time to take some action and get your love life in line with your urge for excitement and dates that sizzle. Try these eight ideas to put your passion back on the map - after all, it's not uncommon to fall into a rut if you haven't found your perfect match quite yet.

Make a Love List

It may have been awhile sit you sat down and remembered what it is you're really looking for in a mate. Head out to the back porch or the balcony with a pen and paper (or your laptop) and make a list of everything you want in a mate. Leave to "don't wants" off the list and focus on the "wants."

Ditch the Negative Vibes

It's time you became tired of everything you don't want and don't like, because trust us: your dates are already tired of those things! Leave the negative vibes at home and do your best to be upbeat and positive. This goes fro reviewing online dating profiles, email communications, phone calls and the date itself!

Hit the Gym

If you're feeling the blahs, why not treat yourself with a gym workout or, if you already go regularly, a session with a personal trainer? Getting your butt kicked (or kicking it yourself) can give you the extra self-esteem boost you need to have a fabulous date.

Style It Up

Maybe what you need is an image touch-up. Take yourself on a little shopping trip. If you're a guy and can't bring yourself to head to the mall, grab a gal pal and bring her along for some fashion tips. If you like what you're wearing, you'll feel better and that will show through to your date.

Flirt!

Yes, we said FLIRT! The next time you're on a date and you like the person sitting in front of you, there's nothing wrong with a little flirtation to liven things up. Don't practice this on the ones you're not interested in, as that will just send mixed signals. But a well-timed flirtation can go miles for making your date smile.

Mix it Up - One at a Time

Are you in a dating rut? Why not freshen-up your dating life by committing to a series of places you've never tried before for your next few dates? New restaurants, parks, coffee shops and bars - they're out there and waiting for you to find them. If you need inspiration, try a site like Yelp.com that gives local favorites rated by people just like you.

Make Real Time

Stop trying to cram your dates in after work, into happy hour and before you go home. If you're relaxed when you show up for a date, you're probably going to have a lot more fun! Take the time to go home, get comfortable, change clothes and decompress after your work day. Chances are, your date will also appreciate the downtime and be more relaxed when they show up for your special evening, too!

Get Interested

Do you find that you let your dates talk more than you? If you're at a loss for how to converse with your date, grab a friend and go get some coffee. Make it your mission to find out a few things about your friend that you don't already know. While you never want your dates to sound like the Spanish Inquisition, asking questions indicates that you're interested. Be interested - it feels good when people are interesting in who we are wand what we do.