Holidays

Halloween is without a doubt one of my favorite holidays. I look forward to October every year - the costumes, the decorations, the haunted houses, the pumpkin patches, the apple cider - everything about the season gets me excited, but there's nothing I look forward to more than the horror movies. Some are so terrifying that I can't bring myself to walk down a dark hallway to go to the bathroom. Some provide short jolts of fear and embarrassed giggles afterwards. Others are so campy that they are transformed into low-budget raunchy comedy flicks. In any form, I can't shake my love for horror films.

In celebration of the Halloween season, let's take a look at another kind of scary story: online dating horror stories.

We're entering holiday season, which in my opinion is the best time to meet people and increase your dating prospects. With all the parties, dinners, and networking events, you're missing out if you turn down invitations. Halloween especially is a great time to mix things up in your love life if it's grown a little stale with endless coffee dates. There's something to be said for scary movies and dark nights.

So, if you're thinking of doing something off the beaten path on your next date, try some of these Halloween ideas:

Local haunted houses and tours. The fun of Halloween is getting scared and clinging to someone next to you...a perfect date situation (if you're attracted to each other)! Check your local paper or events listings for any places in your area. In L.A. where I live, Hollywood tours are a favorite-lots of legends of stars and mobsters meeting grisly ends, their ghosts lurking around to make an appearance on Halloween. Take a date that interests you and show her your bravery (or lack thereof).

Halloween is quickly approaching. While most associate the holiday with small children, holes cut in sheets and lots of candy, it can be a fun holiday for adults as well. In fact, a costume party is a seasonal venue that can be just perfect for meeting someone new. Don’t pass up those party invitations just because you might not have a date - indeed, you might even want to consider throwing a party of your own!

First and foremost, a costume party provides you with something that many desperately scramble for: an opener. Everyone is wearing a costume, and everyone is talking about their own. A costume can be cute, funny, scary, or amazing - and you can walk right up and tell someone your thoughts without worrying that it’s inappropriate. Hopefully a conversation will start about it; if not, there’s plenty of other holiday fodder to choose from, like the decorations, activities, or even the costumes of others.

A funny thing can happen at costume parties: some people, hidden behind a mask or immersed in a character, can feel less inhibited. They might be more outgoing than usual, more willing to approach and be approached. Sure, parties might also have other contributors, like alcohol, but the costume effect is purely a psychological one. Perhaps you might feel more bold dressed as someone else. Perhaps the person you’re interested in is feeling equally daring.

1. I will put myself out there. I can't find love if I don't make an effort to meet new people and go on dates.
2. I will ditch my dealbreakers. I may be missing out on great people because I'm focused on superficial qualities like height and hair color. This year, I will focus on what really counts: finding someone who makes me happy.
3. I will smile more often. Not only does smiling make me more appealing and approachable, it also boosts my mood and shares my positive energy with the world.
4. I will revamp my online dating profile. I've changed over the last year, and my profile should change with me so that it is an accurate reflection of who I am and what I want.
5. I will make dating a priority. I won't let work or Dancing With The Stars reruns get in the way of what I really want: a relationship with someone I love.
6. I will give my attitude a makeover. There are plenty of wonderful people out there...I just need to find them. I will let go of the idea that there's no one out there for me.
7. I will not take rejection personally. Some dates will work out, but it's not a reflection on who I am - it just means that we weren't right for each other, and we will find better partners in other people.
8. I will not let my past determine my future. It doesn't matter how many unfulfilling relationships I've been in - they do not mean that I do not deserve, or will not find, happiness.
9. I will speak to strangers. Even a simple "Hello!" gets me one step closer to meeting the person of my dreams.
10. I will let go of my expectations on dates. I will be open, kind, funny, honest, positive, a great listener, and do everything I can to be the best date I can be. Even if I don't meet my soulmate, I may end up meeting a new friend.
11. I will recognize my own self-worth. I am a unique and fabulous person, and I deserve to have everything I want in life and love.
12. I won't give up! Sometimes bad dates and breakups happen...but they're no reason to give up on my dream of finding love with a partner who's perfect for me.

Happy New Year!

Many of you attended a party or two during Halloween weekend. If you met someone you found interesting and would like to see him again, how do you follow up? Do you Facebook friend him, call him, or wait until he makes contact?

There are many “rules” for dating protocol here, created mostly for the sake of keeping a guy interested. I’m not a big fan of rules. I prefer taking chances. After all, risk can equal reward, right? Here are a few things to bear in mind when deciding whether to make the next move.

First, consider how you left things with your love interest. Did he say he would call you, or did you agree to more firm plans? If you parted ways by leaving him your phone number, it’s up to him to call. But don’t sit around and wait for it---keep attending networking mixers and online dating. Keeping yourself busy helps you keep your perspective. Remember, even if you liked him, there are plenty of other guys out there if he isn't for you.

Are you looking to impress someone you just met, or looking for a way to meet someone new? Halloween is a great time to mix it up a little and try something different. After all, when is a better time to show off your creativity with a fabulous costume?

If you're looking for new date ideas, or places to meet other singles this time of year, here are some suggestions:

Go on a hayride. There are plenty of romantic activities to take part in this month, and a great one is the old-fashioned hayride. Usually during Halloween, they are themed to be scary---a good excuse to cling to each other in the dark. Check your local listings to see where they are offered. If this isn't an option because you're an urban dweller, check out a local haunted house.