Tips

People seem to be accessible 24/7, or at least, most have a Twitter account or a Facebook page that they check regularly. Why not use these tools as more than social networks and meet some other singles?

Following are some tips to use Facebook or Twitter to your advantage when looking for potential dates:

Revise your Facebook profile.

Much like on online dating site, Facebook provides a profile page for you to show off pictures, what your interests are, and a little about yourself. So instead of posting a picture of your dog for your main visual, have a friend take some nice candid shots. Include other photos of yourself doing interesting activities...traveling, surfing, playing music, or whatever you like. List a few things about yourself that you like to do (as conversation starters), but keep it to a minimum. Not only do you not want too much detail about yourself available online, but you also want to let some mystery remain when you meet potential dates.

Don't friend someone you haven't met.

If you like your Facebook friend's friend, don't rush to "friend" him or her to try and meet. Likely if they have never met you, they will be hesitant to add you to their roster. Instead, try sending a message to your friend to make introductions. If he or she is hesitant, move on. If you have already met your interest, send her a message reminding of how you met so she has some context to accept your request.

Update your status, but not excessively.

Many of us like instant gratification. We post a comment, picture, or status on Twitter or Facebook, and we want people to respond right away. If you're trying to elicit a response from someone specific by posting your status every five minutes, you'll likely send the wrong message. It's good to check in on these sites, but you don't want to be perceived as having nothing to do or being desperate for attention.

Don't over-comment.

Remember, this is flirting, not cyber-stalking. Just because you can post a comment at any time doesn't mean you should. Be respectful and only comment when you feel it's appropriate. Also, keep it light and fun rather than serious.

Message someone who shares the same "likes" as you

If you are a supporter of a volunteer group or a fan of a local comedy troupe, there may be opportunities to meet other single fans. Messaging someone who is a member of a group you belong to is a great way to meet new people and expand your network, and makes it easier to strike up a conversation.

Safety comes first.

Remember to be safe and don't meet an online (or Facebook) date in person without taking proper precautions. Always meet in a public place and let a friend know where you are and what time you'll be home.

Break-ups can be devastating, especially if it's the end of a marriage or long-term relationship. If some time has gone by and you're ready to get back out there again (or maybe for the first time), following are some tips for how to approach your new life and have a little fun.

Have fun!

Many of us make the mistake when we date of thinking that every guy we meet should be "the one" or it's a failure. This is simply not true. It's fine to ease in to dating. If you aren't clicking, it's not the end of the world. It's just good practice for the next one, so have fun and enjoy what you can!

Give yourself a make-over.

Maybe it's a new haircut or a new outfit, but whatever the case, giving ourselves a fresh look helps us mentally with making a new start. When you look good and feel good, you attract more people to you.

Don't look for a rebound.

Maybe you're trying to get back at your ex and obtain a hot, new boyfriend. This is not a good way to start of your dating life. Instead of looking for a rebound romance, concentrate on what you've learned from your previous relationship and what you want in your next partner.

Avoid talk of your ex.

Many people coming out of relationships fall into this trap. Remember that talk of your ex isn't appropriate when you're first getting to know someone. You could end up spending the evening bashing former loves instead of getting to know one another, which won't endear you to your date. Keep the conversation light and fun, and ask questions to keep the focus off your past.

Don't drink excessively.

Maybe you're nervous, but know your limits and tolerance when it comes to alcohol consumption. You don't want to feel out of control when you're meeting someone for the first time.

It's not as scary as it seems.

Perhaps your single girlfriends think "all the good ones are taken". This is simply not true, as 41% of the adult population is single according to the most recent U.S. Census. Being single again is different, but it doesn't have to be difficult. There are many men to meet and many experiences to have. Have fun and take this time to figure out what you really want in your next relationship.

If you've been on a date with a guy you found very attractive, but he never called you back, do you wonder why? First impressions are very powerful, and sometimes a thoughtless gesture or behavior could mean the difference between a second date and the disappearing act.

Following are some turn-ons and turn-offs for guys when it comes to first dates:

Don't drink too much. Sure, you may be able to handle your liquor and you want to keep up with him. But if you drink on an empty stomach or too quickly, you can quickly go from "slightly buzzed" to "drunk" and say or do things you'll later regret.

Dress sexy, not slutty. Instead of wearing your short shorts or showing off your cleavage, leave something to his imagination on a first date. Otherwise, he may get the impression you are looking for fun and not a relationship, and act accordingly.

Remember your manners. It's polite to thank your date if he picks up the bar tab or buys you a coffee, and it also shows you don't take things for granted. Also, it's great to ask questions because you're interested in your date, but don't cross-examine or act like you're conducting a job interview. Loosen up and let conversation flow.

Remember to smile and laugh. Sometimes, dating can feel serious. If you are exhausted or frustrated with dating, please don't share this attitude with your date! You will be more attractive and have a better time if you approach it with a sense of lightheartedness and adventure.

Don't come on too strong. You may have a big personality, like arguing your viewpoint, or find yourself controlling all of your conversations. If this is the case, take a breath and allow your date to steer the conversation. Every first date deserves a little give and take, so don't try to control the evening. Relax and get to know him first.

Most of us have been hurt from a relationship. Sometimes it is hard to move past our scars and trust someone again, though this is essential to developing a relationship with someone new.

Do you find yourself getting frustrated on dates, or feeling cynical about the types of people you're meeting? Instead of looking outward and deciding how wrong everyone else is for you, take some time to focus on what baggage you might be bringing to the dating table:

Holding grudges. Maybe you've had a few relationships where people took advantage of you, emotionally or financially. Instead of calling all women gold-diggers or all men players, remember that each person deserves the benefit of the doubt when it comes to meeting them for the first time. If you have a chip on your shoulder, it will send the wrong message to a potentially great date.

Crossing off certain "types". If you primarily dated lawyers without much success, crossing all lawyers off your list will only succeed in limiting your choices. Instead of lumping all lawyers into the "bad relationship" category, open your heart and get to know the individuals you meet. Besides, your list will only grow longer the more you date if this is how you operate.

Having an extensive list. Ladies, this is for you. If you have an extensive list of everything you do and don't want in a partner, nobody is going to measure up! Make sure you prioritize and think about what you truly want in a relationship, rather than the perfect date.

Waiting. If you spend a lot of time in your apartment watching Tivo and ignoring invitations to parties and blind dates, you aren't doing yourself any favors. You won't meet anyone without trying, and that means getting out there. Even if you endure a lot of bad dates, you'll also have a lot of experiences that will help you understand what you truly want in a relationship, and you're that much closer to finding the right one.

Surrounding yourself with negative people. Sure, it's fun to join your friends at the bar and discuss how awful your dates have been over *censored*tails. But is this helping any of you date better? Instead of constantly complaining about how things are going, try hanging out with friends who are in successful relationships, and ask them how they did it. Changing your attitude will help attract more positive people to you, and lead you to better relationship candidates.

Most of us have been hurt from a relationship.Sometimes it is hard to move past our scars and trust someone again, though this is essential to developing a relationship with someone new.

These days, people prefer texting over calling. It's easier and more efficient to communicate this way, but it can also wreak havoc on your dating life if you're not paying attention to some simple guidelines.

Following are some ways to keep in touch with someone you're interested in, along with some texting etiquette.

DON'T text if you're on a date. Put your cell phone away so you aren't potentially distracted. It's inconsiderate to text someone else while you are supposed to be getting to know your date. Also, if you're talking negatively about your date, you could risk him seeing what you're writing.

DO text after a date. Sending a couple of flirtatious texts after a date keeps the interest going, and lets your date know you'd like to see him again. However, don't get carried away, especially if you're just getting to know each other. Sending 50 texts looks more desperate than attractive!

DO text back promptly. I'm not advocating waiting by your cell phone for the next text from your love interest, but it's good not to let too much time go by before responding. Many people who are single date more than one person at a time, so being prompt at responding lets the person know you're into him or her. Keep it brief, though, and again, don't become addicted to texting. A response is enough.

DON'T text the wrong person. If you don't want to see someone anymore, remember to erase them from your address book (and let them know!). I got a text once from a guy I was interested in thanking me for "a great time last night", but I hadn't seen him in weeks. Obviously, he'd texted the wrong Kelly.

DON'T replace talking things out with texting. All relationships are built on good communication, and texting leaves a lot to the imagination. Emotions can't be conveyed over text, or they can be misinterpreted. If you have a textual misunderstanding, pick up the phone and straighten it out!

First dates can be nerve-wracking. You want to make a good impression, to come across as confident, attractive, and a great catch. Sometimes the pressure can be overwhelming, leading you to sweaty palms, stuttering, talking incessantly, and other nervous behavior. So what can you do to calm your nerves and be the person you truly are?

Following are some tips to help:

Go someplace familiar. If you have a favorite restaurant or café that makes you feel comfortable, choose this location for a first date. Comfortable settings help ease the pressure of a first date, rather than trying someplace new.

Do an activity. If you feel pressured about conversation flow and what to talk about, try scheduling a hike, playing pool, or another activity. Being active gives you both something to focus on besides the date, and is also a way to channel nervous energy.

Ask questions. Instead of listing off your successes, the car you drive, or anything else you find brag-worthy on a date, try asking questions instead. It's very attractive when someone wants to know more about you. Doing this also helps you connect and find things in common.

Have a passion? If you are passionate about biking, sailing, or anything else, bring it up! There's nothing more attractive than someone who lights up when talking about a particular subject.

This isn't a job interview! I've said this before, but please lighten up when you're on a date. There's no need to have a serious conversation or ask a million questions to find out if he has everything on your checklist. A first date is an initial meeting to see if there's a spark or potential for connection, not a sales pitch.

Remember, it's a two-way street. If you're on a first date, it's because you met online, got fixed up, or were attracted to each other while waiting in line at the coffee shop. Whatever the case, you are both interested in meeting, so don't feel you have to prove something. Let the date progress naturally, without worrying so much about how you're coming across or what you'll say next.