The Perfect Gentleman Issue 8 - Halloween | Page 14

Avoiding Dating Nightmares
By Lydia Foulkes
In my opinion dating has changed exponentially.
What happened to the days of courting? Do we still
actually still do that?
With everyone living such busy lives, internet
dating appears to have taken out a fundamental
and rather wonderful aspect of dating. Getting to
know someone. It's all so instantaneous….Swipe
apps and Online sites mean you could overlook a
perfect partner as it's become all about aesthetics
rather than the personality. I wonder if it's made us
all rather lazy and somewhat superficial. I do
believe attraction plays a big part, but personality
and having someone make you laugh until your
sides hurt is as important.
I really don’t feel there should be naughtiness on
the first date, be romanced, and get to know this
person better, that work both ways.
That is not to say that I don’t know people who
have met, dated and even gone on to get married,
so clearly it has a place in this new whirlwind
world we live in. I still believe meeting people

14

through your extended network is a great way,
as people know you and personal introductions
are by far the most wonderful of means to meet
new friends and potential lovelies. Your friends
and colleagues often know you better than you
know you, and may well have someone in their
armoury who could be a great connection…
We clearly all spend so much time at work so
what are the rules on dating in the workplace? Is
it smart? Or is it just easy? I would suggest best
to avoid mixing business and pleasure, but of
course, if cupid comes knocking one should be
open to the possibility.
Having only been dating again in last few
months, after a long-term relationship, I
decided to have some time on my own, I just
needed to recalibrate, and reacquaint myself
with myself, so I will refer to my more recent
experiences. I don’t believe I am the same or
have the same wants, needs and wishes, let alone
hopes that I had when I was thirty.

Romantic Gentleman