Dating Advice: Never Snoop

Respect privacy. If you’ve been dating someone for awhile, this doesn’t give you the right to invade someone’s privacy. Checking the cell phone or email of anyone you’re dating is an absolute no-no, even if you think something shady may be going on. Open communication is far better than being sneaky.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Dating Advice: Don't Be A Player

Don’t be a player. You’re an adult not a 17-year-old.Even if you’re dating more than one person at a particular time, be conscious of how that might affect whom you’re dating and their opinions about you. Players are the type of people who end up alone in the end.

Dating Advice: Everyone is Different

Remember that not all women or all men are the same. Some women like funny men, while others go for a more brooding type. Learn to accept that just because your favorite joke that usually gets your dates laughing might not have the same effect on everyone. Realizing that everyone is different and brings different aspects of themselves to a date is the best way to avoid disappointment. Don’t worry, someone else may find that joke funny again someday!

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Dating Advice: Don't Pretend to Be Someone Else

If you’re not a “bad boy/girl,” don’t pretend to be one. Let’s say your date admits they usually date a “bad” boy, don’t try to all of a sudden fit into that mold as some sort of way to win her over. Be who you are and don’t put on airs.  

Here's another blog post about being true to yourself.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Dating Advice: A Hair Styling Tip for Men [Photos]

Gentlemen, don’t use too much product. While some men like to gussy themselves up just as much as the ladies, you have to draw a line somewhere. Too much product in your hair can make any man, young or old, look ridiculous. And NEVER, EVER dye your hair to pretend you don’t have grey/white hair. Of course everyone can tell!!! And “no” they won’t tell you because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. Instead, embrace your age and your silver hair… if you still have hair on your scalp that is.

Do you still think that dyed hair makes the man look any younger??

-Estelle

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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Dating Advice For Sports Fans

Sports fans, be cool. Some sports fans are really obsessive about their teams and could talk about them for hours and hours. That’s great and all, but take into consideration that the person on the other side of the table may not be into sports at all. If you think you can’t keep your concerns about who will be winning the Super Bowl to yourself, then maybe you shouldn’t schedule any dates prior to such big sporting events.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Learn This and Have More Fun On Your Date

Learn to dance. Dancing always makes for a great date so if you’ve never learned to dance it’s time. You may claim you have two left feet, but after a few lessons you actually might be quite good. You owe to yourself and your future dates to expand your repertoire of what you can bring to an evening of fun.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

This is a Major Turn Off

Quit smoking. If you’re a smoker than it’s time to quit. The majority of Americans do not smoke and it’s a major turn off for most people. It’s also killing you, in case you forgot.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Respect Starts With Yourself

Don’t expect sex… for a long while!! We’ve covered that you should never have sex on a first date, but don’t expect it either. Expectations to get laid may lead to you seeming as though you have an ulterior motive. Also, never agree to have sex under the pressure of your date, or to please him/her. Respect starts with yourself.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Honesty is the Best Policy When Dating

Be true to your date. When a first date comes to an end, don’t say the customary “I’ll call you,” unless you’re going to actually call. Honesty is always the best policy. Besides, you wouldn’t want to be sitting around waiting for a call that’s never going to come, would you? Instead choose to thank your date for inviting you over drinks or dinner or politely say “it was nice to meet you.”

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Consider This For a First Date

Consider a weeknight for a first date. Weeknights are far more casual for a first date, and allows either party to get out early If it’s not happening. Friday and Saturday nights are liable to end up in making people feel obligated to stay out longer than they would on a Tuesday or Thursday.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Respect Your Date's Decision

Don’t be pushy. If you’ve gone on a date, but your date has decided it’s not going to work, don’t be pushy about it. Just as you would want someone to respect your feelings on the matter, you need to do the same. Telling someone they’ll “change their mind about you after you go on another date” or anything similar is delving into creepy territory.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Even a Perfect Match Can Fail If This Is Wrong

Timing is everything. If you’ve decided to ask someone out, pick the appropriate moment. If he or she is stressed or in a difficult stage in their life, don’t make your move. Even if you’ll be an ideal match in the future, you still need to get it all off on the right foot. If you approach her the day she just got laid off or found out someone kidnapped her dog, then that’s bad timing!

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Don't Over-Analyze or Be Obsessive

Don’t obsess. Let’s say you’ve been out with someone a few times, but you either haven’t heard from them in a few days or you can’t read them – don’t obsess! We’ve already covered keeping contact to a minimum, but also don’t over-analyze or be obsessive about the situation in your private time either. You’ll just make yourself paranoid and exhausted.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Be Flexible When Scheduling Your Date

Be flexible. When it comes to making a date it isn’t just about you, but also about your date’s schedule. When proposing a date suggest more than one evening to meet, so you give your date wiggle room.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

What to Do When You Are Ready to Date Again

Don’t be afraid to put the word out that you’re ready to date. Even if it seems like everyone around you is otherwise engaged in a relationship, you never know who they might come across in their travels. You’re single, you’re on the prowl, and you’re ready to meet someone new, so let everyone in your life know. Just make sure the message isn’t that you are “desperate” to meet someone though…

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Four Tips On Buying Flowers For Your Date

You’d like to buy a bouquet of flowers for your date? How adorable!

• Tip# 1: NEVER on a first date… this is not the Prom and you are not bringing her a flower for her boutonniere. 
• Tip# 2: NEVER buy the pre-packaged yucky flower arrangements which feature one of each cheap flower the shrewd florist wants to get rid of. The garish bouquet always includes a stinky Lily which will for sure stain your lovely date’s pretty outfit. 
• Tip# 3: No chrysanthemum. In some countries of Europe (e.g., France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Croatia), chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are only used for funerals or on graves. 
• Tip# 4: No dyed carnations. This may seem silly, but the majority of women do not care for carnations – and dyed carnations are even worse.

OK. So what do you get then?? Stick to a bouquet with 2 colors maximum. Great color combinations include: white and green, yellow and orange, purple and pink… or just a few roses (Red roses are a little too intense early in a relationship but other colors work just fine).

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Dating Advice: Don't Get Lured Into This

Never date someone who’s married. It may seem like common sense, but in this day and age, some people have a different idea of what “married” means. Don’t get lured into the shady love life of one who is dating someone “separated soon to be divorced”. Also, some married individuals are in “open relationships” while others have an “arrangement.” Either way, steer clear of people who are already involved in any sort of relationship. If a couple wants to have an open relationship, that’s their choice, but it’s also something in which you do not want to partake.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Never Discuss This When First Dating

Keep the details of your past marriage(s) to yourself. If you’re divorced and dating again, there’s no need to get into the sticky details of a past marriage, who cheated or the messy divorce that may have followed. While these topics may eventually come up in the long run, it’s best to look forward to the future instead of lingering on a past that was less than perfect.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Women Place Far More Importance On This

Manners vs. looks. Although we’ve covered in the past just how essential manners are, a new study found that not only are they important but the majority of women place far more importance on manners as opposed to looks. Just something to think about.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Are You Attracted to the Wrong Type of Guy or Girl?

Break bad habits. A lot of us are drawn to a certain “type” of person. However, if that “type” has resulted in heartache and horrible endings in the past, it’s important to break that bad habit. Having a “type” keeps you trapped and fearful of venturing out, so throw caution to the wind and date someone who just might be your complete opposite. You never know what’s going to fit until you try.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Attend Events, Get Out There, and Look Your Best!

Be proactive. You never know when and where you’re going to meet your match. So make it a habit of going to all events you’re invited to, work or otherwise. You’ll never meet anyone sitting home watching TV. Also, keep in mind that you may bump into Mr/Mrs right while grocery shopping, so be sure not to look too “undone”. Few men are attractive to baggy sweat pants and women with curlers in their hair.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

This Simple Tip Can Make a Big Difference

Make reservations. Planning ahead is the best way to avoid standing around trying to kill time with small talk while waiting for a table. Even if you’ve gone to a restaurant that doesn’t take reservations, be prepared for a place where you can enjoy a drink after you’ve put your name in at the restaurant (especially in the cold winter months).

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

By the Forth or Fifth Date, Make Sure of This

Don’t force it. If by the time the fourth or fifth date rolls around and you’re not feeling it, you need to be honest with yourself and the person you’re dating by letting them know. Of course, if they’re feeling differently you may end up hurting them, but it’s better to nip it in the bud early on, than string someone along because you’re too afraid to be truthful.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Dating Advice: Keep This to a Minimum

Keep gift giving to a minimum when you start dating someone. Although you may find yourself wanting to shower the new person in your life with gifts, you need to hold off. Even if it’s the holiday season or their birthday, it’s important to be realistic in your gift choices as opposed to over-doing it, which could lead to scaring the person off. A few easy “gifts” that everyone enjoys and aren’t too over the top include: dinner, chocolates/sweets, a book and flowers. It’s simple yet thoughtful and doesn’t seem like you’re trying too hard.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Be Honest About This Right From the Start

Be honest about their pets. After a few weeks you’re going to have to start being honest about whether or not you like the pet of the person you’re dating. If you’re not a pet owner, then you may not understand just how important a dog or cat is in the lives of those who have them. Keep in mind that for some, pets are just as important as kids, so it’s important to be accepting of the place they play in the life of the person you’re dating, as well as be honest about just how much pet tolerance you have.

Read our other tip on Dating Advice for Pet Lovers

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

2012 Survey Reveals That People Prefer This

Be green. A 2012 survey of 1,000 single men and women over the age of 18 showed that 3/4 of Americans prefer significant others who are eco-friendly. “Women were 30 percent more likely than men to question whether to date someone who litters (52% vs. 40%) or refuses to recycle (17%vs. 13%).” Lesson? If you’re not an avid recycler or one that actively tries to make the earth a better place, it’s time to work on those skills.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Don't Ruin the Evening if This Happens on a Date

In a world where nothing goes right, you might just run into an ex while you’re on a date. Yikes! But it’s OK. Besides breathing and counting to 10 so you don’t lose it, if he or she approaches you, just introduce your new friend and keep it short and sweet. Also don’t tell your date right away who it was… there’s no sense in ruining the evening.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Dressing Etiquette for Woman

Ladies, keep your dress or skirt just above your knee and your shirt free of cleavage on the first date. We’re not suggesting you be a Puritan, but we are suggesting you leave something to the imagination. And frankly, men can’t concentrate with a pair of perfect breasts in their face.

In case you missed it, yesterday we talked about dressing etiquette for men.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Dressing Etiquette for Men

Men, keep your shirt buttoned. You may think you’re giving her what she wants visually, but the first date and those that follow are about being buttoned up. Needless to say your boxer shorts should remain hiding in your pants!

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida

Don't Do This Before The First Date

Don’t text before the first date. End of story. Why? Because it’s too casual and you’re not 15 years old anymore.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida