Sunday, August 4, 2013

Picnics

Sorry for the long absence, life got a little busier recently. But people have been asking for more posts so I'm back!

I was actually ready to write about this week's date idea last month and kept forgetting, and I figured I better do it now before Summer slips away from us. So today I present you with...
 A PICNIC!



I know, I know. This idea isn't really that original, but the purpose of a date is to get to know someone, so originality wasn't really what I was going for here. 

Any of you are welcome to borrow the picnic basket in the pictures above -- just send me a text or an email. Also, I just want to brag for a moment because I went all Pinteresty (like crafty, but inspired by Pinterest) and learned how to sew that liner for it. Ok, bragging over.

Did I mention it comes with these sweet Avenger plates?!?!

Yeah, now you're all going to be begging to borrow my picnic basket. :) 
There are four plates so you could do a double date with this one.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Flag Day and Concerts

Did you know that this Friday, June 14, is National Flag Day?

Take a date to celebrate this holiday at the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony in the Macey's Food and Drug Store parking lot!! 

Starting at 8 PM, the service will include Major General Jefferson S. Burton as a guest speaker, the Girl Scouts of America presenting the evolution of the Flag, and of course the retirement of the flag. 

**Provo City will be providing bleachers (for those who arrive early enough), but you are also welcome to bring chairs or blankets to sit on.**



Also on June 14, Central Utah Gardens is providing a free concert to the public! This week's show is Cherie Call (to learn more about her, click here) The show starts at 7 PM and is located at the Central Utah Gardens, 355 W. University Parkway (by the Krispy Kreme)

Sunday, June 2, 2013

AND THE WINNER IS.....



The Winner of this $15 dollar gift certificate to The Cocoa Bean is...


Drumroll please......


TOMMY RILEY!!!




Rooftop concerts, Art Strolls, and Utah Lake Festival.

This weekend Provo is full of things to do for everyone!


For the Music Lovers:

The Rooftop Concert Series this month will include Joshua James, Polytype, and Jay William Henderson. It starts at 8 PM on Friday the 7th. located on top of the Provo Town Square parking structure. Take a date go listen to some new music!! 
P.S. this is a free event :)
For more information about the Rooftop Concert Series click here.



For the Artsy Type:

In the market for a new piece of art? Or maybe you just want to pretend you are... Either way, the Downtown Art Stroll is a great place to take a date! you can walk through different art galleries in downtown Provo, starting with the Covey Center. If you can't make it this weekend they do this event the first Friday of every month, from 6-9 PM. It is free, and sometimes they have light refreshments!
For more info about the Art Stroll click here.



For the amateur Ecologists out there:

The Utah Lake Festival is a little bit of a more educational date. This Saturday from 10 AM till 2 PM at the Utah Lake State Park get your "Utah Lake Festival Passport" stamped at different booths where you can learn about the lakes ecosystem, native species, recreational activities you can do at the lake, etc.
For more info bout the Lake Festival, click here.



Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Round 8

Dear Ladies, 
At least for the first few dates, try to be your most lady-like self. Burping, farting, gross jokes, etc. should be left at home. We don't want to feel like we're on a date with a man trapped in a lady's body.
Love, The Gentlemen

Dear Gentlemen,
The secret to finding the girl of your dreams is to get to know many of them and then, when you fall in love and it feels right, ask her to marry you. If she says no, you continue to search and to pray until finally you will arrive with that young woman at the altar of the temple. Just don't give up...Don't suppose that certain girls would never go out with you. Sometimes they are wondering why no one asks them out. Just ask, and be prepared to move on if the answer is no.
Love, President Uchtdorf (The Reflection in the Water, Nov 2009)

Dear Ladies, 
Be Gentle. It's all right if you turn down requests for dates or proposals for marriage. But please do it gently.
Love, President Uchtdorf (The Reflection in the Water, Nov 2009)


Sunday, May 26, 2013

Stroll through Pioneer Park



Starting this Saturday the weekly Provo Farmer's Market will be held at Pioneer Park (on the corner of 500 West and Center st) From 9 AM- 2 PM. And they will have lots of vendors there to check out! 

It's a great date idea because you can spend as much money as you want or just go to browse and spend no money at all. Plus, afterwards you can play in the new Splash Pad they have there! 
(The Water is on Mon-Sat 10 AM - 8 PM)


Doesn't this look super fun??

 And don't say its only for children, because here is our Mayor enjoying the water....

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Shakespeare in the Park



Currently, Utah Shakespeare in the Park is doing a free (although they take donations) production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Orem City Center Park (300 E. Center street) (See the cast here)

They have shows at 7 PM on May 20, 23-25, 27, 30-31 and June 1.
So grab a date, grab a blanket, and head over to the park for a great show.

I also recommend getting ice cream or something after and discussing the play, your families, what sports you like to play, or future wedding plans....

Just kidding, don't bring up wedding plans unless you don't want a second date :)

As for the Contest: Ben Osborn has taken the lead for most dates! But just a reminder it is a drawing, so even with one date you could win. So text me or email me at colleen.barry@me.com to enter!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Take a Break

Today my post will be a little different. Instead of the typical letters between ladies and gentlemen, I'm writing to all of you (and me)-- from me. This has been something that I've been thinking about a lot lately, and I hope I don't offend anyone by writing it.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today I wish to talk about cell phones.

My cell phone is possibly the greatest thing ever. It keeps me in touch with family who lives far away (I just Facetimed with my sister who is in Argentina). The GPS on my phone helped me maneuver through the streets in Northern California just last month. The fact that I can send a text message to everyone in my family, at the same time, and we can all see each other's responses, amazes me. And I, like most girls, have an addiction to Pinterest, which is readily available at the touch of a finger.
Yes, I love cell phones. But I also hate them.

I hate them because too many people hide behind them.
It is true that it is easier to ask someone out through a text because there is less interaction, the person won't see or hear your disappointment if they say no. And they won't see or hear if you are "too" excited that they said yes. You are safe. but why shouldn't they know you are disappointed or excited? Why is it so bad to let someone know "Hey, I kinda think you are awesome and I would like to get to know you better". I mean aren't you flattered when someone shows interest in you? Stop hiding! Be bold! People are more likely to say yes if you ask in person or call anyway....

I hate them because they disconnect you
I know what you're thinking, "How can you possibly think I'm disconnected when I've got Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and my messages open at the same time? I'm connected with everyone!" And you're right, you are connected with everyone, but how much are you actually investing in these people? And are you taking the time to get to know someone knew at the ward activity, or your friend's game night? Or are you just trying to stay connected to the 1283 Facebook friends you have?

My friend Lindsey* spent her first semester of college at BYU-Idaho, and she hated it. She complained that she barely made any new friends and there was no one to date. One day, when people from her ward were at her apartment she mentioned how she wasn't making a lot of friends like she expected to in college, and one of the guys there said "Well Lindsey, you sit here on your phone the whole time people are at your apartment, do you ever try to make friends?" From that day forward she made an attempt to meet new people, and she started loving college. And I'll have you know, she ended up meeting someone and they have been happily married for 1 1/2 years.

I hate them because people use them to "bond"
Every day at work my coworkers and I sit down and eat lunch together, and then we all pull our phones out and the conversations soon go like this:

"Look at this cute skirt I'm going to make. I found it on Pinterest!"
"Did you see what Jacob posted on Facebook? Can you believe it?"
"I saw the funniest YouTube video yesterday, you all have to watch this!"

Yes, we are bonding. But the bonding is kind of superficial. And I get that we are just coworkers so we don't need to be on a super personal level (although sometimes we are), but I see this happen at church activities, and when everyone is hanging out at a friends house. This isn't really a way to meet and truly get to know people that you could potentially date.

Now with all that being said, I have to say There is nothing wrong with Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube, but I think we could all benefit from using them a little less in our lives. Especially me. So this week I would like to issue a challenge. When you are in a place to socialize keep your phone in your pocket or purse. Try to talk to people without using your phone. See how many new people you can meet this week. Or how many new things you can learn about someone you already know.

Love,
Colleen

Monday, May 13, 2013

Light Graffiti





This week's date idea was submitted by one of the blog readers. Here are the instructions:
  1. You go out with a camera, put it on long exposure.
  2. Take out a flash light, glow stick,  or whatever and draw imaginary shapes in the air. 
  3. Have fun laughing about the pictures.
It’s super fun and you get to see your date’s creativity and ability to have fun.

He said you need a camera that you can adjust the exposure time on, so fancy cameras will work and some simple digital cameras will have this option. Have a great week!

Competition Update: Tommy is now tied with Spencer for most dates! Remember anyone who is single can participate, just send in your info and I will put your name in the drawing! Good luck!


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Round 7

Dear Gentlemen,
There is a reason things like this.....
...are cliché. We ladies love gestures like this.
Love, The Ladies

Dear Ladies,
Don't expect relationships to be like a chick flick all the time. Those guys have a script that they have spent months memorizing, we do not. However we are original and will try to create chick flick moments for you.
Love, The Gentlemen

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
"There are lots of limitations in all of us that we hope our sweethearts will overlook. I suppose no one is as handsome or as beautiful as he or she wishes, or as brilliant in school or as witty in speech or as wealthy as we would like, but in a world of varied talents and fortunes that we can't always command, I think that makes even more attractive the qualities we can command -- Such qualities as thoughtfulness, patience, a kind word, and true delight in the accomplishment of another. These cost us nothing and they can mean everything to the one who receives them."
Love, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (How Do I Love Thee?, February 2000)


Sunday, May 5, 2013

Take A Hike

Over the past few weeks I have heard a plethora of people say things like "We should get a big group together to hike Timp!" or "lets invite everyone to go on a hike next week!" Well, I have a better idea....

Why don't you grab a date, and go on a hike together? The great thing is you can make this a date for 2, or a double date, or a group date. But make it a date

There are hikes for beginners and experts, and you can also make it as long or short as you would like. Hikes like Stewart Falls, and the "Y", are much shorter than a hike up to the top of Timpanogos. 



Also, since I know you are all curious, The Competition is still going on, and currently Spencer Ellis has more dates than anyone else so the odds are in his favor. Way to go Spencer!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Round 6


Dear Ladies, 
Please don't compare us with "The List" you made in a young women's class. We aren't going to be EVERYTHING on the list, but that doesn't make us bad guys.
Love, The Gentlemen

Dear Gentlemen,
We like when you hold our coat/jacket for us to help us put it on. you don't have to do it ALL the time, but its a really sweet gesture.
Love, The Ladies

Dear Ladies,
"...I would caution you single sisters not to become so independent and self-reliant that you decide marriage isn't worth it and you can do just as well on your own...This is not right. Certainly we want our single sisters to maximize their individual potential, to be well educated, and to do well at their present employment. You have much to contribute to society, to your community, and to your neighborhood. But we earnestly pray that our single sisters will desire honorable marriage in the temple to a worthy man and rear a righteous family, even though this may mean the sacrificing of degrees and careers. Our priorities are right when we realize there is no higher calling than to be an honorable wife and mother."
Love, President Ezra Taft Benson (To The Single Adult Sisters of The Church, October 1988)

Dear Gentlemen,
You don't need to feel nervous about a date, we already said "yes". Just relax and have fun and everything will be OK.
Love, The Ladies

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Compete for Cocoa Bean!!



I have in my possession a $15 dollar gift card to The Cocoa Bean in Provo, so I've decided to do a little dating competition/contest for one of you to win it. Not that any of you need incentive to go on dates or anything...

Here's how it works: For the entire month of May, every time you go on a date with someone you can text or email me and I will put your name into the drawing. Every date you go on gets you another ticket, so the more dates you go on the better your chances of winning :).

Here are the rules:

  1. Married couples do not qualify, you must be single. (Sorry married folks, but the goal is to get people to go on dates)
  2. Both guys and girls are eligible. but you have to be the one to ask someone on the date for your name to be submitted.
  3. To qualify as a date it must follow Elder Oak's "3 P's" -- Planned ahead, Paired off**, Paid for. (If the date is free, then you just need the first two)
  4. You have to text or email me with the following info:
    1. Who you went with (just a first name is fine)
    2. What you did for a date
    3. When the date was
  5. You do not have to know me personally to qualify, if you heard about this blog through a friend of a friend (or anything else) then feel free to participate!
  6. The drawing will be on June 2nd and the winner will be announced on the blog.
**Paired off means this is not a "hang out". You have to actually ask them on a date. And if it is a group date be sure your date knows that you are their date.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Round 5

Dear Ladies,
Try to have opinions about things, don't just agree with us and pretend to be into the same things we are. Eventually we'll find out that you aren't, and we feel like you lied to us. It's ok to like different things than we do.
Love, The Gentlemen

Dear Gentlemen,
If you say "We should go on a date sometime", and we say "that sounds great!".... you should follow up with a date.
Love, The Ladies

Dear Ladies,
Be open to a date idea, even if you don't think it sounds fun at first. Anything can be fun with the right people, and the right attitude. Plus if you give off vibes that you aren't into the activity you come off as rude.
Love, The Gentlemen

Dear Gentlemen,
When you have a certain skill like playing guitar, cooking, any sports, playing chess, computer programming, Jedi powers, constructing the perfect s'more, etc. and a girl tells you she would "looove to learn how to do (insert skill here) so well"... That is the golden opportunity for you to ask her on a date. Just simply say "I can teach you, what are you doing next (insert available day here)"
Love, The Ladies

Dear Ladies,
A smile goes a long way. Nothing crushes courage more than when we smile at you and get nothing back-- or worse when you give us a death glare.
Love, The Gentlemen

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Date

Many local candy companies give free or cheap tours of their factories, and get this-- YOU DON'T EVEN NEED A GOLDEN TICKET! (although it would be really awesome to ask someone on this date by making a "Golden Ticket" for them...Just sayin') Anyway, I've done a little research for you to find out which one's give tours and put all the information right here in this post. So now all you have to do is find a date and schedule the tour. :)

Here's the list:


Availability: Tours are Monday - Friday; 10 AM to 3 PM.
Cost: $1.00 per person
Length: 45 minutes
Address : 835 Northpointe Drive, North Salt Lake, UT 84054. (They recommend using this map instead of GPS)
To schedule tour call: 801-677-8888




Availability: Monday - Thursday 8:40 AM - 3:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Length: 40 Minutes
Address: 3780 W. Directors Row (1100 South) in Salt Lake City
To schedule tour: Fill out form here.




Availability: Monday - Thursday 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Address: 55 West 800 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84110
To schedule tour: Call 801-355-4652 (tour must be scheduled at least 2 days in advance)
**This factory is peanut, tree nut, and gluten free**



Availability: Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Address: 5060 West Amelia Earhart Drive Set B., Salt Lake City, UT 84116
To Schedule tour: Just go in anytime during the available hours.


All of these tours happen during the week, but I figured with finals ending this week we probably have time to go on a weekday in the near future. Also, most of them require that you wear close-toed shoes, so be sure to tell your date that.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Round 4

Dear Gentlemen,
"I realize that some of you brethren may have genuine fears regarding the real responsibilities that will be yours if you do marry. You are concerned with being able to support a wife and family and provide them with the necessities in these uncertain economic times. Those fears must be replaced with faith. I assure you, brethren, that if you will be industrious, faithfully pay your tithes and offerings, and conscientiously keep the commandments, the Lord will sustain you."
Love, President Ezra Taft Benson (To The Single Adult Brethren of The Church, April 1988)

Dear Ladies,
Even if you don't like sports, it is a good idea to know a little bit about them. Because a lot of gentlemen love sports, and its a good way to initiate a conversation with them. You don't need to know team names and athletes but here are a few basics:

  1. The World Series - the Championship of Major League Baseball (MLB) the winner is determined by winning 4 of 7 games.
  2. The Super Bowl - the championship of Football (NFL). The game is usually scheduled the first week of February every year. 
  3. The World Cup - the championship for international Soccer teams, it is held every 4 years. The next one will be in Brazil in 2014. There are 32 teams that compete for the World Cup.
  4. The NBA Finals - The championship series for the National Basketball Association (NBA) the winner is determined by the best of 7 games. the first 2 are played at the home court of the team with the better record. the next 3 are at the other teams court. and the final 2 (if needed) are at the first teams court again. This is for Pro Basketball teams.
  5. The Stanley Cup - The Championship for Hockey.  The winner is picked from a best of 7 series of games.
  6. For college sports go here.

Love, The Gentlemen

P.S. It may also be a good idea to know who the final two teams in the championships are.


Dear Gentlemen, 
When one of your buddies brings a girl to a mission reunion, or a BBQ, or some kind of social gathering... you should do your best to include her in the conversation. You can really mess it up for your friend if the lady feels like her date's friends don't like her. 
Love, the Ladies

Dear Ladies, 
One of the best ways to let a us know you are interested in a second date is the "After Date Text". Just send us a text saying you had a lot of fun or you really enjoyed our company and you would be interested in going out again sometime.
Love, The Gentlemen


Sunday, April 14, 2013

Make Pizza Together


So I have a (probably unhealthy) addiction to WinCo. But its great and you can buy pre-made pizza dough! Which helped inspire this week's date idea.... so here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Ask someone if they would like to come make pizza with you. (This one was a double date so it was cheaper because you can share ingredients)

Step 2: Go to WinCo (with your date or by yourself) and buy the dough (its over by the cheeses, and they offer white or wheat) get a jar of pizza sauce, some Mozzerella cheese, and any toppings you want on your pizza.


Step 3: Make the pizza. There are directions on the bag of dough, essentially you roll out the dough, put on the sauce, cheese, and toppings, and bake it at 400 degrees. Bonus points if you can flip the dough in the air like Addie did!


Step 4: Have something to do while you wait for the pizza to cook. These couples chose to play cards.
Step 5: Enjoy the pizza!

And there you have it! this can be really fun because you can be as creative as you want or as simple as you want. one of the pizzas was made with stuffed crust and a lightning bolt design. the other was plain crust with all the toppings. So remember to just have fun! As for the cost? It ended up being less than $14 for both pizzas ($7 pre couple)!

Pizza Ingredients for 2 pizzas
Dough.................$2.96
Sauce...................$0.98
Mozzarella............$3.40
Pepperoni.............$2.48
Olives...................$0.74
Green Pepper........$0.48
Mushrooms...........$0.57
Red Onion.............$1.64
Tax........................$0.40
TOTAL               $13.65
Super Awesome Date.......Priceless

**Also if you need to borrow a rolling pin, pizza pan, or aprons feel free to text me 801-602-2593 the ones pictured above are mine and I'm willing to share for the sake of dating :)**

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Round 3

Dear Gentlemen,
There is a quote we ladies often hear that goes something like this: "The guy who is nice to you, but not nice to the waiter, is not a nice guy". More often than not this is true. Be a nice guy. Be nice to the people who are waiting on you, be nice to the store clerk, be nice to the people who can do nothing for you. It goes a long way, trust us.
Love, The Ladies


Dear Ladies,
We appreciate hearing "Thank you" at the end of a date. After all, we did just give up a night with the boys, and shaved(probably), and spent money (possibly). Even if you had a horrible time, "Thank you" is a nice gesture.
Love, The Gentlemen


Dear Gentlemen,
Watching a movie or Netflix is not the best idea for first, second, or third dates. We're not an old married couple (no offense to the married couples reading this). We can't really get to know each other during a movie, and we assume that you aren't looking to get to know us, but rather just a hook up... 
Love, The Ladies


Dear Ladies,
When gentlemen open the door for you, they are not trying to belittle you or demean you. They are simply trying to bring back chivalry (which we all claim to be "dead"). So please, say 'thank you' so they will keep opening them for the rest of us who love it! Thanks.
Love, The Other Ladies
See how happy they both look? :)

Dear Gentlemen,
We appreciate sincere compliments. We know when you are saying things just to say them. So Thank you for the sincere ones. :)
Love, The Ladies

P.S. my friend Sam has written great instructions on paying compliments, if you feel like you don't know how He can teach you here. - Love, Colleen

Monday, April 8, 2013

Pass of all Passes



Buy Your Pass of all Passes NOW!!!
(This isn't one of my regular posts but I don't know how long this deal will be on City Deals.)



If you get a pass of all passes it could improve your dating life. Here's how:
  • You buy your pass, and a bunch of other people buy theirs. Then when you want to ask someone on a cheap date these passes are your friends! Because if the guy/girl you fancy has a pass like you, the date is free. 
  • Likewise if someone thinks you are wicked attractive they will want to ask you out, but being the poor college students that we are they can't pay for a day pass to 7 peaks, or some of the other sweet things on this pass. So they may not ask you out for a long time... 
Moral of the story: Get a pass. 

The greatest thing is if you get it on City Deals you get the pass and a $20 gift certificate to either Costco, Walmart, Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Nobel, or Target. So it's basically only $12 for the year long pass.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Tulip Festival





The Annual Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point has an annual tulip festival, this year will be the 9th! The festival starts on April 12 (That's this Friday) and runs until April 27. It will be open 10 AM- 8 PM all days. Admission is $10 Mon-Thurs and $12 Friday-Saturday, they also have Vendors like these who will be there selling food if you want to take advantage of that. And on top of everything they will have different bands and entertainers there!! So go grab a date, and head out to Thanksgiving Point!!
  • Pros: You can walk around and talk for as long as the two of you want. When there is an awkward silence you can mention something about the tulips you are looking at. 
  • Cons: you have to drive to Thanksgiving Point.
Also if you are having trouble asking someone out you can try using one of these tulip facts to segue into asking them on a date:
  1. All of the Tulips at the festival are shipped from Holland and planted six months in advance.
  2. Some of the tulips smell like what they are named. Like the "Apricot Beauty"(smells like Apricots)
  3. Tulips once crashed an economy. Read about it here.
  4. Tulips are edible.


Thursday, April 4, 2013

Date Ideas

So, you asked someone on a date and they've agreed to go with you. Everyone is congratulating you (especially if you've liked this person for quite some time) but all you can think is "Oh my gosh!! I have NO idea what to do for our date!!" <Cue the theme music> Colleen Barry here to rescue you! I know, I know, I'm basically a super hero... and I've given a couple of first date ideas to get you started:


Coloring Contest - Get some coloring books and crayons from the dollar store (or google coloring books and print off pictures to color), and each of you take 3-4 pictures from it to color. When you are finished take them to a park, or the children's wing of the hospital, or your nieces/nephews, etc. and have the kids judge them to see who is the better colorer. Then you can sign them and give them to the kids or display them proudly on your own fridge.

  • Pros- The date costs under $5, you can talk and get to know each other while coloring, and you can do it in an apartment or at a park.
  • Cons- Your date might have wicked coloring skills and blow you out of the water.

Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point - Take a drive up to Thanksgiving Point (3003 N. Thanksgiving Way. Lehi, UT 84043) and pet/feed all the farm animals they have. They are open Monday-Saturday 10 AM- 8 PM. Admission is $6 ($7 on Fridays and Saturdays) and it includes a wagon ride, and if you get there just before 5 PM you can try milking a cow!! Seriously, how often do you get the chance to milk a cow these days?
  • Pros: You spend the time walking around so you can talk to your date. You find out if your date is a "germaphobe." It's under $20, so it's relatively inexpensive. And did I mention you can milk a cow?!
  • Cons: It's in Lehi so you need a car (but if you do this as a double date you can split gas too).
For more info go here. Also, if you wish to feed the animals you will need quarters for the vending machines.




Keep in mind that if you are looking to not spend very much your dates have to get creative. But creative is awesome! It's way more laid back and you can laugh about things. People tend to get more nervous and awkward the more expensive a date is.

Round 2

Dear Ladies,
"Resist too much hanging out... Don't make it easy for young men to hang out in a setting where you women provide the food. Don't subsidize freeloaders. An occasional group activity is okay, but when you see men who make hanging out their primary interaction with the opposite sex, I think you should lock the pantry and bolt the front door."
Love, Elder Dallin H. Oaks (The Dedication of a Lifetime May 1, 2005)
P.S. "You should also hang out a sign 'Will open for individual dates.' "


Dear Gentlemen,
If you are no longer interested in a girl, let her know. Don't just ignore her texts and calls. Don't just drop off the face of the planet. It's not very nice. Be a man and let her know. Besides we ladies talk and you will get a bad reputation, and you don't want that.
Love, The Ladies


Dear Ladies,
Give us the benefit of the doubt and say "yes" to a first date... It's just a date not a marriage proposal. And you never know what things we could have in common.
Love, The Gentlemen


Dear Gentlemen,
Please let us know what kind of shoes/attire to wear on the date. As you know, we have a large selection to choose from and we don't want to hike to the "Y" in flip flops...
Love, The Ladies

Dear Ladies, 
Don't be afraid to take a step and call us. you won't come across as desperate. Don't say 'Call me if you want to.' If you want to get a call say 'I'll call you' or Call me, please.'
Love, The Gentlemen

Was anyone else singing "Here's my number, so call me maybe?" ... well you are now.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Round 1

Dear Gentlemen,
It is not appropriate to honk your horn as a signal to your date that you have arrived and she should come out.
Love, The Ladies

Dear Ladies,
Don't go on the date with the guy who honks his horn, wait for the real gentleman who comes to your door. Yes, we do exist.
Love, The Gentlemen

Dear Gentlemen,
When you are invited to someone's house for dinner, offer to help clean up by asking the host/hostess "what can I do to help?" Sometimes the answer is "nothing" and that's fine but at least offer. We notice.
Love, The Ladies
P.S. Don't just offer to help the girl you are trying to impress help everyone, it makes a difference.

Dear Ladies,
Please be ready on time. We're nervous enough as it is, we don't want to wait in the front room for 30 minutes making awkward small talk with your roommates while they judge us. Plus, we put effort into planning a date, please give us the courtesy of being ready on time.
Love, The Gentlemen

Dear Gentlemen,
It is creepy to hit on the 18 year old girl just because she is legal now, if you feel you must pry on the young and inexperienced, you may need to re-evaluate why no ladies your own age will go out with you.
Love, The Ladies

Dear Ladies,
If you like a guy and he's asked you out, show it. We understand playing hard-to-get, but the cloak and dagger bit is a little wearying.
Love, The Gentlemen


Dear Ladies and Gentlemen

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

A few weeks ago my singles ward had a combined EQ/RS lesson on dating. Now, normally when we do a combined lesson its for the last hour of church, but this time we ended Sunday School early to make time for the HOUR AND A HALF long lesson. On dating. In a singles ward. Clearly we want to get married, if for any reason so our roommates will stop setting us up on blind dates with the people they didn't want to date (I mean if the person is so amazing why isn't our roommate pursuing them, right?) You are probably all laughing because you relate all too well--or because you luckily found someone to marry and you are living happily ever after and avoiding the aforementioned "dating lessons"... Props to you. But for the rest of us who have yet to find "the one" I have decided to create this blog to share advice from the ladies to the gentlemen, and vice versa. So I hope you all enjoy it, and use some of the advice in your dating endeavors. And please feel free to email me at colleen.barry@me.com with suggestions on posts (they will remain anonymous, so have no fear!)

Love,
Colleen

P.S. These are meant to be informative and humorous, I hope no one takes offense to any. If you do feel free to email me.