How Disney and Playboy Keeps Us Single

Dating can be difficult! We learn a lot of about the dating scene and how to do it through media and other social outlets. All in all we're highly influenced by what we see, read, or hear regarding dating and what works and what does not. We even go into most dates with certain expectations and make judgments before the first conversation. It's interesting to take a step back and think about what influences our dating habits the most.

As kids we watch a lot of movies and TV that incorporate the “happily ever after” ending which we all so desire and find hard to acquire. Disney has done a great job of encouraging women to work hard and do what their heart tells them because their prince charming is out there waiting and looking for them. Now ladies, I'm not saying you can't live happily ever after or find your prince (I mean, I'm over here with an army of toads waiting for the right kiss), but I want to point out the fact that Disney has instilled this belief that you shouldn't ever change/settle and just keep waiting, looking and working hard until he comes to you.
On the other hand we have men being influenced by their dirty little secret – Playboy, who has done a great job of showing us what we should be looking for in a woman and there's no reason to settle for less. I mean come on, they can fill a whole magazine on a monthly basis with these women, it can't be that hard to find them. We see these sculpted bodies and beautiful curves and forget what is really important. Through these influences, men are encouraged to be a little more aggressive, confrontational, and direct in order to find their trophy wife.

The takeaway is that we're all affected by media and movies and it's important to get away from those preconceived ideas that have been forced into our minds over the years. Instead of going into a date with a preconceived notion of “the one”, take the time to get to know the person and give them a chance. Accept them for who they are, the good and the bad, their strengths and weaknesses (we're only human after all). They may surprise you.
As one of my favorite sport coaches used to tell us, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
Happy Dating!

Arthur G. Bahr, guest blogger

What Your Car Says About You to Women

Some people view their car as an extension of themselves, while others view their car as a practical means from point A to B. Whatever the camp you’re in, there’s no denying that people make quick judgments based on the car you’re driving. To many people, the car you drive says more about you than your clothes.

Economy Sedans (Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagon Jetta)

Driving one of these cars says that you’re practical, fiscally responsible, probably college-educated and not very conscious of image, a total family man. Out of any car you choose, this is the one that says you’re ready to settle down.

Luxury Sports Car (Jaguar Type F, Porsche 911, Ferrari F450)

If you’re lucky to be driving one of these cars, you probably are in a good place in life financially. Some women will think you’re a bit of a show off as a lot of them will assume you got the car to attract women, but they will be impressed nonetheless. You might attract the wrong kind of girl, but you’ll still attract them.

American Muscle Cars (Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger)

This will tell women you probably grew up in the Midwest eating a lot of potatoes. You’re probably a pretty happy go lucky guy who loves a good time and maybe aren’t quite ready to settle down but will adjust for the right person. This tells women you can probably put some Ikea furniture together, anything but a baby’s crib.

Hybrids (Toyota Prius, Honda CRX, Ford Fusion)

This tells women you’re socially conscious of your carbon footprint, fiscally responsible, quite possibly a vegetarian and definitely educated, albeit a bit boring. According to the NY Times, women tend to find hybrid drivers the least attractive out of all cars.

Pickup Trucks (Ford F150, Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado)

In a survey done by the Washingon Post, 32%(majority) of female respondents said that they preferred men in Pickup trucks. This is because driving a pickup truck tells people that you’re handy and can probably fix a leaky faucet, have more than $100 in your bank account to get a full tank of gas and you’re probably a manly-man who eats meat which appeals to many women.

In the end, the car you drive doesn’t matter. Although you give off certain impressions with your car, if you find the right person, they wouldn’t care whether you drive a luxury sports car or a beat up jalopy. But if in doubt, just save the introduction to your car for the 2^nd or 3^rddate. By then, they’ll most likely know you’re more than just “what meets the eye.”