Fast Dating Tips: How to Beat the Love Buzzer

In a world of 8-minute abs and 1-minute managers, it's no surprise that 3-minute dates would soon follow. Fast Dating is in fact, one of the hottest trends in the country right now. Why the appeal? It's hilarious, you can do it with your friends, and it's loads of fun. Kind of like musical chairs for grownups.

Here's how it works: Women sit at numbered tables and men join them for a three-minute mini-date. You chat, you smile, you flip your hair, then the buzzer sounds and your three-minute man moves to the next table. You both check yes or no on your scorecards and the beat goes on. A new guy sits down and you do it all over again. At the end of the night, everybody turns in their scorecards and the organizers send you an email a few days later that gives you contact information for all the people that you liked who also liked you.

In an average night, you can go on about 40 dates without breaking a sweat. Better than that, most people make an average of six matches. Which means you end up with six people you like who also like you. Not too bad for an evening's play.

The drawbacks, of course, is that there's not much chance to make a good second impression if you blow your first one, so we've compiled some tips to give you that vaa-vaa-voom right from the get-go.

Smile.
There's no quicker way to improve your looks and make a great impact than to smile. Psychology and body language experts agree that it's one of the most effective ways to make yourself more attractive and approachable. It's not necessary to do your most convincing game show spokesmodel impression - just your usual 'I'm having a great time and I'm happy to be here' face will do the trick.

The Color Cue.
If you want to create an on-the-spot thrill, wearing red is the way to go. According to color experts, the most stimulating color you can wear is red, which actually increases blood flow. (And mimics attraction.)

In addition, according to Leatrice Eiseman, Director of the Pantone Color Institute, women are attracted to men wearing the color blue. And why wouldn't we be - Eiseman says, guys who frequently wear blue are 'stable, faithful and always there.' The blue guy is a fabulous candidate for a long-term relationship -- someone who's dependable, monogamous and can match his own clothes.

Concerned your wardrobe is driving people away? Stay away from what Eiseman calls 'squished caterpillar yellow-green' which is said to repel both sexes equally.

How to Score.
Be sure to write the person's name next to their number, that way if you get mixed up somehow (don't feel bad, it happens all the time) it will be easier for organizers to figure out what's what and who's who. Be sure to keep your scorecard facedown on the table during your date, nobody else needs to know if you're the most selective person on the planet or you're just playing the odds, hoping for the big winner.

First Things First.
Get any deal-breakers out of the way right away. Hate smokers? Ask now if he'll be looking for an ashtray on the break. Horribly allergic to cats? Find out quick if she's a magnet for four-legged strays. You'll save yourself some trouble later if you get the deal-breakers out on the table.

Where are you from? What do you do?
Try to avoid asking the same old boring questions. By the time someone has asked you what you do for a living 34 times, it's bound to be pretty stale. Ask questions that are fun or unusual but not bizarre, and humor is always good.

Good:
What would your best friend say about you?

Bad:
If you were an axe murder, where would you keep the bodies?

Keep it Clean.
A three-minute conversation, or even a ten-minute chat isn't long enough to bring up sex. Uh, Really.

Fun with Chemistry.
Studies have shown that men associate the scents of cinnamon and vanilla with love. To jumpstart attraction, wear a cinnamon-vanilla scented lotion or perfume (there's a fabulous one called 'Man Magnet' at www.stopgettingdumped.com.)

According to Laura Davimes, aromatherapy expert, and owner of Herban Avenues, ' Wearing cinnamon/vanilla blends increases the presence of pheromone-like substances and dramatically increases attraction.'

The scent of a woman? Women, according to a recent study, are attracted to a black licorice scent. So, put some licorice or Good 'n Plenty in your shirt pocket. And, if you're at a club and happen to spill a little Jaggermeister on your shirt, don't worry about the stain, just consider it your lucky night.

The Safety Drill
Once you've made a few matches and you decide to meet for a date, remember to always meet in a public place, or even in a group date setting. Carry a cell phone, and let someone at home know where you're going, who you'll be with and when you'll be home. Even though you've already met in person, it's always best to be cautious, be smart and be safe.

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