1. Keep abreast of important affairs. I did not say watch the news every day. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. I used to work at a news channel and believe me; the news is about capturing viewers and attention grabbing headlines. It is not necessarily news and not necessarily quality information. In fact, the news is usually depressing. If you follow my steps, you won’t have time to watch the news anyway because you will be off on a fabulous date somewhere!
Remember: If something is really important, chances are you will find out. The important thing is: Know something that is going on. Get informed. Get on the Internet and learn about it. If there was just a Tsunami that killed 100,000 people—you better know about it. You don’t have to know what’s going on with Britney Spears or Usher and if you do know, then you have too much time on your hands and aren’t getting out on enough dates!
Action Step: Write it down now.
In the world today, this is currently important …
Why is it important?
2. Form an opinion about something and take a stance. Don’t waver and stick to your guns. John Kerry didn’t win the 2004 election because the George W. Bush campaign painted him as a “flip-flopper.” Whether you or I agree with that or not is beside the point. The point is if you go out with someone and then change your tune to match theirs, they won’t trust you. They will see you as someone who pads what they say to make others feel good. You are not this person.
People have more respect for someone who stands up for what they believe in, even if they disagree. It shows moxie. (If you don’t know who George W. Bush or John Kerry is, you need to find out before you go on your first date—or anywhere for that matter! In fact, stop reading and find out now!)
Action Step: Write it down now.
I have one strong opinion on this topic …
I have an opinion on this topic because …
3. Read at least one good book. I don’t care what the book is granted it is not a comic book, but if you are into those, that’s ok too—you might want to take your date to the Comic-Con Convention.
For the rest of us, there is the NY Times Bestseller List, Amazon Bestseller, Barnes and Noble Bestseller, Time Magazines Top 100 Books of all time, UK’s The Guardian’s Top 100 Novels of all time.
You get the picture. Just pick one really great book that you like, no matter the subject. Read it, devour it, and digest it. Be prepared to talk about it and why you liked it. What did you like about the author? What did you like about the subject matter?
