Linda Prescott, veteran matchmaker of 18 years and director of Brisbane’s premier introductions agency Ideal Introduction, has some guidelines for singles seeking love.

Having personally interviewed more than 10,000 clients and with 912 known weddings to her credit, Linda knows the business of love.

In order to find that special someone, Linda says individuals need to consider four factors:

1. Timing – Before you look at dating again make sure you are emotionally available. Have you let go of the past and learnt from your mistakes?
2. Compatibility – Remember what you want in a partner can be different to what you actually need. Do you know what you need?
3. Being proactive – What are you doing to meet singles? Have a plan. If you continue to do the same thing you will continue to be single.
4. Knowing how to date – Dating is a technique that few people do well and it may be costing them relationships.

Dating Rules:

• Always be open and approachable.
• Don’t over analyse dates – they should be fun and not science projects for dissection.
• Three date rule – don’t be too quick to judge – it takes time to get to know people so give things a chance with more than one date.
• Don’t be too cynical – look at the why tos, not the why nots.

• Don’t be too picky – have your standards but remember, people aren’t perfect.
• Don’t be too high maintenance – relax. People like easy going people. If you are continually making someone jump through hoops they will say “Too hard. Next!”
• Don’t reject someone just because there wasn’t an instant WOW! Lust is usually fleeting but real chemistry can take time. • Ego’s – leave them at home – don’t talk it up, be humble. People don’t like braggers.
• Be positive – negativity is a turnoff, look to keep conversation upbeat.
• Don’t treat the date like an interview.
• On the first date, it’s best to avoid controversial topics such as religion, politics or finances and definitely never talk about previous relationships.
• Don’t ask close-ended questions that get one word answers; good topics are travel, food, movies, ambitions. On the flip side, don’t give one word answers.
• Be interested in what people have to say and maintain steady eye contact.
• Don’t play games, tell it like it is. People appreciate honesty.
• Don’t be needy or too keen. Think of dating like a marathon, if you sprint in the beginning you will only fall over with a stitch.
• Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not, it will always come out later.
• If someone doesn’t seem interested, they’re not, move on.
• Don’t tell someone your whole life story too soon; a little intrigue goes a long way.
• Old school manners can go a long way – men should feel confident in planning the date and act like a gentlemen – no swearing or crude language! Remember simple niceties such as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

A professional matchmaker can guide you through the minefield that is modern dating and put you on the right track to finding love. Professional, discreet and with a proven track record, let Ideal Introductions manage your love life.