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	<title>HappyHer Blog &#187; dating</title>
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	<link>http://www.happyher.com/blog</link>
	<description>Sex Toys, Sex Tips, Lingerie and Juicy Tidbits to Enhance Your Erotic Pleasure</description>
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		<title>Best Way to Land that Phone Number</title>
		<link>http://www.happyher.com/blog/2008/10/best-way-to-land-that-phone-number/</link>
		<comments>http://www.happyher.com/blog/2008/10/best-way-to-land-that-phone-number/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:32:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Angelo Togliatti</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Assorted Thoughts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationship Help]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Dynamics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dating tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[romance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[romance tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social dynamics]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.happyher.com/blog/?p=293</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If someone wants a guaranteed better social life then the best thing he or she can do is practice.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.happyher.com"><img class="size-medium wp-image-292" align="left" title="getting-that-phone-number1" src="http://www.happyher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/getting-that-phone-number1-201x300.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="300" /></a>Traditionally the story has been walk into bar, see someone you want to get to know, buy a drink and some time, then run your magic. Because of what society tells us is important about ourselves we talk about our jobs, education, and future. That being the ordinary situation one must ask oneself if being ordinary is acceptable. For some people it will be and I wish you luck in this. But for others and hopefully most ordinary is not acceptable.</p>
<p>What are some ways one can be considered extraordinary. Eric Von Markovic once said say one interesting thing and what you said was interesting, say ten interesting things, the person saying those things become interesting. Work on using your best quality to shine and control your conversation. If it&#8217;s humor be funny, if it&#8217;s intellect be smart, and so on. Once it comes time to leave and you want to keep contact with the person this is when most inexperienced people freeze.</p>
<p>The butterflies that were there when you first sparked a conversation are back and you have to fight that to get the goal. There are no ways to land every number every time or else i&#8217;d have nothing to write about. My best practices are as follows&#8230;</p>
<p>1. Let the other person give you their number, that way you don&#8217;t feel like you look like a creep.</p>
<p>2. Play with your phone a little bit, it will calm you down a little bit as well as put the phone number in their head.</p>
<p>3. If they don&#8217;t have the idea say something to lead them on such as &#8216;it would be nice to talk like this again&#8217; or &#8216;I enjoyed your company we should do this again.&#8217;</p>
<p>4. Put your personality into it, don&#8217;t stick to one line or routine the whole time.</p>
<p>Once you have the number you stepped into a whole new world. What are the new rules, and what is the best thing to do while texting or calling? This topic can literally be put into a book but don&#8217;t worry I will write a full article geared totally towards texting and calling.</p>
<p>If someone wants a guaranteed better social life then the best thing he or she can do is practice. Go out and start conversations with everyone, attractive, young, old, short, fat, skinny it doesn&#8217;t matter. Once you get better at the dynamics of social interaction and conversation you&#8217;ll be able to react to people that you want to meet a lot more smoothly.</p>
<p>As always if there are any specific topics you want me to cover e-mail me at atogliatti@gmail.com.</p>
<p>Also, if you have any tips or experiences that have worked for you, please let us know!  <a title="HappyHer.com" href="http://www.happyher.com" target="_blank">Happyher.com</a> loves to hear from you!</p>
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		<title>How to Improve Your Image Using Social Proof</title>
		<link>http://www.happyher.com/blog/2008/10/how-to-improve-your-image-using-social-proof/</link>
		<comments>http://www.happyher.com/blog/2008/10/how-to-improve-your-image-using-social-proof/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 01:22:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Angelo Togliatti</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Assorted Thoughts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationship Help]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Dynamics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hooking up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[making friends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meeting people]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[overcome shyness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[romance tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social dynamics]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.happyher.com/blog/?p=277</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Once the target understands that you're universally socially accepted she/he becomes much more comfortable with you.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.happyher.com"><img class="size-medium wp-image-279" align="left" title="social-proof" src="http://www.happyher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/social-proof.jpg" alt="" width="297" height="214" /></a>Social proof is probably my biggest strong point in Mansfield OH. Social proof is where people know you or have heard of you. When i was in high school I was pretty nuts and people started hearing about the dumb stuff I did (like leaving gym class during a fire alarm just wearing a towel). When I go out to pick up after the opener, I get the name and area of town the target lives in, I do what I can to see if she knows certain people. Such as if she&#8217;s from Lexington (a district in Mansfield) I&#8217;ll ask if she knows my friend Anthony, Dan, Doolie or so on.</p>
<p>This is a huge thing if you want the target to drop his/her guard with you. Most places can&#8217;t do this because bigger cities such as New York and San Diego it&#8217;s impossible to know everyone, but once the target understands that you&#8217;re universally socially accepted she/he becomes much more comfortable with you.</p>
<p>Things you can do without social proof to make it seem like you are insanely popular are kind of limited. What I do is tell epic-sounding stories. Stories that show a strong and good characteristic that you have and feel like it should be portrayed are the best way to humbly show that you rock. Lately though, I haven&#8217;t been polite like that. I find it is better to be loud, a little egotistical and rude. I&#8217;m not preaching that assholes finish first but here is a situation that happened to me where I exuded social proof.</p>
<p>I was bored one day when a friend called me up and asked me to meet him at Starbucks. I agreed and made my way there, upon arriving I noticed a very attractive blonde and brunette sitting inside. I made my way in and sat down right next to them.</p>
<p>&#8220;Hey, I need the female opinion on something real quick, I gotta get back to my friends real quick.&#8221; I then pointed to a huge group of people implying that I was there with all of them. &#8220;My friend Bryson and I are having a debate, is it better to approach girls and beat around the bush like ask what time it is, or is it better to just come up and say you look like someone fun and cool that I would like to get to know.&#8221; They both responded with it depends on what kind of a guy it is. They said some guys would be &#8216;creepers&#8217; others would be acceptable. I then asked where I stood. They both said I wouldn&#8217;t be a creeper because I came with so many people. This is an example as to how having friends help you with the opposite sex. If enough people accept you and hang out with you why wouldn&#8217;t they? On the opposite side if enough people don&#8217;t accept you why would they?</p>
<p><em>Editorial Comment:  Words of Wisdom from <a title="HappyHer.com" href="http://www.happyher.com" target="_blank">HappyHer.com&#8217;s</a> newest writer, Angelo Togliatti.  Use his suggestions this week and let us know how it works for you!</em></p>
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		<title>Where Sex and Spirit Come Together</title>
		<link>http://www.happyher.com/blog/2008/07/sex-and-spirit/</link>
		<comments>http://www.happyher.com/blog/2008/07/sex-and-spirit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:53:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Assorted Thoughts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationship Help]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sex tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex Without Shame]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spiritual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tantra]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Shame Free Zone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veronica Monet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.happyher.com/blog/?p=135</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[First and foremost you have to let go of your cultural programming.  A first step toward this end is education.  Read all you can about the history of sex and you will find yourself feeling less and less sexual shame.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.happyher.com"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-136 alignleft" style="float: left;" title="Romantic Dream" src="http://www.happyher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/first-one-189x300.jpg" alt="Romantic Dream" width="189" height="300" /></a>You might have heard the words “sacred sex” and wondered what that refers to.  Or perhaps you were placing an online order for a “<a title="Marital Aid" href="http://www.happyher.com/catalog/Novelties-44-1.html" target="_blank">marital aid</a>” and you kept reading about something called “tantra.”  Maybe you have heard the rumors about 3 hour orgasms and extended lovemaking which sounds like it should have its own category at the Olympics. You might have even stumbled across book titles such as Women of the Light: The New Sacred Prostitute (an anthology edited by Kenneth Ray Stubbs) or Nancy Qualls-Corbett’s Sacred Prostitute: Eternal Aspect of the Feminine and wondered “could there be such a thing as sacred prostitution or sacred sex?”</p>
<p>Would you like to know what all the fuss is about?  Allow me to shed some light on the subject.  First, I recommend expanding your definition of sex.  Most of us have been told there are definite and rather rigid boundaries between what is considered sex and what it is not sex.</p>
<p>Those definitions are not shared by everyone and they tend to fluctuate over time as evidenced by former President Clinton’s attempts to re-define his romantic association with Monica Lewinsky with his now infamous quote “I did NOT have sex with that woman.”  Since the sex play they engaged in did not include sexual intercourse, Bill Clinton may not have actually considered what they did (oral sex) to be “actual sex.”  Or he may have just been lying.</p>
<p>Either way, his public stance on the topic created an unexpected ripple effect.  The grade-schoolers of the day came to believe that oral sex was not sex and once they reached junior high school, they proceeded to engage in unprotected cunnilingus and fellatio resulting in an epidemic of gonorrhea of the throat.  The increase in sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) was not only due to the fact that these children were failing to use condoms but it also pointed to their casual approach to oral sex.  They simply did not consider it sex so they tended to engage in the behavior as if it was a handshake.</p>
<p>This is just one example of the power of words and how we define them.  While I recognize the importance of definitions which assist us in determining what constitutes sexual abuse or what carries the risk of pregnancy or disease, I am also aware of the limitations created by narrow definitions of sex.</p>
<p>By driving a wedge between our spiritual and sexual selves, many of us suffer from the sensation of being disconnected from our sexuality.  We assume that we must choose between being spiritual and being “carnal.”  People of faith in particular often suffer from profound sexual shame.  But even if you have not been inculcated with the “sex is sin” dogma, you probably live with at least a modicum of sexual shame.  It is difficult to avoid given our culture’s insistence on pairing “sex and violence” and “sex and scandal.”</p>
<p>Considering that sex is the source of everything we love, it is sad to see it get such a bad rap.  If there were no sex, there would be no people – and no animals, no plants, no flowers and therefore no food.  Spring is all about sex and flowers are beautiful sex organs.  Even the origin of the universe which is postulated as the “Big Bang” sounds suspiciously like an orgasm with ejaculation.  And if everything has its origins in sex, how can sex be anything but central to our existence?  But again, to take this ride, you have to expand your notion of sex.  It isn’t just penis/vagina sex.  Sex does not even require genitals.  Sex is about energy and sexual energy can be aroused and released in a variety of ways.</p>
<p>Some people prefer genital sex while others enjoy breathing their way to sexual fulfillment through meditation practices such as Tantra.  Still others find their bliss in BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, and Masochism).  While it can be tempting to judge the sexual orientations and preferences of others when they don’t match our own, as a sexologist I can tell you that all this sexual diversity is a beautiful thing.  As long as it is consensual behavior between adults, the opportunity exists to create profound connection and immense pleasure via a multitude of practices.  Some sexual practices are used specifically to achieve spiritual connection and enlightenment.  To our Western ears, this sounds dangerously sacrilegious or silly at best.</p>
<p>But our sexual energy IS spiritual.  Kundalini energy lies at our root chakra and that energy IS sexual.  This energy can produce mind-blowing orgasms which can be achieved without a partner and without touching your genitals.  This energy is also what fuels our creativity.  And kundalini creates the doorway to spiritual enlightenment.  Many religions tap into this powerful sexual energy when they become “filled with the Holy Spirit” or engage in other ecstatic spiritual experiences such as “speaking in tongues.”  Only the phobias and taboos surrounding the word “sex” blind the faithful to the sexual energy which is an inherent and ever-present component of spirituality.</p>
<p>So what can you do to experience more spirituality in your sex – or more sex in your spirituality?  First and foremost you have to let go of your cultural programming.  A first step toward this end is education.  Read all you can about the history of sex and you will find yourself feeling less and less sexual shame.  There really is nothing new under the sun and your grandparents may have been experimenting with sex you thought was only invented for your generation.  The “don’t ask – don’t tell” mentality of the military is actually the default setting for most families and communities.  Everyone is a sexual being but we are admonished not to talk about it.  Often this translates to “don’t think about it” either.  So give yourself permission to think about it and then find safe people to talk to.</p>
<p>Talking about your desires and fears helps you come out of your sense of isolation and feeling “terminally unique.”  It puts your sexuality and your spirituality in context and can create a sense of community.  Online chat rooms can be a place to start discussing sex with others.  Just be sure you select an online community which reflects your overall comfort level and objectives.  Some chat rooms are really about online masturbation and if that is not what you are seeking you might want to seek a more cerebral crowd.</p>
<p>Another great place to explore your sexuality and spirituality is in a workshop.  You can search online or in alternative magazines and newspapers. Many wonderful workshops about sex and spirit are available at locations which serve as ideal vacation destinations too.  For instance, several organizations offer tantra workshops as part of dream vacations to Maui, Sedona, etc.  You can also find workshops about sex and spirit at retreats such as Harbin or unique social organizations such as OneTaste.  If you have any difficulty locating these resources, feel free to drop me an email and I will be happy to share an appropriate link with you.</p>
<p>And of course, you can always seek the advice and guidance of a professional.  For instance sex educators and sexologists such as me can assist you in overcoming blocks to your sexual/spiritual birthright.  Just remember that sex is not just a healthy part of your life.  Sex is your core – emotionally, spiritually and creatively.  When you are connected to your sexuality in a life affirming and positive fashion, every other aspect of your life will sing!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.happyher.com"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-140 alignleft" style="float: left;" title="Veronica Monet" src="http://www.happyher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/two3-108x150.jpg" alt="" width="108" height="150" /></a><em><a title="About Veronica" href="http://www.sexwithoutshame.com/aboutveronica.html" target="_blank">Veronica Monet</a> is a Certified Sexologist and Sex Educator.  She can help you change the channel on your</em><em> love life! Whether you want out of a failing marriage or to enjoy more meaningful sex with your mate, Veronica knows what is required to achieve measurable change in your life. Her extensive media credits include CNN, A&amp;E, ABC&#8217;s 20/20, FOX News, Bill Maher&#8217;s Politically Incorrect and The New York Times.  Veronica offers workshops and lectures as well as professional advice on sex, romance, relationships and love. Her book, Sex Secrets of Escorts &#8211; Tips from a Pro (Alpha Books 2005), is available in most major bookstores as well as online.  Tune into Veronica&#8217;s new radio program, <a title="The Shame Free Zone" href="http://bbsradio.com/theshamefreezone/" target="_blank">The Shame Free Zone</a>, to ask anonymous questions about sex and dating for free: <a title="The Shame Free Zone" href="http://bbsradio.com/theshamefreezone/" target="_blank">www.bbsradio.com/theshamefreezone</a>. To find out what Veronica can do for you, visit her website: <a title="Sex Without Shame" href="http://www.sexwithoutshame.com/" target="_blank">www.sexwithoutshame.com</a> or call toll free at 888.903.0050.</em></p>
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