So its finally happened.

Youve met someone great.

Theyre smart, theyre attractive, they have a joband theyre perfect for your needlessly picky friend.

Red Flags to Watch Out for When You Start Dating Someone

Its about taking an objective approach and figuring out if they could make a good couple.

Can you imagine your friends holding hands or joking with one another?

If so, youre in luck.

The Best Ways to Break the Ice and Get to Know Someone on the First Date

Gauge their interest

So lets say your friend is interested in another friend or acquaintance of yours.

Or youre adamant theyd like one another.

First, dont frame a potential date as a set-up.

Is this something youd be open to?

Very few people would say No, thanks.

You might be able to entice them in by dropping the handkerchief, so to speak.

Gauge the other partys interest, too.

Ask them if they might be interested, without too much pressure.

But what happens if this is a one-sided affair?

Well, let them your friend know its nothing personal.

As aSex and the Cityepisode once taught me, sometimes, its just better to lie, too.

Keep it low-key

So theyre interested and are setting up a date!

Look at you, you evil mastermind.

It sounds good but it creates a lot of pressure.

Whats the perfect first date?

A quick coffee or glass of wine.

Its less pressure and the date can progress into another coffee or glass if they feel like it.

Support your friend

So the date stunk.

Or not every party is interested.

Or its just not their time!

Thats okay, too.

Ive set up friends and its always awkward after the first date, especially with common acquaintances.

You want to tell people its about chemistry, Barrett said.

That can feel like a judgment on your value and worth and that is very painful.

Thats why dating sucks.

So how should you respond?

Well, tell your friend its not about them.

Its an issue of fit Barrett added.

Look at every date and positive action you take as a win-win.

Every date you go on.

Everyone is a win-win.

You want to fall in love with taking good action and not judge the result.

And what if both friends arent interested?

Well, thats easy.

And if both parties are interested, well, youve struck matchmaker gold.

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