A Date For A Christmas Party by Ask April

April's Secrets For Getting A Date
"Ask April" Author of the best selling, "Date Out Of Your League" AskApril.com
Read chapters from April Masini's books here

Q: Dear April,
I need advice. The guy I have been dating has asked me to go with him to three different Christmas parties with him and as we get closer to the date, the more nervous I’m getting about it. Is this normal?
Signed,
Christmas Party Jitters

A: Dear Christmas Party Jitters:
Going out as a couple, in public, is always a significant relationship landmark. The reason that it can be nerve wracking is that you are going to be judged on him -- or vice verse. All of a sudden, his foibles that were cute and amusing when the two of you are out together, are driving you crazy in public because people are going to think you're a plebe if he eats with his hands, or that you're a loser if he trips and spills a drink.

Relax. Here are some tips to make your date at a party relaxing, and enjoyable.

Psyche yourself up:
You have your own identity separate from his. It may not feel like it because you're so tuned in to what other people think of him and him and you together. But you do. So relax. You are you no matter what.

If he turns out to be a total dud, you can dump him. No one will think worse of you for it -- and if they do, dump them, too! Life is a journey, and whom you date is just a part of a chapter in what will be a long book, if you're lucky.

Change the focus of the evening away from, "What will everyone think of him and us?" to "How can I have a great time tonight?

Couple Dynamics:

Dress code. Let him know in advance what the dress code for the party is. If you don't know, and you're not going to find out, then tell him what you're wearing, and suggest what he should wear. If he comes to pick you up and he's a total dork-saster, tell him he is sweet for thinking it's a hoe-down, but this is actually the Dom Perignon crowd, so let's stop back at his house and change. Keep the tone light, but say what you want, and let go of the fact that he dressed wrong. Keep in mind that he's willing to go home and change his clothes. Now, that's progress!

If he has bad manners, gently correct his manners before the party. Tell him that it's important to you that he have good manners, and that a man as handsome as he is looks even more stellar holding his utensils properly. Give him some positive reinforcement. Also, ask him if there may be anything he'd like you to do differently because you understand he may have some peeves also. Then be open to whatever he suggests.

If he dances like a Star Search reject, laugh it off. Not everyone is good at everything -- but don't give up! As a treat, enroll the two of you in a series of dance classes, and see if it helps at all.

My final tips to take away… Buy him a copy of Date Out Of Your League. No, silly, not to meet new women, rather to pick up some very valuable lessons, tips and advice on manners, etiquette, hygiene and personal style … believe me, he’ll not only thank you—you, will thank you!

Equally, Think & Date Like A Man will give you some invaluable tips, advice and suggestions on everything from hair and make-up, to diet and wardrobe –and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Happy Holidays

Sincerely,
April

Ready for even more bold, brutally honest, and always helpful dating advice? Visit my Web site, www.Ask April.com There, you'll find informative articles, expert columnists, interactive quizzes, and free giveaways! And don't forget to also check out my workshops, designed to help you find you real "soul mate"!

© 2005 April Masini

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If you’re ready to get serious about finding a relationship that will really work for you—but aren’t quite ready to sign up for an arranged marriage—then my workshops on dating, love, and all around success might be just what the doctor ordered. Please visit www.AskApril.com, and click on “Workshops” for more information. You’ll also find a ton of other articles, fun, interactive quizzes, and FREE giveaways! See you there…