I Like You...Don't Run Away

How do you talk to a guy you don't know without seeming creepy or desperate? It's a question we've all posed at least once in our lives (let's be honest here). In this case I'm going to cover co-workers or people you know through business, but I know this conversation could last for much longer (and probably will re-surface).
So you've been scoping out the cute guy who sits two floors down. You have no reason to talk to him - no shared projects, no department-to-department interaction, and no mutual friends. But he's oh-so cute! Well, here are my suggestions:
Organize a group outing with other co-workers and invite him to join - coffee break, patio after work or lunch
Ensure you attend all office events and participate in any extra-curricular activities - BBQ's, sports leagues, Holiday parties; it's much easier to strike up a convo when you're not hovering over his cubicle
Find a reason to learn more about what he does in his job role - perhaps you're on a new project where that knowledge could be really helpful...
Use him as a sounding board for new work-related ideas - you are implementing a new system or program in your department and you need to know how it will impact others in the organization (aka him)
Blatantly ask him what he's doing after work this Friday and if he'd like to grab a drink, or if you're not that brave, if he wants to walk to the nearby cafe for lunch
Organize a sports pool or captain a team for a charity run, and encourage your co-workers to get their departments involved. Never underestimate the power of six degrees of separation!
Find extra reasons to be on his floor - personally visit a friend instead of emailing or visit the mailroom once a day
The key to avoiding creepiness is to involve others when possible in the beginning, and don't push it. If you feel that he's reciprocating - taking you up on your offers, giving you the once-over when you walk by, or asking you to join him in return, you're good to go. Conversely if you invite him out and he doesn't seem to bite, just drop it and you will still be able to pass by with a "what's up" and maintain your professionalism and stellar reputation.

SOS

Last week I watched an episode of my favourite wedding show, Wedding SOS where the bride's main goal was to keep her groom from straying before the wedding. I'm pretty sure if your main focus prior to your wedding day is not flowers, decorations, vows or the reception but your groom cheating or not showing up - there's a problem!
In this case the groom did not stray (probably because he was under 24-hour surveillance) but I'm wondering what their marriage is going to be like. I am not married, but I think I'm correct in believing that trust and commitment do not automatically occur once the vows are recited. I also don't think I'm wrong in assuming that their marriage will be one filled with worried stomach aches and horrible scenario building...at least for the wife.

Successful, Sexy and Single

I am lucky to be part of a great group of volunteers involved with a Toronto not-for-profit. This group of young people are completely outstanding (I am so under-qualified in comparison it's embarrassing) - with great resumes and amazing personalities. After hanging out with the group tonight it dawned on me that no one is married (at least that I know of). A few people are in serious relationships but otherwise it's a pretty eligible crowd, which is a bit unusual in a group of under-40's.
Not only is this unusual for our demographic, in this case it is astonishing because as I mentioned the group is dynamic, attractive, fun, friendly and ultra-successful. So what gives? Does this support the general belief that young professionals in big cities delay relationships and starting families to focus on their careers? Are they intimidating to the opposite sex? Are they so driven, with so many options available, that they don't want to settle down?
All of these seem like logical reasons, and I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. On the upside I now have a solid group of people to set up.

I'll Call You If You Call Me

I was back home last weekend and the thought to message my ex briefly passed through my mind. By brief I mean the thought was in and out before I even had to time to realize what it was. I am not even sure where the thought came from, my guess is it was a result of seeing some old faces and visiting past hang-outs. I was reverting to my former self; the girl who lived in Winnipeg and dated assholes.
Anyway, when I realized what my traitorous brain was suggesting, I instantly decided against it, for more reasons than one. The most obvious being that I'm in a relationship. But the most ground-breaking and important reason was that although I still know his phone number, I would wager my salary that he doesn't know mine. I am confident that he never knew mine, since I made approximately fifteen phone calls for every one he made to me. He never cared to learn mine because he knew I'd call him - no matter how much attention he gave me I'd always call. It all seems so clear - definitely the most important reason NOT to call someone.

I'm All Ears and No Mouth

What do you think of the new layout? Every once in a while I like to change things up - this season it's my hair colour, my reading genre and my blog layout. Let me know what you think! And while you're at it, is there anything else you would like to see here? Any wisdom you wish I shared or topics you'd like me to cover? Or better yet, stories you would like to share and have me broadcast for a wider audience?! I'm all ears, and this doesn't happen often, so take full advantage!

Mirror Mirror...

I'm trying something new - let's call it a one-week challenge. Each time I look in the mirror, which is a lot (I have a lot of mirrors in my apartment including my kitchen backsplash), I have to smile and tell myself I'm pretty while focusing only the positive. I realize this is totally a challenge made for an adolescent but I know that I need it.
After just one evening of following these rules I already feel better about myself. No more negative self-talk or being my own toughest critic. No more picking apart how bad I look - even if my hair is messy or my stomach is especially mushy - I have to focus on the positive and smile at myself for at least a few seconds.
Feel free to make fun of me for this cheesy challenge, but I also encourage you to try it and update me on how it goes for you! I promise your confidence will increase making you feel happier and sexier!

The Dating Coach

I want to become a dating coach - I think that's my new career goal. The way I look at it, my MANY years of bad relationships and frustrating scenarios have to go towards something. I have experienced and learned so much, I want to be able to pass on my learnings to my friends and future clients. As I build my empire, please feel free to volunteer yourselves and your stories in order to help me gain experience and of course provide material for my blog and books.