Have you been on an online dating site for a while, and it’s time for your first date? You’re probably really nervous and not quite sure how to handle the situation. 

Maybe you haven’t scheduled a date yet, but you’re ready to. You just haven’t pulled the trigger because you’re not quite sure what to do or what to expect. You don’t want to overstep your boundaries, but you don’t want to miss out on any opportunities either and seem boring. This article explains some good first date etiquette; click for more info. 

We have a short guide on what to expect if you’ve been thinking about going on your first date. 

Just Chill

You should try and do something relaxing before your first date. You’re probably going to be wound up so tight; you’re nearly climbing the walls. 

Go to the gym, go for a run, take a hot bath; it doesn’t matter. Whatever activity normally relaxes you and eases stress will be sufficient. This clears your head and takes a lot of stress off your shoulders. Things will feel more natural, and you won’t seem like a robot or too stiff. 

The Date

Plan something casual but has a level of activity you can both enjoy. Miniature golf, darts, bowling, or a theme park are all great options. They keep both of you busy, which avoids moments of awkward silence. When there is a flow to the date, things seem to go a lot smoother. 

Dinner is okay too, but it puts the emphasis on your dialogue. If you are both shy, it could ruin what might have been an otherwise good connection just because you both felt awkward for lack of communication. 

You want the date to be active and take the attention off either one of you being on the spot. However, you want to avoid things being too active. You don’t want to embarrass one another. Avoid things like:

• Dancing
• Painting
• Karaoke
• Rollerblading/Roller skating

The first date is already stressful enough without going through something you might not be good at.

Plan Something for Immediately After the Date

You should have a small event planned that you need to be present for right after the date. This can be drinks with friends, dinner with your parents, an activity with your kid; it doesn’t matter. It just needs to start fairly close to when the date will be ending. This works two ways. 

If the date sucks, you can use this event to end it early.

If you’re having a good time, it avoids the date going on for too long and leaves more for the imagination for next time. 

Don’t Have Expectations

You want to go into the date open-minded. Don’t paint too much of a picture of the other person in your head before the date. If your expectations are too high, you might end up being disappointed. 

Don’t let a lot ride on the first date. Normally people are nervous, and they might not be the person you met online. Not yet, anyway. This could change as time goes on. 

People tend to be less nervous online and can be themselves because they’re not face-to-face with someone. The first date could be awkward until they get comfortable with you and eventually start taking on their normal persona. Some people just need time to come out of their shells. 

Don’t Get Too Personal

You want to avoid sensitive topics like politics or religion. These things can be talked about after you’ve gotten more comfortable with each other and know how not to offend one another. 

However, the first date can turn into a disaster if you talk about a subject that is too touchy. If you end up offending the other person, it could ruin the date, and you’ll never know what might have been. Then, it’s back to the drawing board. Wait until later to offend them. 

Two-Hour Time Limit

Even when you hit it off with someone, you want to keep the date at about two hours. You and your date should pace yourself. This leads to more butterflies in anticipation of your next date.

There should be enough time between to allow the two of you to miss each other’s company. Remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder. 

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to follow that can lead to a higher success rate. 

• Don’t drink too much
• Whoever planned the date should pay
• If it feels right, make a move
• Don’t be afraid to ask for the second date before the first one ends.
• Don’t call or text them too soon after you part ways. This makes you seem desperate. 

Just Be You

We’ve found the best advice to take is when all else fails, just be you. If someone can’t accept you for who you are, then the relationship wouldn’t have been any good for you anyway. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you need to be another person or act differently in order to win their affection.

The more transparent you can be from the beginning, the higher your chances are of finding real love. You want to build any relationship on a solid foundation of truth. Anything less can lead to things falling apart later after you’ve both invested time and feelings.

Moving into your first home and need to buy some appliances? Or perhaps you’re replacing old appliances? Whatever the case, it’s important to take your time when buying appliances.

There are a lot of options out there when it comes to appliances – by taking your time you can find the right model and the best deal. Below are 10 things to consider when buying new appliances. 

Used or brand new?

Used appliances are a lot cheaper than brand new appliances. However, you need to be wary of the condition. Heavily-used old appliances may not work as efficiently and may break down frequently. Ideally, you want to find appliances that aren’t too old or too heavily used, especially if you are creating Grenetina D’Gari.

You can find used appliances for sale on sites like Facebook, Gumtree and Craigslist. In some cases, you can even find appliances being given away for free on these platforms. You’ll usually have to arrange a way of picking these up in person.

Brand new appliances will cost you a lot more, but there’s much less risk of faults occurring as soon. You can also get them delivered to your door from the store.

When buying appliances brand new, take the time to compare prices at multiple stores. Look out for discounts on appliances. It’s worth also looking into payment plans – some stores will allow you to pay for an appliance in installments, reducing the cost upfront, however there could be interest charges attached. 

How big?

You should consider where your appliance will sit and how big this space is. You don’t want to buy something that’s too big to fit in your home. 

This is particularly important when it comes to fixed kitchen appliances. If you have to fit a dishwasher under a countertop and between two cabinets, it’s essential that you measure the height and width of this space first. Most appliances are built to a standard size, but some can be a little bigger.

Going large may be practical in some instances. For example, if you have a large family, you may find that a large washing machine allows you to put laundry in each load. A large freezer meanwhile could be useful if you like to keep a lot of frozen food (if you were forever running out of space in your last freezer, consider whether it’s worth making the upgrade). 

When it comes to portable appliances like vacuum cleaners, it could be worth looking into collapsible options if you only have a small cupboard. 

When it comes to TVs, consider how far away people will be sitting. Some people make the mistake of buying a large TV for a small room, making it impossible to take in the whole picture.

What color and style?

If you want your appliance to match the decor of your home, it could be worth also considering the color and style. 

Start by considering the color. If you’ve got a silver oven, it could make sense to also buy a silver refrigerator and dishwasher so that you haven’t got mismatched appliances. White, black and silver tend to be the most common color choices – if you want to go for something quirkier, bear in mind that you may end up spending more.

When it comes to style, think about the age of your home and general style. You can buy retro-style modern appliances that may look better in an older rustic home. If you’re decorating a very modern urban home, then you may want to consider more modern-looking appliances. 

How will I get it into my home?

You should consider how the appliances will get into your home. There are cases where hiring professionals could be recommended (for example, if you live in an upper storey apartment). 

When you buy brand new, you’re likely to have the option of paying professionals to deliver the appliance. Different stores are likely to charge different delivery fees, which is something worth looking into.

If you buy a used appliance, you’ll likely have to pick it up yourself (some sellers may offer to deliver to you – it’s worth asking into). Consider whether your vehicle is big enough or whether you have to hire a van (and if so how much more will this cost?).

Do I need an electrician/plumber?

An electrician or plumber may be needed to install certain appliances such as gas ovens and washing machines. It could be unsafe for you to attempt this yourself if you’re not qualified.

When buying brand new, delivery is likely to include installation. When buying a used appliance, you may have to source a professional yourself to install the appliance. 

Do I need a warranty?

Brand new appliances are likely to come with a free warranty that lasts a year or two. Used appliances are unlikely to come with any warranty unless you’re buying from a specific used appliance store.

Consider whether it’s worth paying for a warranty if your appliance isn’t already covered – this could save you money on repairs. Some appliance sellers will offer extended warranties. You may find that a home warranty is the most affordable option – this allows you to cover multiple appliances under one scheme. Always take the time to compare warranty options. 

What do the reviews say?

Before buying an appliance, it could be worth checking out reviews of that model online. This can give you a good idea of how others rate that appliance and whether it is reliable. 

Before buying from a store, it could also be worth reading reviews of that store. This will ensure that you’re buying from a reputable seller.

What’s the energy efficiency rating?

It’s also worth considering the energy efficiency rating of each appliance you look at. Some appliances consume a lot more energy than others, which could result in higher energy bills.

Used old appliances are likely to be less energy-efficient than newer appliances. Be wary of this when buying an old used appliance.

When looking at new appliances, compare the energy efficiency rating. Different types of appliances have different energy efficient rating scales. You can find out more about appliance energy efficiency here. Some appliances may have energy-efficient settings. 

How quiet?

Some appliances such as vacuum cleaners and washing machines can be very loud, however there are quiet options available. These could be worth looking into if you don’t want to disturb neighbors or if you want to do housework while kids are asleep.

You can find out more about appliance noise ratings online. The noise rating of an appliance doesn’t tend to affect the price too much. 

Should I buy a smart appliance?

Smart appliances are a relatively new technology. These appliances can be connected to the internet and connected to other devices whether they may be able to be monitored or controlled.

For example, smart refrigerators can be programmed to detect the types of items stored in your fridge and track the expiry date. You can check this information on your phone, which could be useful when going out shopping for food.

Smart appliances are more expensive than regular appliances and some people may find them to be an unnecessary expense. However, if you’ve got the money to spend on these appliances, they could be worth looking into as they can have added benefits.

Music is one of the most creative and enjoyable fields. When we think of the music industry, we can typically think of two major pathways, namely performing and teaching. However, the music industry is much more than that.

Formerly, there were no music schools and training opportunities for people who wanted to become musicians. People were either born an artist or they were trained by some experts at home. Thankfully this changed over time and the music industry has observed a major shift in both teaching and performing. Today, we will examine the benefits and career choices to be discovered, and help you decide if you want to pursue a career in music or not.

How Does Music Affect Your Mood?

Be it studying music or listening to music while studying, both offer relaxation, energy, and creativity. Listening to music, according to some studies, helps affect a person’s mood and behavior in positive ways. It allows the listeners to concentrate and acts as a soothing agent for people dealing with mental complexities.

Helpful Advice on Choosing a Music Career

• Children Need to be Introduced to Music at a Young Age

Children who love to play and listen to music have an innate urge and develop the tendency and interest to learn music as they grow older. Providing them with musical instruments at an early age can develop their skills and polish their capabilities.

• Choose the Right Music Degree Program for Yourself

Music is one of the disciplines that does not typically require a degree. It is an art that people are born with. However, considering the current challenges and advancements in the field, we have to boost our expertise. For that, we need to enroll in specialized institutions that offer the complete skill sets and theories that will polish our abilities. After the availability of private online music lessons, now you can even pursue an online master’s in music education if you are more comfortable studying at home and cannot afford to visit the institution for whatever reasons. Getting the right education from experienced professionals and schools combined with consistent practice will help you master your talent. To secure your place in the music field, you have to adapt yourself to the evolving trends in the music field. That is the only way forward.

• Build connections with as many Music Experts

Connecting with a music expert offers you a path that will lead you to your desired field in your music career. They will further guide you in making the right decisions that will benefit you in the long run.

Career Paths in the Music Industry

While performing, composing, and teaching music are some of the major career choices in the music industry, many people often choose to explore new domains. With time, the music industry has expanded its boundaries and offerings creating more pathways for music lovers.

Getting into music schools and learning new crafts and techniques significantly help a person in diversifying their expertise. It saves time on learning the skills that a person cannot learn on their own. Hence, it is crucial to choose the best direction where you will be surrounded by experts who have the same enthusiasm and energy to match your abilities that will, in turn, benefit you in growing your career.

There are many factors to consider when picking the perfect pair of undies. Your choice should be practical, comfortable, and stylish, not to mention the innumerable other considerations that come with shopping for underwear. With that in mind, this post will help you find the perfect pair for your needs!

Why Is It Is Vital To Get The Correct Pair Of Underwear For Men

The right underwear for men is vital because it can significantly impact posture, chafing, and other parts of the male anatomy. Men need to wear the right underwear to keep better posture while they are standing or sitting. They also need to wear the right pair of briefs for their body type. For example, when choosing the correct jockstraps for men, you will need to factor in the reasons for using the kind of underwear and find the right size for your package. Anything too large will defeat the garment’s purpose, and anything too small will be…unpleasant. So without further ado, here are the four must-have types of underwear.

Boxer Briefs

Boxer briefs are underwear that provides a more comfortable and breathable alternative to traditional briefs. Boxer briefs are made with the same stitching and seam placement as briefs, but they offer more room in the seat and thighs than a brief. Boxers typically have wider leg openings than briefs, which may provide more space for movement. This style is known for providing greater comfort and mobility than other more restrictive styles of underwear.

Pros

• More support: They bridge the gap between boxer shorts and tight-fitting briefs. Although they may not be the most comfortable, they provide the best of both worlds.
• More flattering fit: They can accentuate your natural curves and give you a “sexier” look than other types of underwear.
• Less bunching fabric: Underwear bunching is the bane of many a man, and this type of underwear has a slight tendency to do so.

Cons

• Less airflow: The benefits of boxers include air circulation, and they are sometimes preferred during warm weather. Boxer briefs tend to be on the tiger side of things, thus limiting airflow.
• They can sometimes be too restrictive: These underwear aren’t for you if you want to hang free and easy.

Boxer Shorts

Boxer shorts are a type of men’s underwear similar to a kind of underwear called briefs, except they have a larger leg opening and a fly in the front. Boxers are traditionally made from elasticized fabric such as cotton or wool with two parts but can also be made from other materials such as silk or synthetic fibers. 

Pros

• High levels of comfort: Boxer shorts provide the feeling of going commando without the inevitable zipper chafing. You can hang free without hindrance, and they really are the most comfortable of all options.
• Lots of airflows: Their in-built looseness provides a great deal of airflow to some of the most vital parts of a man’s body, and by doing so, you remain more comfortable.
• Come in a range of styles: They are arguably the most common form of underwear, and they come in almost unlimited styles. From country flags to simple clock patterns, there is a lot of room to get creative.
• Hard-wearing: Because they are not tight-fitting, they can be made with more durable material.

Cons

• Tend to bunch up: The extra material means they are more likely to bunch up as the day proceeds.
• Not the most flattering: Typically, comfort and sex appeal are on the opposite ends of the spectrum, and this style is not different!

Jockstraps

For years, men have worn jockstraps to protect themselves from sports injuries; they were often used with a cup to add additional protection. They also aid in keeping your package together and support their body. However, in the past few decades, they have also taken on a sexier role. They can be used by men looking to enhance their natural gifts and for purely spotting reasons!

Pros

• They hold your assets in place: They are designed to keep all of your particulars in place during sports, and they do so admirably.
• They enable airflow to hidden areas: Most men are unaware of the range of infections that can occur in hidden crevices when engaging in vigorous exercise. 
• They come in a range of styles: From sports to strippers, there is a style for everyone.

Cons

• They can be restrictive for some men: Men on the larger side of things may find them too restrictive.
• They take some getting used to: They are unlike any other underwear you have worn before!

Y-Fronts

Y fronts are a type of male underwear with a Y-shaped opening at the front. They’re designed to be worn with an open fly and no-fly fabric. These are a standard type worn in almost every country worldwide.

Pros

• Extremely common: You will be able to find this style globally.
• No bunching: The small amount of material ensures no bunching.

Cons

• Uncomfortable for some: Some men simply don’t like the restrictive feeling they offer.

In summary, underwear is a broad category, and there is something for every occasion. From plain to fancy, from sporty to sexy, people should never underestimate the importance of underwear.