Category: CUAO

Today’s Tip: How to Make a New Rulesy Start

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Hello, loves! On this eve of all eves I want to wish you a very happy beginning to a brand new year! I hope you all have some fantastic plans to ring in the New Year. Perhaps you’re seeing a man you’re Rulesing? Maybe a singles’ mixer? Hosting a party? Or a night out with the girls? Whatever you’re doing, I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

A fresh start! Don’t you just adore those? As I was searching through a stack of books yesterday, I found the Rules Journal that Ellen and Sherrie gave to me during the certification process. I don’t write in it because I prefer to do my journaling a bit differently from the way the book is set up, but the journal is genius. It’s set up so that every week you focus on one Rule (or piece of a Rule) at a time. With the beginning of the New Year, I thought this idea could come in handy for anyone that’s brand new to being a CUAO and CUAOs that are struggling to remember or stick to The Rules. Learning The Rules is a process that doesn’t happen overnight. So taking it one week at a time, practicing, and focusing on one Rule at a time, will help build your success, confidence, and trust in The Rules. If you don’t buy the Journal, you can still do this yourself. Have a little heart-to-heart with yourself and make a list of The Rules you find most difficult. Chat with yourself about why they’re difficult for you, and choose one Rule per week to work on. You will make progress in doing The Rules and learn a lot about yourself in the process: win-win!!

Happy New Year’s Eve!

Today’s Tip: Buy Today!

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**In honor of Cyber Monday, all single sessions requested TODAY (11-30) are $5.00 off the listed price! All packages requested TODAY are $10.00 off their already discounted prices! The prices you see in the drop-down menu are the regular prices; your discount will be reflected in the PayPal invoice that I send after I receive your request. Visit my Consultations page and choose your session(s) or package(s) from the drop-down menu. Happy Monday!**

Today’s Tip- Holiday Rule 2: What to Gift Him

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‘Tis the season to be giving… But what should that look like? I know a lot of you are super conscientious and are already thinking about shopping for your boyfriend’s [insert your particular gift-giving holiday for the season here] gift. I’m going to give this one to you straight. Here are the “Do’s” and “Do not’s.”

What NOT to get him:

  • Anything that is mushy/romantic (no pictures, poetry, jewelry, chocolate, cologne, or love songs). Let him be the romance factory in the relationship.
  • Anything that tries to change him or forces your taste on him. (You want him to wear button-down shirts, but he doesn’t like them. You think he looks great in yellow; he knows he looks like Big Bird. You want him to read a book on politics or relationships or business…) You love him for who he is!
  • Anything sneaky or manipulative (You want to place reminders of yourself in his home so you buy him throw pillows for his couch, or a blanket for his bed, or plates, or wine glasses, or monogrammed towels, etc. Pictures also fall into this category.) If he loves you, he is already thinking about you all the time. If he isn’t, why are you buying him a gift? Register for all that stuff together when you’re planning the wedding!
  • Anything alive.

 

So what kind of gift DO we give the man in our life? Something he will like, fits his interests, and doesn’t break the bank (no more than $50-100). Here are some ideas:

  • Bottle of whisk(e)y (rye, scotch, bourbon), rum, brandy, or tequila
  • Small batch craft beer (You can customize a 6-pack in a worthy beer store.)
  • Beer recipe book (recipes that mimic famous brews) since everyone is into brewing these days
  • A book on a (nonromantic) topic he would enjoy: sports statistics, woodworking, horror or sci-fi novel, a travel book about what/where to eat in Japan because he will be there for business next month (not the honeymoon trip you’re dreaming of), the Civil War, the history of tattoos, etc.
  • A hat: baseball, flat cap, winter
  • Hoodie/sweater/button-down/polo shirt
  • Gloves and/or a scarf (Store-bought. Do not make these.)
  • Sweatshirt/T-shirt of his favorite sports team
  • Cigars
  • A video game
  • A DVD (documentary, action movie, superhero movie, Best of xyz Sporting Event) he’d like and some snacks: Sriracha popcorn, pistachios, mixed nuts, pretzels, beef jerky, etc.
  • Miracle Berry Tablets and a bag of lemons, limes, and oranges (And I highly recommend some Tums for after he raids the entire fridge.)
  • Geeky gadgets or t-shirts
  • A fancy straightedge razor

So what do you get the guy…

…you’ve been seeing for a month? Nothing! It’s only been a month! Don’t scare the dude away.

…you’re married to? Anything he would like!

Today’s Tip: Holiday Rule 1

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The holiday season is upon us! That being the case, there are a few Rules we really need to keep in mind at this time of year. Over the next few weeks I will review them all, but let’s start with this one:
Let him lead!
This Rule has a lot of branches, but the one you need to focus on the most during the holidays is that you shouldn’t be introducing him to your friends before he introduces you to his friends… Or your family before you meet his family. I know it is tempting with all of the gatherings and get-togethers. And the best friend that’s in from out-of-town. And the aunts that sit you down every holiday to itemize the efforts you’ve been making to meet a man. And you’ve gone to the last 2 Thanksgivings alone. And it’s what I call “Diamond Season.” But you have to let things develop at the right speed. If you don’t rush and you play your cards right, you could be celebrating your own engagement by this time next year!

Today’s Tip- Wednesday for Saturday

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Well, it’s Thursday! Do you have a date on Saturday? Did he ask in time? You are far too amazing to sit around waiting! So, if he didn’t ask by yesterday, it looks like you’re free! What plans are you going to make? Here are some ideas:

Dinner/drinks with the girls

Rollerskating/bowling/shooting range

That movie you’ve been wanting to see

Hunkering down for hurricane Joaquin with Netflix (Do you have emergency supplies, just in case?)

One of those painting classes that are all the rage right now

Switch out that summer wardrobe for the winter one or vice versa

Brunch

Hiking in the woods to enjoy the fresh air

Visit the family

Join a Meetup- they have a lot of singles’ mixers

See if there’s something on your bucket list you can check off or plan for

Reread The Rules

What woman is interested in sitting around waiting for a last-minute invitation to do something on Saturday night? We have far too much to keep us busy. Friends to see, other men to date, hobbies, classes! Okay, maybe we don’t *always* have something to do… But that doesn’t mean we are interested in being an afterthought, a last-minute-last-choice, “what-are-you-doing-tonight?” date. I don’t know about you, but I prefer a man that asks me out with plenty of notice (by Wednesday) for Saturday. You can tell a lot about how he feels about you based on when he asks you out for Saturday night. If he thinks about you during the week, can’t wait to see you, and is worried you might be whisked away by another man, he will pin you down so you’re definitely his date on Saturday night! He will research the restaurant so you’re sure to like it. He will book tickets to something he knows you want to see… Something to make sure he impresses you and makes you happy. Some men even ask for next week at the end of every date so he’s SURE he gets to see you. If he’s not doing these things, but calling you on Saturday afternoon to “hang out tonight,” how smitten could he be? Worse, how do you know his first-choice date didn’t just cancel on him and now he’s settling for your company? You, my loves, are much more than a consolation prize!

Now, if this is a new relationship or you realize you’re in a bad habit of accepting last-minute dates… It’s possible he really does like you but he’s been spoiled in the past by your or women who do say yes to last-minute invitations. When he calls past Wednesday, just muster up a sweet voice and say “Oh I wish I could but I already have plans…” (Don’t tell him what they are, and don’t counter with another day that you are free.) If he’s really interested, he will eventually figure out to ask you out sooner. If he doesn’t, better you know his level of interest now. Win-win!

Today’s Tip- Online Dating Profile

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Is your online dating profile living up to its potential? Do the emails feel like they’ve started decreasing in number and your profile doesn’t seem to be getting the traffic it used to? If you think you already have the right CUAO blend of mystery and intrigue in your profile, try making a simple change. Sometimes, just changing a small sentence or swapping out one picture for a similar one is enough to bump your profile up to the top of the search results again. Give it a try!

If you feel like you’d like some guidance in revamping your dating profile, visit my Consultations page and we can take a look together. Finding the balance between being generic and spilling your guts can be a challenge; let’s work together to make your Rulesy profile and find your Mr. Right!

Today’s Tip- Do You

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How’s that self-esteem of yours? Is there something small you can do to help yourself be happier? Or become more comfortable in your own skin?

It’s the beginning of a fresh, new week! For some, the beginning of a new school year. It’s the perfect time to put something new into your routine. Many art and music classes rotate with the school year calendar. Is there something you’d like to learn? Violin, pottery, a new language, how to refinish that end table, photography, wine pairing principles, how to get your dog to stop barking at the mailman? Is there a yoga or ballroom dance class you’ve been meaning to try (or return to)? Maybe you want to join a Meetup in your area? Not only will you open yourself up to meeting new people (maybe Mr. Right?), you’ll have more conversation topics to draw from in social situations.

Maybe something else would do the trick:

How about adding a few new items to your wardrobe to pep it up a bit?

Or a little tooth whitening might brighten your smile? A spray-tan? New fragrance?

A night in front of Netflix or HGTV donning an exfoliating mask, giving yourself a pedicure?

Taking some time to breathe deeply and meditate?

Perhaps a little getaway for the long Labor Day weekend?

Feast your eyes on some paintings at the MET?

A night out with the girls?

What do you like to do? What would boost your mind, body, and/or spirit and help you become the BEST version of yourself? “Doing you” is the first step in any relationship. The happier you are, the more confidence you exude, the more attractive you are to others. It’s the dawning of a new week; give it a go! What sounds good to you? Share your ideas below!

Today’s Tip- Safety First

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Have a date with someone new? Going out for a nighttime jog? Live alone?

Has everyone heard of Kitestring? It’s a fantastic FREE service my bestie and I use when we go out at night or with a new man we met online (well, not her, she’s engaged now!). The website has step-by-step instructions, but in a nutshell, “Kitestring checks up on you when you’re out and alerts your friends if you don’t respond.” You set it up ahead of time with your name, phone number, 2 passwords, and your emergency contacts’ phone numbers. When you go out, you can text Kitestring on your assigned text line, or login to your computer to tell Kitestring how long you will be out. When you get back home, (login or) text your regular password to Kitestring and it will end your trip. If you do not check in, Kitestring will check in with you. If you do not respond, it sends your emergency contacts your personalized alert message. (Tip: Delete your password from your text history every time you use it so it’s not stored on your phone and nobody can check-in as you!)

It also has an added feature that if you are actually under duress, you can use your duress password and it will immediately alert your friends. (Horrible reality: I would make this password very clever. If you were actually in trouble, you wouldn’t want someone to see you typing “kidnapped” or “help” over your shoulder!)

Since we are on the topic, here are some best practice ideas to use when you are meeting a new man:

1.) WHO- Forward his name, phone number, and profile picture to your emergency contact(s) to have on file.

2.) WHEN- Text/call your emergency contact(s) to let them know you have a date and how long your expect to be. Text Kitestring when you head out.

3.) WHERE- ALWAYS meet in a safe, well-lit public place. Tell someone where you will be meeting him, and do not change locations once you get there. (Only change locations if you MUST and send a text to update your contact. And take your own car.)

4.) Do not get into his car or take a quick spin on his motorcycle. You’re smarter than that. You know WHY.

It’s a crazy world out there. If you have additional tips, please feel free to share them below. Stay safe, my loves!

Today’s Tip- Do What You Love

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Take yourself on little dates to do things you love when you don’t have someone to go with you. I LOVE to pick my own produce, and peaches are in season at the moment so I made a solo trip to a local farm to pick some peaches straight from the trees. They. Are. Delicious! What do you love to do? Don’t be afraid to go alone. Who knows? You could always meet a cute farmer or a guy that shares your interest!

Hello!

Welcome to Advice by Alicia! I am thrilled to be here to answer your dating scene questions and spread this wealth of knowledge known as The Rules (TM).

Having been a Rules Girl, or CUAO (Creature Unlike Any Other), for sometime, I decided I should make it official and become a Certified Rules Dating Coach. Many of my friends and I live and breathe The Rules(TM). We practice dialogue with each other, take turns being strong and steadfast in The Rules when the other is weak, and share in our Rules successes!

When I started this blog a few years ago, my bestie was engaged and planning her wedding to a wonderful man thanks to The Rules! They had a beautiful, intimate beach ceremony and have been happily married for years!

I met my Mr. Right just a few months after becoming officially Rules certified, got engaged, married in the sweetest intimate ceremony, and had a champagne brunch reception! Beautiful and perfect. …and now… we just had a baby!

I cannot wait to help you find your path to being as happily married as I am. There’s nothing like it. Plenty of people are married; but not everyone is so lucky to have found The Rules.

What are The Rules? Visit my About the Rules page to find out more!