@JenFriel's List of Dating Likes and Dislikes

Feb 3

Alrite, time for a top 5. Are you ready? Cool ... let's get it on. Well, let me rephrase that, because we're not literally "getting it on," certainly, not yet. I have to be wined first, and dined ... am I still talking? Shut up Jen.

1. I work in a male dominated industry all day everyday. Getting my brain to switch over to being a "chick" is very hard to do. I might be slightly awkward while adjusting to that mode, so tame down the chivalry. I start to feel overwhelmed when my car door is opened a number of times. Literally, it freaks me out ... and please for the love of all things holy, don't pull out my chair. I don't like it. I'm a big girl, and like acting accordingly.

2. I really like eye contact. Big fan of it ... unless I am intensely pondering the meaning of life, which is entirely plausible on a date, then my eyes shift around all over the place, (NLP ftw). Eye contact shows strength, and a sign of being present. Both are qualities I dig in a dude, so do it!

3. Social media turns me on. If you know about social media, or don't ... that's totally up to you. Please do not start asking me about the web crash at x company that caused x outage at blah blah blah, or scope up the latest news from Mashable on your iphone and use it as discussion points during dinner. I get this space, I don't care if you do. Just be passionate about SOMMETHINNNGGG. Know what turns you on, what gets you fired up - it's the GREATEST TIME TO BE ALIVE EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER. If you don't agree with me, don't expect another date. I'm INCREDIBLY cut and dry on that fact.

As a side note, please don't ask me to take a look at your website, or help you with your online presence on a date. I don't care. I'm trying to get laid here, not get you followers on twitter. Although, I have a FourSquare checkin that I wouldn't mind you checkin out. RAWRR!

4. I never plan ... anything ... ever ... ever .... ever. It is NOTHING personal to you, and more to do with this journey that I've been on for the last year. I stopped focusing on a destination and started acting on impulse and going with the flow. Please don't ask me what I want to do - I like everything. I'm completely willing to let you lead in this capacity, so take it! I don't care about what restaurant we go to since, dude, I lived off of beef jerky for 30 days; these minute details are of no interest to me ... take me to your favorite restaurant, show me your favorite part of the city. That I'd enjoy! FOR SURE!

5. Be honest. Tell me who you are, and what you're about. I'm really good at reading people, and I start feeling weird when I can tell someone is lying or exaggerating about a scenario because I wonder, hm, can they tell that I know that they're lying? Then, I crack a weird smile, start breathing faster, and will quickly look for a way to try to change the subject. Do you really want that to happen? Didn't think so. Just be you. It's WAYYY easier! I'm into some pretty strange individuals, so don't think you know what I'm looking for, because frankly, I have no idea what I am looking for. It's a feeling, and it can't be articulated. Just be you! That's sexy! That'll drop the panties, that is of course if I'm wearing 'em!