Summer Flings - New Columnist for Re:d Readers

I have been offered the huge priveledge of being a premiere love coach for Re:d magazine. I wanted to show off my first article. Re:d is a Dallas Social magazine for uptown dwelling late 20s - early 30s socialites and philanthropists. The editor picked the article's title, and here's what I came up with for contribution.

Summer Flings Make Me Feel Fine

The air is dripping with the art of summer loving. As every Dallas gossip queen knows, our nights are hot! So why is your bed still so cold? Maybe you’re not trying hard enough. Maybe you’re trying too hard. As re:d’s exclusive LOVE COACH, I’ve spent the last five years in training and practice to make sure you get the best advice and the best resources for finding love.

I know you want more heat in the bedroom, so here are three great secrets to enjoying a summer fling.

Secret #1: Make it Happen

Be active. I’m always amazed at how many of my own clients think the pool of singles is dry in Dallas. If you aren’t finding fun and romance in Dallas, you may not be looking at all. The secret is to get into motion, get into full gear. It doesn’t matter what you do… as long as you do something.

Be social. Make sure you are going to one social event per week. Mix it up between dress up affairs and casual happy hours.

Want my social suggestions this month? Exclusively for re:d readers this summer, I’ve sought out the best singles events. You can find hot Dallas singles destinations at www.lovekungfu.com/red (this link doesn't work yet, try back in June 2006 when the article is published) or visit re:d magazine at www.redmagonline.com for more information.

Be bold. Chivalry isn’t dead, but it’s changed. Here in Dallas, we are still romantics, but we’re practical too.

If you won’t ask anyone out, you might be slowing things down to a halt. There are thousands of great ways to ask someone out while maintaining your grace. My favorite is an Instant Date.

An Instant Date starts wherever you meet for the first time. Let’s say you meet at a party. Go for a walk or coffee straight from the party. It’s fast, it’s cheap, and you’re already there.

Secret #2: Hold your Ground

Once you’ve found Mr. or Ms. Right Now, Eros can diminish your ethics. There are three easy ways to hold your standards high.

Don’t drink too much. The fastest way to a bad date is too much intoxication. Stay at about a drink an hour.

Don’t go alone. Make sure a friend gets a phone number. Always tell someone when you’re leaving. It’s also good to bring anything that makes you feel safe: mace, car keys, a good strong left kick that you learned in Karate class.

Don’t get fired. Monday will come really fast! If you have to call in sick, only do it for one day. Some flings are short, some are long. Enjoy it while it lasts, but put your friends and your job first. Studies show that those will last a lot longer anyway.

Secret #3: Let it Go

We all know that falling in love is great. It’s a wonderful feeling. Your body is emitting all these hormones and the whole process is extremely addicting.

The best secret to any summer fling is remembering that flings are short-lived and priceless adventures. If it’s really meant to be, it’ll continue. But for now, you’re best shot is to always let it go. Enjoy the moment.

If you really want to enjoy a summer fling, then have fun, be adventurous and don’t worry about the future. A summer fling won’t look like you expect. It will surprise you. Remember the ancient Chinese proverb: If you love it, let it go. If it’s yours, it will come back.

See you next month for more Secrets.

With Love,
Coach Mark with Love Kung Fu