Question

When men learn I am highly educated and successful, they often get intimidated. It doesn’t make for a successful dating life and it is also so disheartening, especially because I’ve worked so hard to achieve these goals.

Answer

My column -  Successful Men Are Attracted To Successful Women - Did I Read Correctly? - dwelt on the “Intimidation factor,” the barrier to dating faced by intelligent and successful women.

Question

What can women do about the “intimidation” factor? When men learn I am highly educated and successful, they often get intimidated. It doesn’t make for a successful dating life and it is also so disheartening, especially because I’ve worked so hard to achieve these goals.

Answer

I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling disheartened–that won’t be of any help in the dating process.

Question

I’m not getting any younger - I am trying to somehow incorporate dating  into my already jam-packed life - Just Not Happening!  I wonder if you have any suggestions to recharge my dating life?

Answer

Congratulations on trying to recharge your dating life.  Creating a dating life that works for you is meaningful and fulfilling as it involves living an authentic life aligned with your (not those of your parents) goals and priorities.

Ask yourself the following two questions to determine the best ways to search for Mr. Right:

Question

My husband and I generally get along well. However, when we return from work, he chooses to read the paper instead of interacting with me.

So I’ve started making plans to go out with girlfriends most weeknights after work. We trust each other completely, and it’s his choice to read, so I can’t figure out why he pouts after learning of my plans. 

Answer

Question

I’m ready to put some real effort into my search for a partner, and I’ve decided to try online dating.

I’m uncomfortable putting my picture up online but have been told that not doing so is a mistake. What do you think?

Answer

One of my suggestions to commitment-minded men and women ready to prioritize meeting a partner is to be as proactive as possible in the relationship arena of their lives by aligning their actions with their goals.

Question

From your experience as a professional dating coach and matchmaker, do you think long-term relationships are really feasible between people with different political views, for example, a Democrat and a Republican?

I’m curious: does this issue ever come up when dealing with your clients? Or is it not really on people’s radars? 

Answer

That’s an interesting question. How important the political views of potential partners are is certainly one of the things we discuss during our personal consultations with clients.

Dating is no easy feat.  We all have a tree in our backyard that we have stopped to admire, and then proceed to bang our head on after a bad date.  I realize it can be very frustrating for you gals to decipher what we guys are saying during the dating process.

Dating is no easy feat.  We all have a tree in our backyard that we have stopped to admire, and then proceed to bang our head on after a bad date.  I realize it can be very frustrating for you gals to decipher what we guys are saying during the dating process.

Question

I’m dating a woman who’s really great, except for the fact that she’s constantly questioning me whenever we spend any time apart.

To give you an example, when I go out with friends, she has to know where I’m going, when I’m going to be back, and exactly who else will be there.

One time, when I was out with friends, she even surprised me by just showing up with her own friends!

While I really like her, I just don’t think I can deal with this. Any suggestions?

Answer

I can appreciate that the behavior you describe is making you feel frustrated.

Question

I have a great boyfriend, who is smart, funny, and cute. We get along really well, except for one problem - his job involves a lot of travel and there are times when he is on the road for months.

I find his absences difficult to deal with (although when he returns, we seem to be fine again). I’m concerned about how I’ll be able to cope with this long term. Would it be fair to move? I know it would be tough to give up on this relationship and I am confused about what to do.

Answer