It's that time of year again — Valentine's Day. In the midst of our rushed and chaotic existence, there's hardly any time to let our significant others know just how much they mean to us and how much we appreciate and love them. While we're at it, why not seize the day to put aside all our differences and allow love and tolerance to replace violence, hatred and mistrust that's spread like wildfire in our society? Meanwhile, if you're single, past 30 and about to take a serious relationship to the next level, or if you're sceptical of your chances to meet the right guy, fall in love and create an exciting, happy and fulfilling life, fear not! Love for Grown-Ups, the self-help relationship book will do the trick. From finding the perfect man to merging finances with your mate, the book Love For Grown-Ups: The Garter Brides' Guide to Marrying for Life When You've Already Got a Life, written by Ann Blumenthal Jacobs, Patricia Ryan Lampl and Tish Rabe, is all about women finding and keeping love as adults. It's full of both inspiring and entertaining personal stories and field-tested advice from its authors and other women who found lasting love and happiness after their 35th birthdays had come and gone. In their 200-page guide, the authors highlight how an ability to recognise and express what you want comes with age and that it's never too late for love. They share information on how they met their significant other and give tips on how you can meet your mate. They also bring hope, help and hilarity to those seeking the love of their lives or embarking on a special relationship. Garter Brides' dating tips: - Reach out: Always approach finding the right guy and dating as though you were looking for a job. Consider all the possibilities available for you to meet new people. If you do things that make you happy, it shows! And happy people are magnets for friendship. - Embrace blind dates: Be open to everything. We've seen how successful married couples are at fixing up single friends, so make sure they're aware that you're looking and embrace the idea of blind dates. - Get to know yourself: Try to answer these questions: What are my interests? What do I like about myself? What are the things that are most important to me? How can I use any of this information to help me meet new people? Delving into these questions will help you become more confident and find what others will find attractive in you. - Be optimistic: Don't let a past of bad dating experiences keep you from moving forward. Be sure that the guy who asks you out wants it to work out as much as you do. Relax and make the best of it. - Don't make excuses: Don't use your kids, work, family or anything else as excuses to not date. This doesn't mean they shouldn't be priorities, but you're not going to meet an eligible bachelor when you're home watching The Bachelor with your daughter. Once you've met that perfect someone, keep these tips in mind: - Always be upfront about yourself. If you're divorced, widowed, have kids — don't wait to reveal these things about yourself. - Don't jump right to “What if my kids don't like him?” or “What if we get married?” Have fun and let the relationship take its natural course.
