Cyber-Dating Expert Valentine’s Survival Guide

It’s Valentine’s week, and if you’re scrambling to make last-minute plans, or you’re feeling the pressure of being single on Valentine’s Day, you’re not alone.

The good news is: Valentine’s is on a Friday night of a long holiday weekend, so you can celebrate the holiday on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and even on Presidents’ Day on Monday, where many can enjoy a day off of work.

Read: 5 Tips to Land a Date by Valentine’s Day

Plus, online dating usage tends to spike on Valentine’s Day, seriously. So don’t go MIA on February 14th if you haven’t snagged a date by the 13th.

According to Coffee Meets Bagel, signups on Valentine’s Day are higher than on Dating Sunday! Last year, CMB saw a 63% spike in new user signups on Valentine’s Day, with the most activity between 2am and 3am!

Plus, a new study from Pew Research reports that 57% of singles say they have had an overall positive experience meeting online using dating sites and apps. It’s time to grab your mobile phone, open a dating app, search, swipe, and remember that a confident person will ask someone out for Valentine’s Day, and accepting a Valentine’s date is a terrific idea.

With four days to celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, here are some creative options that won’t break the bank and will keep you from hiding under the covers this week. From finding a last-minute date, to gift-giving, here’s my Valentine’s Survival Guide, as shared on ABC News.

Valentine’s Spending to Top $27 Billion

If you’re wondering what to get someone you’ve just started dating, you don’t need to go over the top. In fact, if you do, you might send someone running for the hills.

While WalletHub reports that 2020 spending for Valentine’s Day will be around 27 billion dollars, with 2.4 billion dollars being spent on candy, only 8% will be spending over $100 on romantic gifts.

The Valentine’s Spending Survey showed that 86% believe love is more important than money. Only 8% of women thought Valentine’s gifts were worth going into credit card debt for, so it’s the thought that counts. I recommend bringing a hand-signed card, some roses or tulips from the grocery store, or a Starbuck’s gift card with hearts, and don’t forget to say, “I love you” to your partner if you’re feeling the love.

Best Valentine’s Gifts for Women

Stumped on what to get her for Valentine’s Day?

Esquire came up with a list including flowers, a tea tasting assortment set for $60, to a Rent the Runway gift card for $50, so she can pick out a gorgeous outfit for date night, to the over-the-top big splurge of the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer for $399, because she secretly wants it, and it’s out of her budget.

Best Valentine’s Gifts for Men

It’s a myth to think that Valentine’s Day is just a day to celebrate women. Sure, men love the Super Bowl more than Valentine’s Day, but bringing a guy a gift shows that both of you know the importance of celebrating romance, regardless of your relationship stage.

New York Magazine suggests buying gifts on Amazon, and if you’ve got a Prime membership, you’ll still have time to order a gift to arrive on time. Some include soap on a rope for $28, to a wireless phone charger stand for $22, or a shiatsu back neck massager for $50.

Gifts for Every Relationship Stage

Whether it’s a first date or you’ve been coupled up for a decade or more, there’s a lot of confusion on what types of gifts to bring a date, if anything.

We tackled the various relationship stages from newly dating to going steady, getting serious to falling totally-in-love in this article.

Valentine’s Gifts for Every Relationship Stage

Celebrate Galentine’s Day on Feb. 13

via GIPHY

Cosmo’s got you covered for Galentine’s Day on Thursday, February 13th, where 75% of single women will be celebrating Galentine’s Day.

Grab a group of your BFF’s, wear a sexy red or pink outfit, and head over to a happy hour to celebrate the gift of female friendships. It’s not only empowering, but your group might capture the eye of a single guy or two, and there’s nothing wrong with accepting a last-minute Valentine’s date.

If you’d rather embrace your single status, buy yourself a red cashmere sweater, or a bouquet of red tulips, because you don’t need to settle for just any date on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Dining Ideas

I’m a sucker for anything that’s heart-shaped, or says LOVE.

Fresh Brothers and Mrs. Fields Cookies – Limited Heart Shaped Gifts

Every year during Valentine’s week, Fresh Brothers Pizza serves a limited-time heart-shaped pizza, which you can pre-order. You can create your own with your favorite toppings, or choose from one of their signature pizzas to wow your sweetie. Plus, get a FREE Valentine’s Day pizza cutter with every Heart-Shaped Pizza order, while supplies last.

I have to confess, I ordered a large heart shaped chocolate chip cookie for my Valentine, so we can nibble on desert together, and they can be customized!

It’s a perfect way to stay in and stream some of the Oscar-nominated or winning films, while you nibble on this romantic delight.

Gift certificates for his-and-her massages are romantic, as well as tickets to a sporting event, concert, or play for you to attend together, so you can plan a future date.

Gen Z is Avoiding Valentine’s Day

A new study from EduBirdie shows 70% of Gen Z aren’t feeling the love this Valentine’s Day. 15% of Gen-Z surveyed shared that they don’t acknowledge the 14^th of February as a holiday, with many blaming ghosting for their lack of interest.

In fact, Gen Z singles are avoiding the day entirely, with 75% of single women who will celebrate Galentine’s Day, or even getting together on Valentine’s Day to go to the movies, take a yoga class together, and just celebrate the friends that you love.

Google Your Relationship Questions

Love is something we all desire, but it can be all-so-confusing. For many years, the top search term on Google was, “What is love?”

Analaysts at CenturyLinkQuote searched Google to view the latest relationship questions, and found that breakup questions and confusion questions of when to respond to texts from someone you’ve got a crush on are dominating the search engine giant. Other search terms include: How to get a date, to Am I in love?

If you live in New York, the most popular term was how to break up, and if you live in Alaska, the most popular searched question was How to Kiss?

This handy map shows the top relationship questions all around the country.

Don’t Let Age Get in the Way of Love

Online dating isn’t just for Gen X, Y, or Z. On Kiplinger, I explained the growing market of singles 50+ who are using dating apps. Age is only a number, and if you’re active and are looking for companionship, then you need to have a digital dating strategy.

Whether you celebrate Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Valentine’s weekend, or Singles Awareness Day on February 15th, love is all around but starts with loving yourself. Reach out to a friend or family member and send them a Valentine’s Day card just like you did in grade school.

Wishing you much love and joy in cyberspace, or wherever you may swipe or roam.

Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert and the founder of Cyber-Dating Expert. She was an early adopter of the Internet, and has been coaching singles on finding love online for 25 years.

FOLLOW @JulieSpira and SIGN UP for the Free Weekly Flirt newsletter.

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Would You Break Up Before Valentine’s Day?

valentine's Breakup Valentine’s Day might be my favorite holiday, but not everyone feels the same.

One of you might still be paying off credit card bills from the December holiday season, while the other is expecting a ring, there might be an explosion on the 12th or 13th.

Many couples in relationships feel the huge pressure of stepping up to a deeper commitment when they’re not on the same page with their partner, especially on Valentine’s Day.

If you feel this way, you’re not alone. It’s also proposal season, where 6 million people are expected to get engaged on February 14th.

If ring shopping isn’t on your mind, or in your budget, it might be time to have “the talk.”

If you’re single, just seeing candy hearts, chocolates, and flowers in the grocery store is enough to put your heads under the covers.

On KABC 7, Eyewitness News, I spoke with Coleen Sullivan and Ellen Leyva on everything Valentine’s.

When asked why so many people break up before Valentine’s Day, I weighed in with my thoughts about the day so many either love, or hate.

We’ve got you covered in the Valentine’s Survival Guide, regardless of your relationship status.

View Full Interview

Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert and Digital Matchmaker. She’s the CEO of Cyber-Dating Expert and has been coaching singles on finding love online for over 24 years.

FOLLOW @JulieSpira on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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What to Get Your Date for Valentine’s Day – Gift Guide Ideas

Selecting a gift for Valentine’s Day can be tricky. It’s not unusual to get a gift you don’t like.

A survey commissioned by Finder.com of 2,001 American adults, and conducted by Pureprofile in February 2018, showed an estimated $30.3 billion will be spent this Valentine’s Day!

If you go overboard on a new relationship with fancy jewelry, it can scare someone away.

If you don’t bring flowers or acknowledge your significant other on the most romantic day of the year, you might end up in the dog house.

How to you handle gift giving?

On KABC -7, I discussed a few gift ideas will help guide you into his or her arms.

With half of Americans celebrating Valentines’ Day this year, sometimes you could use a little help.

Here are 5 Gift Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank

1. A Key to Your Heart and Home

A new mobile app, KeyMe, makes it easy to take your relationship to the next level.

How it works: Open their app and take a photo of your key.

Scan it and send it up to the Cloud. You can then email your information to your significant other.

He or she then can find a KeyMe Kiosk at many different retail locations including Bed, Bath and Beyond, 7-Eleven, and many grocery stores, etc. Their new key will be printed there in 30 seconds. Cost: $2.99.

2. Amazon Echo

For those of you who have Alexa-envy, Amazon has reduced the price on several of their Echo devices.

This second-generation fabric echo can bring the inner-DJ out, while you request your favorite songs, or get the latest news and sports scores. If you want to see his or her smiling face, select the Echo Show to watch video clips, see lyrics, and say sweet dreams.

Echo (2nd Generation) with improved sound, powered by Dolby, and a new design – Charcoal Fabric

Available in many stores, you can also order this on Amazon Prime and get two-day delivery. Cost: $84.99 – $179.99

3. Music Playlist

Nothing is more romantic than curating your own set list for your sweetheart. It’s deeply personal and will show your love through music.

If you attended a concert together as a couple, or there’s a song that’s just for the two of you, include it in your musical gift.

4. Flowers

If you only buy one gift this year for a woman, make sure it’s flowers.

It’s the simplest and most romantic gift you can select.

While $2 billion will be spent on flowers this year, with 250 million roses produced for Valentine’s Day, bringing a dozen red tulips for a new relationship, or one long-stemmed rose, will warm her heart.

Cost: $2 – $200

5. Gift Cards

As a last resort, if you’re not sure what to get, and you’ve run out of time, GiftCards.com can come to your rescue.

Last Valentine’s Day, I received a gift cards to Sephora and to the local movie theatre, and enjoyed them both immensely.

You can order them online, and they’re perfect for those in a long-distance relationship, or go ahead and splurge on one for yourself.

Wishing you much love and joy on Valentine’s Day.

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Julie Spira – ABC News – Valentine’s Survival Guide

With Valentine’s Day just a week away, I sat down with ABC-7’s Coleen Sullivan and Ellen Leyva with a Valentine’s Survival Guide to get you to and through the most romantic day of the year.

Can you find love online in time for Valentine’s Day?

I say yes! With the convenience of your mobile phone, we’ll have you chatting and dating in a digital split second.

Here are 10 Tips to Help You Survive Valentine’s Day With a Hug and a Smile

Sign up for a Mobile Dating App – Use your Facebook photos to create a new profile and say “love is in the air.” Have a friend or a dating coach like myself help you with your profile.

Become a serial dater – This is the time I give you permission to date up a storm. Schedule one date a day until Valentine’s Day. Double-down and schedule two dates a day, where one will surely rise to the top and be worthy of a second date.

Use Premium Features – Match shows you peak times, where their Top Spot feature will show your profile to get the most visibility for just a few hours. OkCupid’s Boost feature will do the same for 15 minutes.

Give your date a card – A hand signed card or a love note will warm his or her heart for all dating stages.

Don’t forget Flowers – Two billion dollars will be spent on Valentine’s Day flowers this year. Bring one long-stemmed rose or a dozen tulips to have the same effect, while not breaking the bank.

Say ‘I Love You’ – If you’re relationship is moving forward, there’s no better time to profess your love than on Valentine’s Day.

Choose In-Room Dining or Cook a Meal Together – If you’ve waited too long to make a reservation at his or her favorite place, pick up some prepared meals at the grocery store, or ingredients for a spicy romantic dinner. Remember to bring candles.

The gift of time – Valentine’s Day is about spending quality time together, and there’s not better gift than just being together.

Valentine’s Breakups – It’s not a great idea, but if your relationship has been sliding downhill since the past holiday season, have a talk with your significant other, sooner rather than later. Valentine’s Day can be filled with pressure, so be kind about it and if you’re going to call it quits, do so in person, and not on the phone, email, or in a text message.

Singles Awareness Day is on February 15th – If you’re not in the mood to find a Valentine and hate the holiday, there’s no need to fret. The day after will be a holiday to celebrate your single status.

Don’t let the pressure get to you about Valentine’s Day. Some people are still paying off their credit cards from December gift giving. A study shows that 54% plan to spend less than $100 and only 10% of singles spend over $250 on Valentine’s Day.

A survey from OneHourTranslation.com of over 4000 people around the world, showed that 31% plan to purchase their gifts online this year, so there’s still time to send something romantic to your Valentine or digital crush.

Wishing you much love and joy in cyberspace, or wherever you may roam.

FOLLOW @JulieSpira on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert and Digital Matchmaker. She’s the CEO of Cyber-Dating Expert and is an award-winning dating coach who’s been helping singles on finding love online for over 24 years.

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5 Gifts To Impress Your First Date

It’s still possible to find a date for Valentine’s by just popping up your mobile dating apps. Turn on your push notifications and be bold and agree to meet on Valentine’s Day.

With that in mind, if you score a date, what are you supposed to do about a gift? Should you give anything at all? Our guest blogger Michelle G.,CRS® offers these tips for Valentine’s gift ideas for a 1st time date.

Valentine’s Day reignites the conversation of whether a first date gift is appropriate. Some argue that it may be a bit “cheesy” to show your softer side on a first date, while others may feel the fear of their gift being rejected. My recommendation is to do what feels right for you.

In today’s competitive dating landscape, it’s all about the little details to help you stand out from the crowd. The rule of thumb for choosing a gift is to make your choice based on a previous conversation you had with your date. If you haven’t had a chance to glean any tips on what to gift just yet, here are some foolproof ideas to spark up your first date.

Here are 5 Simple Gifts to Give on a First Date

1. Flower Bouquet

Who doesn’t love flowers or a gift from nature? Flowers and plants are thoughtful, unisex and not too personal. If you didn’t know, there was a time when flowers where a traditional (and lovely) first date gift every woman loved. Stand out from the crowd, impress your date and start off on the right foot with a bouquet of red roses or white lilies.

P.S. Pick up red tulips from the grocery store. They’re a fraction of the cost of roses and you’ll have the same impact.

2. Greeting Card

A thoughtful greeting card with an uplifting or inspirational message can also work miracles when you’re looking to stand out and make an impression on a first date. Your positive spirit can take you places you never thought possible, faster than you could imagine. Everyone can use a little extra cheer in their lives and you could stand out on your first date by turning up your positively with a thoughtful greeting card.

P.S. We love digital cards from JibJab!

3. Baked Goodies

If you’re meeting in a coffee shop, treat your date to a delicious pastry and watch how quickly you can control the ambiance and mood of your date. Be mindful of any food allergies, intolerances (gluten), or sensitivities (dairy) your date might have. You don’t want to inadvertently get them sick. To be sure, wait until they arrive at the coffee shop, ask them if they have a food intolerance, then offer a treat. You’ll be a rockstar for caring!

P.S. Bake some homemade cookies for both of you to share.

4. Chocolates

An oldie but a goodie… If you’re not sure what kind of chocolates your date likes, an incognito way of asking is to share insider information about your favorite foods and desserts first before asking them what they like. Then, by the magic of reciprocity, your date will feel compelled to share similar information with you and voilà; you’ll know what types of chocolates he or she likes… Try this simple technique on your next date!

P.S. Chocolate is an aphrodisiac!

RELATED: What do I do If He Doesn’t Ask Me Out for Valentine’s Day

5. Bottle of Wine

This is an excellent gift idea for when you want to show off your classier side. In case you feel this is a risky move, just know that wine’s not too “forward” of a gift and it’s well accepted. While you may not know what type of wine your date prefers, it is the thought that counts! The best recommendation when selecting a bottle of wine is to go for a red Cabernet Sauvignon or a refreshing white Pinot.

P.S. You can ramp it up with a bottle of prosecco from the grocery store if you think your date likes bubbles or check out codawines.com, where their wines are inspird by music.

For more Valentine’s Day ideas, read our Valentine’s Day Survival Guide.

Follow @AskMichelleG on Twitter

Follow @JulieSpira on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

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Valentine’s Day Countdown – How to Land a Date

Valentine's Day - CyberDatingExpert.com Time is flying and it’s about 1 month until Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day for many, and a time others can’t stomach. It’s also a long weekend for many right now, so it’s time to come up with a dating strategy, both online and offline.Whether you love or hate Valentine’s Day, our annual Valentine’s Survival Guide is here to help you leading into February 14th.

If you’re single, there’s no need to hide under the covers. If you’re dating someone, but he hasn’t asked you to be his or her Valentine just yet, here are some tips to enjoy the day, regardless of your relationship status.

Remember, Valentine’s is on a Tuesday this year, so if you aren’t celebrating on the 14th, you have an opportunity to book a romantic weekend away, while having a quiet Valentine’s Day snuggled up in the arms of your sweetheart.

1. Ramp up Your Online Search

Let’s face it, everyone seems to be online theses days, so if you’re not logging on twice EVERY day, checking your matches and responding quickly to his or her emails, some other girl or guy just might get their attention faster. I always say the squeaky wheel gets the digital love deal. If you can carve out time to go to the gym, you should be able to schedule time to log on daily. Make sure you’ve signed up for push and email notifications of when someone has emailed you, liked you, flirted with your or made yo their favorite. Check out their profile and thank them for the compliment. Ditch the old waiting game rules. This is how the digital dating world words.

2. Download New Mobile Dating Apps

If you’re not on Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Happn, or are using the mobile dating apps from your favorite online dating site, make more of an effort to download these apps now! January is the busiest month for NEW online and mobile dating log ons. The numbers are HUGE, so we want you to jump right in to meet someone special.

3. Start Swiping Right

Being proactive on mobile dating apps is the only way to fill your date card. Open your apps and swipe right to your matches if they are at least 50% of what you’re looking for. Now is not the time to be swiping left. It’s really a numbers game. Unless your match is advertising for a hookup or looks like an a total freak, then swipe right and take a moment to say hello. A guy will be flattered to see the notification that you’re digging him digitally. Remember to take your relationship from online to offline so you can meet IRL. This means a few chats back-and-forth and then a MANDATORY phone date. Keep the date to 20 minutes with the goal of getting a second date on the calendar.

4. Attend Singles Events

The one thing about singles events is, everyone is in the same boat. They’re single and are hoping to connect with someone. Check out Match.com’s Stir events in your city with happy hours and fun games, RSVP to a MeetUp for a subject you’re passionate about, and attend business networking events that seem to ramp up the after the first of the year. The more you’re out there in the public, the more opportunities you have to flirt with a potential date. Remember not to be too coy. Be bold and smile.

Dr. Pat Allen, my mentor and author of”Getting to ‘I Do’,” suggests the five-second stare. It may feel like an eternity, but it may bring you closer to that cute guy across the room. P.S. Remember to wear red! It’s the color of love and romance and is backed up by tons of research studies to be known to attract men.

5. Text an Ex

Did you know that 20% of singles do text an ex on or around Valentine’s Day? So if both of you are single, why not get together and go down memory lane. Just make sure you’re BOTH on the same page and just enjoy the evening. You may not be rekindling that old romance, but the familiarity might just make it a fun evening rather than flying solo. Or, you might rekindle the romance and realize that the other people you dated while apart just didn’t match up to your ex.

Read: Holiday Dating: 5 Tips on Getting Back with an Ex

6. Lighten up on the Pressure and do Something Fun

From going to an amusement park to ride the Ferris Wheel to taking a cooking class or going ice skating, make Valentine’s Day a no-pressure experience if you’re in a new relationship and aren’t exclusive yet. There’s no need to break the bank.

Being single on Valentine’s isn’t the end of the world. Sure you go into stores and see nothing but boxes of red candy and roses throughout the grocery stores, but a new survey from U.K. online dating site Smooch.com shows that only 10% of the 2000 singles polled actually love Valentine’s Day. Are the other 90% pretending to go along with the program?

Grab your BFF’s, dress in pink or red, and head to the movies or a concert together. Valentine’s Day isn’t always about love. It’s about spending quality time with someone you really like.

Whatever you do, DON’T GHOST your date leading up to Valentine’s Day. It’s just uncool, period.

Read: 10 Fun Valentine’s Date Ideas

Are you a fan or foe of Valentine’s Day?

Follow @JulieSpira on Twitter

Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert and Mobile Dating Expert. She was an early adopter of online dating and creates Irresistible Profiles for singles on the dating scene. For more online dating advice like us at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert, on Instagram and Twitter, and sign up for the Free Weekly Flirt newsletter.

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Valentine’s Survival Guide

This Valentine’s Day falls on a long holiday weekend and comes complete with a full moon, so if you’re thinking about leaning in for that first kiss, don’t be shy. A full moon can bring out the romance just about any time of the year.

We’re back with our Valentine’s Survival guide, complete with social media etiquette, fun date ideas, and are proud to share out latest interview in the New York Times about Tinder and mobile dating apps to ramp up your search to find that perfect Valentine.

Read: Led by Tinder, the Mobile Dating Game Surges in the New York Times

With out further digital ado, here are some of our articles and dating tips to bring the love back in your life, or at least make sure that you’re not hiding under the covers on a holiday weekend.

Ten Fun Valentine’s Date Ideas

From riding the Ferris Wheel to a scavenger hunt, find out why in-room-dining at home can be one of the most romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, regardless of your relationship status.

Would You Text an Ex on Valentine’s Day? 20% Said Yes!

Social Media Rules for a Happy Valentine’s Day

From Twitter to Facebook, Pinterest to Instagram, find out what to post, or not to post on your favorite social networks.

DON’T: Tag your new boyfriend on Facebook. Chances are he hasn’t told his buddies and work pals about his Valentine’s plans.

DO: Post a photo if you’ve received flowers, a fun gift, or of the dessert at dinner. Everyone loves to view the photos and will cheer you on with ‘likes.’

DON’T: Post your Happy Valentine’s message on your date’s wall. Saying you can’t wait until the evening together should remain private. Remember, a simple post may be innocent. However your friends might wonder what kind of wild night the two of you will be having. Or worse yet, his ex-girlfriend might start posting inappropriate comments to ruin your evening.

DO: Send a digital gift, such as his or her favorite band on iTunes, an e-card, or a redeemable gift card to a store or restaurant.

DON’T: Send a musical montage of ‘I Love You’ songs if you haven’t said those three little words yet.

DO: Ask for permission before you post anything online. Remember you’re creating a permanent digital footprint and your status and photos can be shared, even by people you don’t know.

DON’T: Overshare. Remember, many of your friends are single and may not be enjoying the day.

DO: Make an exciting announcement. If you become engaged on Valentine’s Day, your friends will want to know.

DON’T: Change your Facebook relationship status to ‘In a Relationship’ until both of you have had the talk and agree to be on the same digital page.

Do you have any social media rules for Valentine’s Day?

Wishing you much love and joy in cyberspace, or wherever you may roam this Valentine’s.

Follow @JulieSpira on Twitter and join us for #DateChat on Thursdays at 5pm/PT on Twitter.

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The Cyber Dating Expert Valentine’s Survival Guide

It’s back! Our annual Valentine’s Survival Guide with tips to help singles and couples to get through Valentine’s weekend.

On an added note, there will be a full moon on Valentine’s this year, so if you’re thinking about leaning in for that first kiss, don’t be shy. A full moon can bring out the romance just about any time of the year.

We’ve been busy at Cyber-Dating Expert Headquarters helping singles find love online with our Irresistible Profiles and being interviewed in the media for the latest digital dating trends for 2015.

Read: Led by Tinder, the Mobile Dating Game Surges in the New York Times

With out further digital ado, here are some of our articles to bring the love back in your life.