Lions and Tigers and Dating, Oh My!
By Susanne Frilot

For many singles, January means New Year’s resolutions; getting into shape, setting financial goals, and finding a partner.  February then emerges as the month of love.  What girl doesn’t love getting flowers, candy, and Valentine card from someone special?  With so many dating services available, why is it still so hard for singles to find their special someone?

T hat is exactly why founder, Margaret Zhao, created First Impression Dating.  “It took me 17 long years to find my soul mate,” says Zhao.  “It was a lifelong dream of mine to change the dating world for the better.”  Zhao spoke with many singles who all agreed that dating can be a very confusing, frustrating, and aggravating process.  Most people just don’t know where to start, especially those who find themselves single after many years of marriage or if they are shy or introverted.

Many singles are now turning to online dating and other dating services, but how can someone know which service is right for her or him.  Unfortunately, people are not always honest when answering their profile questionnaire, especially when posting a current picture or filling out their date of birth.  In addition, there are several different types:

1. Online dating services such as Match.com and eHarmony.com are companies that cater to the masses.  You have to weed through all your potential dating prospects or they will pick some out for you.
   
   
2. Speed dating allows you to sit in front of someone for a few minutes and fire off as many questions as possible to see if you have similar interests and views and might be compatible.
   
   
3. Singles’ Meet-up groups are gatherings held at various bars, restaurants, or some outdoor activity.  These gathering are meant to be a fun, casual way to get to know a person before you decide to start dating- not a bad idea!
   
   
4. Professional matchmakers cater to a high income clientele and can be quite expensive.  However, just because a person makes a lot of money doesn’t mean he or she is a quality partner.

First Impression Dating believes it is not just another online dating site.   The company believes it has merged the best parts of all dating services and created a process that will turn the very confusing and frustrating process of dating into something that is more relaxed, easy, and enjoyable.  First Impression Dating believes that face to face interactions are the best way for people to meet, but they are not big fans of the bar scene.  Instead, they have created fun, interactive events where singles can meet in a comfortable, friendly, no pressure environment.  One such event is their all new dating game, an event that takes the original dating game to a whole new level.  Contestants meet face to face, not hidden behind a screen.  During the game, contestants are asked tasteful, real life questions.  The goal is to match at least 6 couples from the contestants on stage and give attendees the chance to make a love connection as well. 

These events gives singles the opportunity to meet several people instead of just one at a time.  In addition, it  puts them in control of who they would like to get to know better. This can be as simple as giving their phone number to a person(s) at the event, going on the website to request access to that person’s profile, or have one of the company’s matchmakers initiate a one on one meeting.  “This is what makes First Impression Dating so different,” says Zhao.  “We have brought the best parts of all dating services together to connect and match singles in a most efficient and unique way.”

For information on how you can attend one of their events, be a contestant on their dating game show, or inquire about membership, email info@FirstImpressionDating.com.