When I was divorced in 1995 at age 41 and decided to start dating again, I wish I knew there was such a thing as a dating coach! After 16 years married to the same man and only four significant relationships before marriage, I was not too savvy about dating in general. And I was totally clueless about dating etiquette in the 90s, who might be a good partner for me at this stage of my life, and places where a single mother of two could meet someone whod be interested in her. I couldve used some guidance from someone with experience in navigating the over-40 dating worldwhich is why, after I remarried, I decided to become a coach and help people in that very same boat!
A dating coach is a personal life coach whose main niche is helping you find the love of your life. Rather than a matchmaker, shes someone who helps you find and navigate various avenues for meeting other single people, prepare yourself for having a relationship by getting healthier emotionally and being who you want to attract, and clarify your vision of a compatible partnerso you can more easily spot that person when he/she arrives.
The various avenues for meeting can include online dating, speed dating, singles groups, regional singles events, and dating services. The coach has researched and/or personally experienced good examples of each of these in your area, so she can provide information for you to use in making informed decisions about the best dating options to try. An online dating coach helps you write effective, results-oriented online profiles; choose the most appropriate dating sites for finding your type of person; draft your initial e-mails to prospects; and rethink your choice of sites if youre not getting the results you want. She also helps you stay upbeat and motivated if you get discouraged in yoursearch and to believe in yourself when you lose confidence.
In the area of confidence, a dating coach helps you see yourself as a great catch and reminds you of that whenever disappointments get you down. Youll always have more success in attracting dates when youre feeling good about yourself, so your coach makes sure you do. She reminds you of your assets at every opportunity and is your biggest cheerleader every step of the way. She helps you plan and stick to action steps you name as you work toward your goal of finding a partner. She wants you to succeed in that quest as much as you do! In my case, Im so happy in my new marriage that I want everyone else to be this happy too, and I LOVE helping people find what I have by avoiding the mistakes I made along the way.
In short, dating coaching can help save you time, money and aggravation along the road to love. Youll have the moral support you want and need to keep going as you navigate the ups and downs and natural cycles of learning more about yourself and what kind of relationship is best for you at whatever dating stage youre at.
For more information about dating coaching, visit www.healthylifeplanning.com
Gayle P. Crist, M.S., founder and president of HealthyLife Planning, is a personal coach based in Doylestown, PA. Trained at the Institute for Life Coach Training, she has been coaching individuals since January, 2002. A natural cheerleader all her life, Gayles passion is helping people live healthier, happier livesespecially helping single people find love. As Bucks Countys Dating Coach and Singles Social Director, Gayle hosts monthly singles parties and book discussion groups, offering singles 35-65 easier, more comfortable ways to connect. Gayle knows from personal experience how hard it is for older singles to find partners nowadays. Married for 16 years prior to her divorce in 1995, she was a single mom for 10 years before meeting her 2nd husband online at age 50. She says love the 2nd time around is amazing and adores helping others make the same discovery!
Gayle specializes in helping singles succeed with healthy, safe online dating; divorced people make healthy transitions into single life; those adopting healthy lifestyles; and people starting a new business.
