

Learning to Love You, So Somebody Else Can Too
In this modern age of dating, many singles struggle with something as simple as their own self-confidence. Insecurities within ourselves can translate negatively into our relationships with other people. We begin to question their intentions and the reality of their feelings, i.e. “How could someone truly love me?” Taking care of yourself as a whole – working on your self-confidence and participating in a healthier lifestyle – can lead to a more positive self-image. Lifestyle


Making it "Facebook Official": How to Announce Your Relationship to Friends and Family
So, you’ve found your match and put your IJL Membership on hold. Now the question is…when is the right time to announce your new relationship? If you’ve had the talk with your partner, and you’ve decided that you are in a committed relationship with each other, it’s important to understand the hierarchy of who to announce your relationship to and in what order. First, any children. A lot of singles do not want to introduce someone they are dating to their children until it be


How To Jingle If You Are Single
With its romantic lights, glittering parties, and family gatherings the holiday season may seem like the worst time of year to be single. However, it is actually a wonderful opportunity to meet someone new! As a matchmaker, I see opportunity for new love around every corner, and I’m here to share with you a few tips for meeting that special someone before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. You've taken the first step by joining It's Just Lunch, but don't let that


Dating During the Holidays? Tips for Handling a New Romance
‘Tis the season for those frantic internet searches, like “how much should I spend on a romantic gift” or “how long should I date someone before I can ask them to my office holiday party”. We understand that the holidays are stressful enough without adding dating into the gingerbread mixing bowl. So, we’ve gathered some of our Matchmaker’s favorite tips for navigating through a new romance this time of year. The Art of Gift Giving: Stop over-thinking the question “to give or


Dating During The Holidays
The holidays can be stressful enough, but throw in a new or budding relationship, and it can make even Santa squirm! We’re often asked, “Are the holidays a good time to meet someone new -- or should singles wait until the new year?” It depends. The holidays can be fun and festive -- and there are certainly more opportunities to meet someone, thanks to the many celebrations and parties. However, the holidays can also be overwhelming and there are a lot of distractions. If yo


Dating and Age
Does love have age limits? Who Is too young, or too old, for you to date? When this question comes up in conversation, someone inevitably cites the “half your age plus seven” rule. But how legitimate is this? That “rule” addresses the absolute youngest (or oldest if you flip it) you should date according to social norms, but most people prefer to date much closer to their own age. We know what you’re thinking. Even men? You might be surprised to hear this, but yes. While mo


How to Date a Single Parent
Dating a single parent may be different than any other relationship you’ve ever been in. You may be used to a partner who has more personal time and is able to give you their undivided attention. But with single parents, their kids come first – and so does the laundry list of things that come with that. However, there are advantages to dating a single parent. Observing how your partner treats and prioritizes their child's needs is often an indicator of how they will treat yo


New Year, New Dating Resolutions!
When the holidays roll around, it’s not hard to feel more “single” than usual. Family gatherings are filled with couples and the oh-so-dreaded question, “Are you seeing someone?”. You start to reflect on where you’re at in your dating life, and you may find yourself wishing you would have said yes to that coffee date or gone on that second date, even though you didn’t feel he was your “type.” Well, what better way to change up your dating life than to turn those wishes into N


The Three Date Rule
As a matchmaker, I’m always asked for dating tips, tricks and secrets so in this blog I want to share the biggest one I have. So, what is it? It is that ever-elusive second date! Would you be surprised if I said it was the single most important thing a person can do for their dating life…and yet, it is also the one thing most daters don’t do? You cannot expect to get into a relationship if you aren’t willing to actually get to know anyone. In my experience, the biggest rea


Change of Season? Change it up!
Changing of the seasons can bring renewal and fresh starts -- especially for those who might find themselves in a relationship slump. Now is the perfect time to clear the clutter and get your love life in order. Delete those Duds If you’re holding onto exs or old flames, meeting someone new might never happen. Go through your phone and delete any numbers or emails of former flames. Get rid of that security blanket so that you can truly make a fresh start. In with the New You