Dating, there are many thoughts that word brings about. Many of us have had both bad and good experiences with dating. Most of us can say that those experiences go back to our teenage years, when we first began dating.

As we developed into a teenager, our maturity evolves and emerge, as does our experience with dating. Dating, the awe inspiring teenage ~thing~ to do, one of life~s greatest milestones, finally we are into it, girl meets boy or boy meets girl and suddenly we are thrown into the often exciting world of dating!

So what is all the hoopla about? In times gone by, courting was the olden day version of the more modern times dating. Courting, sort of a catch me if you can type dating scenario was a societal event. Courting was time to get to know one another, to develop a friendship before the routine of a relationship were thrown into the mix. These days we call it dating, but it is a far cry from the ritualistic courting that our ancestors were accustomed to. Or is it? Maybe today we are much more open and that openness has become the big difference in courting versus dating.

Dating is modern! Dating is hip! Dating is the definition of hormonal overload! Unfortunately gone are the days where impressing them was the aim of the game; whereas today, dating is much more complicated than that!

With many avenues of dating available to us today, dating serves an identifiable purpose to most. Dating is about how to find your first sexual experience, how to find that life long partner that you have often dreamt about; dating is about life experience, an act where it could occur just the once or could continue for months, often years. Dating could spark romance or electrify with heartbreak.

So how do we go about attracting a date? Dating services are everywhere. Every roadside billboard lists web based dating services, every evening television advertisement mentions dating chat lines, every newspaper has a personal questions column, every club offers a speed dating service.

The best thing to do is to get a clear picture of what it is you are wanting in the way of a relationship. Keep that vision in mind and be alert to how synchronicity brings you opportunities for the right person to show up!

The author has been through all the "normal" ways of meeting people, including blind dates. Her motto is: "dating should be done with your eyes wide open", instead of closed with your fingers crossed and hoping for the best.

She has taught many people to get clear about what they are looking for in regards to a potential mate.

Carmella Difonzo is passionate about dating and is the webmaster of FAS Dating