Transcript: Ask Andrea

On Dating
Episode “Ask Andrea”

Andrea Syrtash: Everyone who is out there dating has questions about it right? So we thought it was time to take On Dating to the streets and find out what’s on your mind. Stay tuned for the questions, and my answers. I am Andrea Syrtash and this is On Dating.
I do believe that one of the greatest places to do dating research is in the field, with real daters who have something to say. This ask Andrea segment is an opportunity for me to hear what’s on your mind, and hopefully provide some good advice. So let’s dive right in.
Man on Street: If I were to ask an expert about dating, it would be how can I get more dates?
Andrea Syrtash: This is a really common question and I get this all the time. So I think it’s really important to tailor your dating search to you, to your interests, your talents, where you are really comfortable. Not everyone is going to shine at a bar, some people do. I have a friend who met her husband at a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl, they clinked beer glasses and that was it.
But a lot of people don’t show up well in a bar, they are a little bit more nervous and it’s just not going to be the best place. So if you’re more cerebral a book club, a workshop, a lecture, that might be the best bet for you. If you are sporty you can join an ultimate Frisbee team, or a coed sports team. So tailor your dating search to where you’re really comfortable.
Man on Street: I have always been a shake the hand or a hug but I feel like I'm leaving something on the table by not going for a kiss on the first date. So is it okay to kiss on the first date? That would be my biggest question.
Andrea Syrtash: So I should preface this one was saying that I think it's actually better if you can, to wait two or three dates to build up some healthy tension and to really assess where you stand. But I would definitely say that kissing on a first date is OK, especially if you have known the person for a while and you have finally gone out on a date that is a great time. Or if the night is going on forever and you're laughing, you’re flirting, and you just feel that it is the right moment go for it.
Man on Street: What is the biggest question I have about dating? How do you legalize polygamy?
OK, we debated whether or not this guy was kidding I don't think he is. So, he is right, polygamy is illegal in this country and I don't think it's going to be legalized anytime soon, just my feeling. But the good news is there are plenty of ways to open your relationship if you're into that and you and your partner are on the same page. You don't necessarily have to be monogamous. You can simply Google polygamy and you'll see all these communities that pop up. Or swinging is a big thing in this country. I've heard that 15% of married couples have tried it at one point or another. So if that appeals to you go for it.
The only thing I can suggest is that if you are going to open up your relationship, make sure you do not do it unilaterally so have an open conversation with your partner and make sure you are on the same page.
So I hope I gave you at least some food for thought, keep those dating questions coming in. You can post your questions at OnNetworks.com. And remember even a bad date makes a great story, so get out there and always have fun. Thanks for watching On Dating, I am Andrea Syrtash, see you next time.