Archive for April, 2009

Staying in Touch With Me on the New Blog

Big changes over here at EMK Inc. You’ll see more of them in coming months, but I’ve finally moved my blog from Advice From A Single Dating Expert to EvanMarcKatz.com.

There were a few reasons behind this: efficiency, search engine optimization, and aesthetics. But the main reason is this: I’m married, and the single dating expert brand just had to be retired.

So… to make sure you don’t miss a single blog post ever again, click here:

This is a separate list from my regular mailing list, which is even MORE important to be on. The newsletters will be aggregators of popular blog posts as well as emails telling you about products, events, free teleclasses and sales. You can get on that list if you just click here:

In the future, I will be blogging a lot more frequently. Not just reader letters, which will still run on Thursdays, but every thing I feel like saying. Meaning, you’re going to be visiting me every day. Fun!

Finally, if you missed the past two blog posts, do yourself a favor and read below. They’re juicy topics and I’d love it if you would contribute to the dialogue.

Once again, to make sure you never miss another blog post ever again, click here:

And to get on my regular non-blog mailing list, just click here:

Stay in touch,

Evan

1 Comment »Evan's Press, Uncategorized

I Am Not Physically Attracted to My Boyfriend. Can We Possibly Have a Future Together?

Hi Evan,

I am in a very tricky situation and don’t know what to do, I found your web site and your advice are great. I hope you will answer my question, I need your precious advice too.

I met a man online a few months ago, and, to make a long story short, we met, we are a great match intellectually/emotionally. I am concerned sometimes he is too attached to me and the way he started to make long term plans with me quite soon, but this isn’t a real problem.

The real problem is that I don’t find him attractive. He is not ugly but I don’t like his features and overall appearance.  Physically, I find he is not a “match” for me and I am not proud of being so shallow.  I don’t know what to do because other than that he is just perfect and I like him very much, he makes me feel very good. But I am not sure if I should be making plans with a man I don’t feel much attraction for.

I decided to tell him the truth about my feelings and he said he will take all the steps necessary to improve himself physically as he doesn’t want to lose me.  I am torn. Is he really the man of my life if physically I don’t like him the way he is?

Thanks you so much for your help.

Mia

Can you see how making a decision based on attraction is a perfect example of short-term thinking? Like getting a tattoo with someone’s name on your back and breaking up four months later.

Mia,

I can’t answer your question, because NOBODY can answer your question.

Attraction is the big X Factor in any relationship. When you have it, you don’t think twice about it. When you don’t have it, it’s hard to overcome.

Which would seem to indicate that you should break up with your boyfriend.

Not so fast.

I’ve put a lot of thought into the pros and cons of how much you should weight the lack of physical attraction in a relationship. I urge you to consider this before taking any rash steps.

Reasons for Staying Together Despite a Lack of Physical Attraction

Ask most long-term married couples about the relative importance of sex in their lives, they will generally say things like “It’s the dessert, not the main course”. And it’s true. It’s just hard to consider that when you’re 27. But realize that in 10 years, you’re 37, raising little ones and your life is no longer your own. By 47, your bodies have thickened and drooped. By 57, you’re probably finishing menopause and his libido is largely gone. By 67, you’re thinking of retirement, travel and grandkids. By 77, you’re hoping just to stay healthy, and …

Can you see how making a decision based on attraction is a perfect example of short-term thinking? Like getting a tattoo with someone’s name on your back and breaking up four months later.

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40 Comments »Dating Tips & Advice, Favorites

Why Hot Guys and Girls Are Like Red Meat – They Will Kill You in the Long Run

Last week, I got a call from a distraught woman named Michelle. Early 40’s, attractive, intelligent, funny – and utterly demoralized by this guy that she’d been seeing. They had a passionate first month, and then, after one awkward conversation, he pulled away. But not fully. He would still send her regular texts saying that he missed her – although he didn’t actually DO anything to make plans with her.

Since Michelle knew a lot about nutrition, I decided to communicate with her in metaphors she’d easily understand. I told her that the super-attractive guys with whom she felt the most chemistry were like fried foods – they may taste really good, but, in the long run, they’re really bad for you.

Having read my advice before, Michelle set up a coaching call to find out how she could get this guy back.

Since Michelle knew a lot about nutrition, I decided to communicate with her in metaphors she’d easily understand. I told her that the super-attractive guys with whom she felt the most chemistry were like fried foods – they may taste really good, but, in the long run, they’re really bad for you.

Her immediate reaction was to protest, “But nice guys are so boring!”

“So are vegetables,” I said. “But if you want to live a long, healthy life, you can’t do better than eating healthy. If you think that you’re going to be the one person who doesn’t get heart disease on a steady diet of bad food, you’ve got another thing coming.”

She laughed. “But I LIKE bad food.”

“EVERYBODY likes bad food,” I reminded her. “But if you want to know the main reason that you’re single, it’s because you keep on eating steak every night and are continually shocked that you don’t lose weight. Steak is always gonna be bad for you. Hot, emotionally unavailable guys will, too.”

That conversation was four days ago.

Here’s what Michelle wrote to me this morning:

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34 Comments »Dating Tips & Advice

Do You Have a Secret Crush?

I just got a call from a friend who produces reality television. She’s trying to cast a new show that is designed to empower women – not exploit them. Check out the description below and email her if you’re interested in finally doing something about your secret crush…

Do you have a secret crush? On your boss? On your next door neighbor? On your best friend? Do you want to share your secret on national TV?

We’re looking for a female who lives in Southern CA (preferably the Los Angeles area) who has a crush on a guy who knows her, but has no idea how she feels. Maybe there’s a mismatch: she’s Goth and he’s Ivy League; or he’s the life of the party and she’s shy; or he’s good looking and she needs a makeover; or different religious backgrounds keep them apart. Our experts will help her work her way through the problems so she can tell him how she feels.

New Screen Concepts (www.newscreenentertainment.com) is an award winning television production company producing SHARING SECRETS, a pilot for a reputable, prime-time cable network.


Write us at newscreenent@aol.com with your story and/or a number where we can call you. Tell us about yourself and your crush “target” and why he’s the one for you.

4 Comments »Uncategorized

I Want My 6 Week Boyfriend To Finalize His Divorce and Cut Off Contact With His Ex Wife!

My boyfriend and I have been together for 6 weeks. He has been separated from his wife for almost 1.5 years.  Two weeks after we began dating, he told me that he invited his ex and their 3-year-old son over for dinner as the ex was upset about breaking up with her boyfriend recently. I made it very clear that I was not comfortable with this and he said it won’t happen again. The following week, he catches up with her father twice so they can spend time together. I finally asked him directly to finalize his divorce and he said it was a big step, but later changed his mind and printed the forms off the net. I asked him last week if he had spoken to his ex about it, which he said she agreed. The paperwork is still sitting there incomplete. Should I ask again or move on?

Abigail

If I were your boyfriend, I’d dump you in a heartbeat. You’d be gone so fast from my life that you’d get whiplash trying to follow my ass out the door.

Dear Abigail,

First I want to share a brief story about someone I know.

She was in love with her boyfriend, but her boyfriend was preoccupied with his mother, who was dying of cancer. Each time he flew back to see his mom on her deathbed, my friend couldn’t help but feel strangely jealous that he wasn’t spending time with her. When he’d return from his weekend trips, he’d get a passive-aggressive guilt trip. She knew he was under stress, but she had needs, too. How can she feel secure about their future when he’s spending half his time focusing on things other than her?

He broke up with her before his mom passed away. She was heartbroken, but couldn’t help the way she felt. Of course, she was 19 at the time, so she had an excuse.

I don’t know how old you are, but I’m hoping you’re 19 as well. Which means you’re going to have a long time to recover from what I’m about to say to you next:

If I were your boyfriend, I’d dump you in a heartbeat.

You’d be gone so fast from my life that you’d get whiplash trying to follow my ass out the door.

I’ll bet you’re wondering how I could say such a thing. After all, he’s YOUR boyfriend. Why should you have to worry about exes and fathers-in-law and sons and paperwork? Shouldn’t he be ALL YOURS?

Um, no.

Let’s look at a tale of the tape:

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53 Comments »Online Dating Tips & Advice

Online Dating Bootcamp Begins Next Week!

I just finished my packed teleclass, “The 6 Things You Must Do ASAP to Be an Online Dating Rockstar”. It was a blast and I’m confident that all 200 listeners got considerable value out of the free call.

At the end, I launched my long-awaited new program – Evan’s Online Dating Bootcamp. I couldn’t be more excited about it – and you should be, too.

While my normal online dating coaching packages normally cost $2000-$4000, my new Bootcamp is a lot more affordable: $999 for the first 10 people to use a special coupon code.

Bootcamp sold out within 5 minutes of the telecass BUT…there’s still a chance for YOU to get in.

Much to my surprise, 2 readers actually thought that the entire course cost $133, which is the price of the first payment. Their loss is your gain. So if you act RIGHT NOW (and I mean RIGHT NOW), you have a chance to get one of the two remaining slots and get your love life into high gear within a couple of weeks.

Here’s what you receive in my Bootcamp:

* Professionally written online dating profile from E-Cyrano.com ($149 value)
* Professional photos from LookBetterOnline.com ($149 value)
* 6 weeks of coaching in a small group with Evan Marc Katz ($1,500 value)
* Recordings of all coaching calls emailed to you the following day ($200 value)
* Personal attention & your most pressing dating questions answered (priceless!)

All you have to do is go to: http://www.evanmarckatz.com/bootcamp/

Put in the coupon code: april300 to get $300 off the listed $1299 price. And voila – $999 will be divided into three monthly payments of $133, $433 and $433.

If you do not get one of these two slots, you will get a message that says that the bootcamp is sold out on backlog. You will then be able to put your name on a waitlist in case I ever do this class again. So please don’t delay.

www.evanmarckatz.com/bootcamp

coupon code: april300

I will see two very fast, very lucky readers on our first Bootcamp call next Wednesday night.

Your friend,

Evan

No Comments »Uncategorized

6 Things You Simply MUST Do ASAP to Be an Online Dating Rockstar – Free Teleclass for the First 200 Readers!

On Wednesday at 5pmPST, I’ll be covering the “6 Things You Simply MUST Do ASAP to Be an Online Dating Rockstar”. The call will be fun, informative, and, best of all, FREE. However, I’m only taking the first 200 people and I’m not planning on recording the call, so make sure you show up on time.

At the end, 10 people will get to take advantage of a special coaching offer, so if you’re serious about creating a successful love life online, you DEFINITELY want to be on the call.

Here’s the details:

What: The 6 Things You Simply MUST Do ASAP to Be an Online Dating Rockstar
When: Wednesday, April 22nd
Time: 8pmEST/5pmPST

Conference #: 712-432-0075
Participant Access Code: 976624

See you then.

Your friend,

Evan

1 Comment »Online Dating Tips & Advice

Why Dancing With Me Is More Fun Than “60 Minutes” With Andy Rooney

If you’re in the LA area, I’m REALLY excited to see you this Sunday night at 6. As I mentioned earlier this week, I’ll be part of an all-star dating event in Marina del Rey, where there’ll be drinking, dancing, speed dating, and, of course, the chance to meet other singles (and dating coaches).

I’ll be there with my wife and a bunch of friends, and while I’m not going to be the star of the event (that’d be the fabulous Rachel Greenwald), I will have the mike in my hands for a few minutes to yap about my theories of dating, which you’ve undoubtedly heard a few thousand times.

Wouldn’t it been fun to hear this blog in person?! You know it will…

Just click here to reserve your ticket in advance and save $6

Can’t wait to meet you on Sunday.

Your friend,

Evan

4 Comments »Evan's Press, Uncategorized

I Am In Love With a Separated Man Who I Have Never Met. Does That Sound Healthy?

I began an online relationship with someone about a month and 1/2 ago who is separated but has filed papers for an uncontested divorce which should be finalized shortly.  He originally said on his profile that he was divorced, which is not true – yet. I confronted him on his “divorce” status and called him a liar.

He apologized profusely and said he never ever wanted to hurt me, but that things spiralled out of control and went too fast, which I completely agreed with him on, and that he also fell in love with me, which I feel in my heart is true. And my heart raced when he told me that, because I feel the same way, and then he said he needs to take things slow, which I fully support 100%.  He has been out of the dating scene for so long (he’s in his 50’s) that he has no idea how to date, period.

You are a victim of something extremely commonplace – believing in your own fantasies

He changed his profile the next day and stated that he is really separated and that his divorce should be final very shortly. Things between us have been left as peaceful and good. The last time I heard from him was last Friday. He really doesn’t know all that much about me, (it’s only been a month and a half) I know more about him really. But I told him we need to guard our hearts, especially until his divorce is final.  I honestly fell head-over-heels in love with this man, I still am.  He has a beautiful heart and is truly very caring and tender. I did pull back emotionally a little when he told me the truth which was very soon after we started emailing.  But then I just jumped right in with both feet and would respond to his daily sometimes 2x or more daily emails.

I have never felt this way about anyone in my entire life, and am in my early 40’s and never married, and can’t help dreaming and fantasizing about him and when we will meet. He said he wants to come and visit me where I live, which is about a 2 or 3 hour flight. I think I just need to wait and see what happens after his divorce is final. Then and only then, I think I will feel safe in telling him more about myself. Does that sound like healthy boundaries and good judgment? I can only hope so.

I really miss hearing from him. Any comments or suggestions?

Laura

Dear Laura,

You know when a parent tries to console her 12-year-old daughter whose romantic fantasies have been dashed by the jock who liked her on Monday but asked out her best friend on Tuesday? And Mom tells her daughter that this is only a temporary feeling, that the jock’s no good for her anyway, and that she WILL love again someday?

You’re the 12-year-old. I’m your Mom.

And while I’d like to joke that this will hurt me more than it hurts you, it’s clear that’s not true.

You are a victim of something extremely commonplace – believing in your own fantasies. I can’t think of anything more dangerous, which is why I’m not going to coddle you at all right now.

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15 Comments »Online Dating Tips & Advice

Do You Know How You Come Across On A Date?

Click here to learn what your blind spot is!

Evan,

I just read “Why He Didn’t Call You Back”. I picked it up after reading your recommendation. It’s rare that I go on a date and not get a call for a second date. So I don’t have that problem, but I rarely want to go on the second date. My friends often tell me one date is not enough, so I thought the book might give me some insight into myself; perhaps I am being too critical when on dates. But I also thought it would help me understand other things I might be doing “wrong” in the early stages of a relationship.

From reading the book, I see that I am a little bit of The Boss Lady, The Closer, and Sadie Hawkins. I am sure I am too hasty and critical because, like The Closer, I am 43 and I feel I don’t have to waste anymore, so let’s cut to the chase, get these questions answered and see if there is any chance. Why waste 4 or 5 dates, to learn about someone when you can do it all in one night? Well, that has been my thinking, but I can see now how un-romantic that is! There is something to be said about leaving some mystery and intrigue. Turning around Sadie Hawkins will be hard. I have a friend that has told me that several times. You have to let the man lead; they like the chase. Well, I like the chase too! It is frustrating to me that I can’t do some chasing! I am not good at sitting around waiting for a guy to call!

Thanks for the book recommendation! And for your advice!

Take care,
Sue G

Kudos to Sue for picking up “Why He Didn’t Call You Back”. It takes an amazing woman to learn something from a book that she didn’t think applied to her.

As a dating coach, the biggest problem I see is that men and women don’t have FEEDBACK to learn from their dating experiences. What Rachel Greenwald created in researching her book was a true feedback loop – so women could FINALLY learned the REAL reasons he just disappeared into thin air.

She did this from a process she calls “Exit Interviews” – following up a week or two after the failed date to find out what, if anything, there is to learn.

As Greenwald states on her website:

“Please believe me when I tell you that Exit Interviews are more empowering than embarrassing. It’s proactive, not desperate, to get answers and make improvements—as you probably do everyday in your job. And in the dating world, I’m not suggesting you make the calls yourself: you need a third party to get the feedback for you. Of course no one ever enjoys having an ex-date called on her behalf, but it is a means to an end.

If you truly want to find the right mate, it can be extremely helpful to bite the bullet and find out what’s really going on during and after your dates. Uncovering the gap between your perceptions and his perceptions will enable you to find your mate quickly and efficiently.

According to my research, 90% of women are wrong when they predict why he didn’t call back. You may have a recurring pattern of which you are completely unaware that is sabotaging your dates and potential relationships. Why wonder needlessly when you can just get the information you need, direct from the source?

Exit Interview Example

Sophie, one of my private clients in New York City several years ago, complained to me on the phone about James, a 27-year old investment banker. They had had a great first date, she said, but two weeks passed without a word from him. She said to me, “Rachel, why didn’t he call me back?” Well, I had absolutely no idea—how could I? I’m not a psychic and I hadn’t gone on the date with them. But I did have a radical thought: why not call James myself and ask him?

With Sophie’s permission, I called James. He was surprisingly willing to talk about their date. Sure, I had to use my charm to get past his initial “there was just no chemistry” answer, but he opened up after a few gentle, probing questions. I had expected that my phone-call attempt would simply become an unreturned voice message, but it actually turned into a thirty-minute discussion with this guy. I learned that while he thought Sophie was attractive and the date was fun, she had made several references to being deeply rooted in New York. This had concerned him. According to James, one of the things she said was: “I love New York– I’d never leave the city. My job and my whole family are here.” James was originally from the West Coast and hoped to move back there after working a few years on Wall Street. He concluded that Sophie was geographically inflexible and didn’t think it was worth pursuing a relationship with her. He admitted shyly that he used to enjoy dating a cute girl without thinking about the future, but he was ready to settle down soon and only wanted to date women with long-term potential.

When I relayed this feedback to Sophie, at first she was surprised—then even a little angry at the wasted opportunity. She remarked, “Well, I do love New York, but for the right guy, and especially if we were married, I might be willing to move.” But of course that’s not what she had conveyed to him. And because they’d only known each other for an hour, he never probed further about her long-term geographic intentions. She didn’t have the option to find out if James could have been her “right guy.” She made The Never-Ever mistake on the first date. {The Never-Ever mistake is discussed in Chapter 3 of Why He Didn’t Call You Back}

This is an obvious idea – but one that is rarely employed in dating and relationships. Companies do exit interviews all the time with employees leaving the organization. Websites do it with buyers who have purchased their products. The only anyone can learn about what’s broken is to ASK FOR FEEDBACK.

But we don’t do this in dating. As a result, we never learn what people TRULY think about us – and are doomed to repeat our mistakes OVER and OVER again.

Imagine if all the bad dates YOU’VE ever been on had asked for feedback. Couldn’t you have saved the pain of HUNDREDS of people after you? I’ll bet you could. What you might not realize is that you’re somebody ELSE’s bad date – and that, unwittingly, you’re shooting yourself in the foot with people you really DO like.

You know how I know this? Because I’M dozens of people’s bad dates! That’s right. If I went out with 300 people in ten years – there’s probably a good fifty of them who could tell you exactly how much I sucked.

And if all 50 of them said, “He asked me to split the check,” or “He didn’t ask me questions about myself,” or “He wanted to get physical too quickly,” I would be ignorant if I ignored all of the feedback.

The thing is you generally don’t GET this feedback from your dates. All you get is SILENCE as you’re being blown off. As a result, you can never LEARN anything or improve your odds of making a love connection.

Until now.

Inspired by Rachel’s book, I’m offering Exit Interviews to you. Now, once and for all, you can gain full understanding of your role in the dating process. By clicking below, I – or someone on my team – will directly call three of your past dates, learn what they REALLY thought and give you the crucial feedback you need.

Soon ALL of your future dates will ALWAYS want to come back for more.

This is a unique service that isn’t being offered ANYWHERE else, so take advantage of it now.

I can’t wait for you to get rid of that blind spot and become a more confident, attractive dater INSTANTLY.

Click here for me to conduct Exit Interviews for YOU.

Your friend,

Evan

38 Comments »Sex & Relationship Advice, Uncategorized

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