Courting!

The "Courting Phase" does not refer to the courtship process which precedes a relationship. 

The courtship process is when you attempt to charm someone into forming a relationship with you. The courting phase, however, is the very beginning of a new relationship itself; just after a successful courtship.

In the courting phase, both parties maintain that fascinating charm which they used to attract their partner in the first place. The courting phase is where most broken promises & exaggerate words are said as you are still trying to impress each other. 

Things like 'I've never felt this way about anyone else before' or 'I think we have something special between us' are said. Although these statements are made with good intentions, they are often inaccurate and are based mainly on feeling as oppose to logic.

A couple in the courting phase also tend to be very "playful" with one another and prefer to spend every free moment together.

Although not every relationship passes through this courting phase, it happens often enough. Just make sure you are beyond this point before you start taking any serious steps in the relationship.

Walking the walk

Have you ever seen the way City Goers walk?

They stride very quickly, head down, eyes on the ground (or anywhere that will prevent them from making eye contact of any kind), and plow through anyone and anything in their way to get to their destination as quickly and directly as possible.

Now I don't mean to pick on these people (I WAS one for years!). In fact, there's a REASON why most of us seem to walk the same way. With overwhelming crowds, crime, people begging for money, and solicitors trying to sell them something on every street corner, they don't want to ATTRACT any attention.

However, if you're in a safe, well-lit area and are familiar with your surroundings, I want to encourage you to remember the words "Don't walk like a City Walker."

Try walking this way instead: shoulders back, head up, straight posture, moderate (not fast!) pace, arms swinging slightly. You want your walk to say "I'm confident" and "I'm open to possibilities."

If you're finding it difficult to cultivate a confident walk, try this exercise. (It might sound a little goofy but believe me, it works!

Pick a song with an upbeat theme and a good, moderate beat. This is going to be your theme song. (Can't think of one?

Here are 3 suggestions: "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae,
"Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall, or "The Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani.)

Load the song on your iPod or pop the CD in your walkman and take it with you for a "practice walk." Walk to the beat (this is subtle- you're not DANCING, you're just getting a good pace to your steps), breathe, enjoy the lyrics, think positive thoughts, and smile. You'll be amazed at how walking to your theme song will give you a boost.

Now the next time you're out and about, I want you to remember how you felt with your theme song. Hear the song in your head and walk as if it's playing. Pay attention to how your face feels. Are you scowling without even meaning to? If so, soften the muscles in your face and allow your mouth to curl up ever so slightly into an almost-smile.

Widen your eyes just a bit so that you appear awake, interested in your surroundings, and excited about the world around you.

Now notice how people who pass you begin to take notice of you. It's subtle, but I guarantee that those who aren't completely lost in their own little worlds will acknowledge you in some way.

Men might even smile back or say hello! (If this doesn't happen right away, don't be discouraged. Just practice this confident walk wherever you go from now on, and you will soon notice a difference.)

Step out in style!

If you really want to attract men, you might need to step up your style a notch... and NOT for the reason you may think. I recommend wearing a colorful and flattering outfit not just because you'll turn heads (though you WILL), but because of the way it will make YOU feel.

Here's an illustration: When I get up at the crack of dawn to walk my dog, I usually roll out of bed into a sweat suit, throw my hair into a ponytail, and hide behind my biggest, darkest sunglasses. I KNOW I look like crap, so I pray that I don't run into any neighbors who want to strike up a conversation or pet my dog. And usually, no one even looks my way.

When you put less than your best effort into your appearance, not only will you blend into the background, but you probably won't feel up to meeting someone new anyway.

When you look your best, however, it changes your whole demeanor. You know the phrase "take PRIDE in your appearance?"

Well, when you're proud of how you look, your posture will straighten up, you'll feel more confident, you'll be much more likely to make eye contact, smile, and possibly even strike up a conversation with someone new.

That energy (fueled by self-esteem) will be incredibly ATTRACTIVE to others.

Try our Retrack challenge today!

Did you enjoy our how to's?

We really hope you enjoyed our Retrack Introductions 'How to's' last month. You feedback is always appreciated and if there is something you want us to cover please let us know get in touch!

This month we will be focusing on apperances, confidence and feeling good about yourself, so we are starting off with our 'stepping out in style post'.

Keep reading...

Love Retrack x