Dating coach
Dating coaches offer coaching and related products and services to improve their clients' success in dating and relationships. Through discussion, role-playing, behavior modeling, and other forms of direction, a dating coach trains clients to meet and attract romantic partners. Dating coaches may focus on topics important to the art of dating: interpersonal skills, flirting, psychology, sociology, compatibility, fashion and recreational activities. As dating coaches are unlicensed, their methods vary widely.
Technique
Dating coaches offer a wide range of services, such as electronic books and newsletters, personal coaching, small group seminars, and weekend workshops. One-on-one coaching can involve counselling and in-the-field coaching,[1] which can involve practicing flirting[2] or going out with a coach of the sex the client is attracted to on a mock date and being critiqued throughout the date.[3] They are distinct from matchmakers because they coach people on finding their own dates whereas matchmakers arrange dates for their clients.[2] Coaching styles and programs differ from provider to provider, and may include advice on the art of conversation, pickup lines, how to dress, appropriate forms of touch, the science of love, and anything else that may improve dating prospects.[4] Others provide guidance on how to date multiple people simultaneously, without getting caught.[5] Common elements of dating coaches' tips include the need to decide what you are looking for and remain positive.[2]
Some dating coaches specialize in helping with online dating.[6] This could include helping people rewrite their online profiles to obtain better results,[7] start initial email conversations, get professional photo shoots, and so on.
Dating seminars
Dating seminars are taught by coaches working for commercial dating companies. In these seminars, coaches teach participants to meet romantic partners. Sometimes dating coaches take the clients out in public to help the clients approach and seduce women.[1] This method of teaching is heavily linked to the seduction community and the companies which cater to it.
Different dating seminars can take vastly different approaches to the subject. Christian dating seminars, for example, may stress differences between love and lust and knowing one's own self-worth.[8] Muslim dating seminars may also deal with how to find a mate without compromising religious principles.[9]
Stigma[5]
Dating coaching is often stigmatized. Many people believe that teaching romance is demeaning and unethical, while many others believe it is impossible. These critics acknowledge that most people seek romantic advice, but argue that professional romantic coaching differs from amateur advice in scope and context.[10] Others feel that dating presents challenges unsuited to amateur intervention, and that chaotic dating norms and mixed social messages necessitate some form of instruction. Further, they feel that personal romantic barriers differ from other sorts of personal barriers so that coaching can be uniquely fruitful.[11] Moreover, many argue that changing social norms have been particularly challenging for men. Because many economic and social obstacles to relationship dissolution have been eroded, sex appeal and relationship smarts may be necessary to compensate for devalued traditional traits, such as a strong work ethic or good and stable income.[12]
There is evidence that the stigma against dating coaches is weakening.[13] Both the film Hitch (featuring Will Smith) and the reality TV show The Pick-up Artist indicate a growing awareness of the presence of dating coaches in society and their function. However, according to Salon, most men wanting pickup tips do not get coaches but they read books. They could be consciously or subconsciously using women for entertainment purposes.[14]
See also
- Chhoti Si Baat, a 1975 Hindi film about a dating coach
- Hitch, a 2005 Hollywood film about a dating coach
- Partner, a 2007 Hindi film about a dating coach influenced from Hitch
- Seduction community
- Group dating
- Life coaching
References
- 1 2 Frustrated singles turn to dating coaches - U.S. business - MSNBC.com
- 1 2 3 Ellin, Abby (2007-09-27). "The Dating Coach Is In ($125/Hour)". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-01.
- ↑ Experiential gifts create a can-do spirit: A publication of the Washington Post
- ↑ New Bravo series examines making matches for rich men | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
- 1 2 A Girl in Every Borough - Carrie Seim | nypost.com | New York Post
- ↑ Alsever, Jennifer (2007-03-11). "In the Computer Dating Game, Room for a Coach". The New York Times. Retrieved 2014-01-14.
- ↑ Evan Marc Katz (15 January 2008). "If You Are Short, Fat, Older or An Asian Man, You Must Read This. But Especially If You're Short". American Chronicle. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
- ↑ Brown, Akeyla (2006-01-30). "Christian Dating Seminar".
- ↑ MacFarquhar, Neil (2006-09-19). "It's Muslim Boy Meets Girl, but Don't Call It Dating". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-01.
- ↑ EzraKlein Archive | The American Prospect
- ↑ Westport Minuteman - Dating coaches spur serious relationships
- ↑ State of Our Unions 2007
- ↑ Angelowicz, Ami (March 15, 2010). "Dating coach's 8 top tips". CNN. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
- ↑ Why Isn't He Asking You Out? By Ashley Papa, FOX News Magazine Contributor, February 19, 2015