relationships.
A New Chance for Romance Local relationship guru Cassie Zampa-Keim offers some expert advice on getting out of the house and dating again. By Molly O’Brien
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, new relationship? Finding a valentine or playing the field in 2022 doesn’t have to be as painful as getting shot with Cupid’s arrow. Marin’s own dating and relationship strategist Cassie Zampa-Keim, founder and CEO of Innovative Match (www. innovative-match.com), has been matchmaking for more than three decades. She shares her expert advice on how to prepare to captivate your date and make the meeting go as smooth as Richardson Bay waters on a calm day.
The Setup “The most important thing is to make a date feel easy,” says Zampa-Keim. “Atmosphere goes a long way when it comes to picking dating spots.” She suggests those who want to meet for a coffee date choose somewhere cozy. For a dinner date, opt for an intimate and casual but sophisticated destination that isn’t one of your go-to spots. Make it special! It’s a romantic rendezvous, not a business meeting or a lunch break. Steer away from scheduling a longer outing for a first date — generally plan for 45 minutes to an hour, max. While out, separate yourself from technology and refrain from checking your cellphone.
“It’s very important to make a physical and mental change before a date,” says Zampa-Keim. “You need to switch from day mode to date mode, even if your date is during the day.”
32 january/february 2022 marin living.
Courtesy of Innovative Match
The Glow Up
