Lock & Key Featured in Essence Magazine: Truth or Dare Dating Challenge

Essence Magazine — February 2007 Issue. Body & Soul. Relationships.

Truth or Dare Dating Challenge

We dare you to rev up your love life in February. Take our advice for 28 days and you'll learn how to get a man's attention, land a great first date, even clinch a second. Sure, these tips from experts, real men and editors require a bit of boldness, but as the saying goes, Nothing ventured…

1. Get five friends to hook a sister up

"Put out a dating SOS to your girls, telling them you'd like to be set up," says Julie Taylor, coauthor of How to Be a Dominant Diva (Avalon Press).

Why it works: Since the root of each setup will be a trusted friend, chances are you'll at least have a good time – or even five fun outings.

2. Check out a Lock and Key Party

You're guaranteed to meet many eligible men at these events, at which every woman gets a locket and every guy gets a key. Mingling is inevitable because the goal of the gathering is to discover whose key fits into your lock. Find a party in your area at [lockandkeyevents.com](https://www.lockandkeyevents.com/).

Why it works: "For just $15 to $45 you get a party experience with music, food, drinks and really cute guys," says Tosin Ola, aka Vixen, the woman behind The Bad Girls Guide blog (vixentales.blogspot.com).

3. Just ask a brother out, already

That guy you've had your eye on? Give him a smile and ask him if he'd like to have dinner on Friday or go to a book reading this weekend.

Why it works: He just might accept! Need we say more?

4. Make it easy for him to approach you

"Overtly suggest how he can ask you out," says Joyce Morley-Ball, a psychotherapist and relationship expert in Decatur, Georgia. Mention activities you would enjoy with him, and tip him off to when you're free.

Why it works: Men fear rejection, big time. But you're assuring him there's nothing to worry about.

5. Flirt with men you're not interested in

Touch the postman's shoulder when you thank him for directions, tell the cabdriver this is the smoothest ride you've had all week, or mention to the 411 operator that you think he has a great voice.

Why it works: Practice makes perfect, and you'll want to be adept at flirting when a handsome catch walks into your life.

6. Don't decide for yourself

Whether checking out brothers at a party, a club or online, let your best friend pick the guy you should go for.

Why it works: "She may select someone you'd never even consider, and sometimes a guy you don't think is your type is the best one for you," says Taylor.

7. Seek spiritual guidance

The pastor of your church is an unusual but excellent dating resource.

Why it works: "He knows everyone in the church, including who's single and looking," says Vixen.

8. Take an AP class in dating

Whether its experts are teaching you how to flirt like a pro in Dallas or giving a makeup makeover in Chicago, MoxieintheCity.net offers courses nationwide to boost your dating quotient.

Why it works: At about $20 to $40 per event, even if the advice doesn't get you a guy, you're bound to have a blast meeting new people who might later introduce you to someone.

9. Date eight guys in one evening

Get dressed up in your cutest outfit and go to a speed-dating event, like the ones hosted by hurrydate.com, 8minutedating.com or [pre-dating.com](https://www.pre-dating.com/). Sign up early — they fill up fast.

Why it works: With the number of guys you'll meet in just one night, you're bound to click with someone.

10. Get out of town

Traveling on business? Hit a happy hour in a commercial district or a hotel bar that's popular with locals. On a solo vacation? Dine at restaurants where you can eat at the bar or there's open seating to up your chances of rubbing elbows with a single guy.

Why it works: Travel broadens your horizons, automatically making you more open to new possibilities and people. "Embrace the fear you may feel about leaving your comfort zone, and you'll be more receptive to the men you meet," says Amy DuBois Barnett, author of the soon-to-be-published Get Yours: The Girlfriend's Guide to Having Everything You Ever Dreamed Of …And More! (Broadway Books).

Continued on Page 2.

Read the rest of the story online at [Essence Magazine](http://www.essence.com/essence/bodyandsoul/relationships/0,16109,1571117-1,00.html) or in the February 2007 print issue.