Review: Yes, You Can Be Suave and Debonair
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 12, 2012
Dating these days has not simply become a challenge---it's a veritable minefield.Of course, the experiences your parents may have gone through in the 1950s---complete with sock hops, chocolate malts, and sitting on the ol' front-porch swing with a glass of lemonade---are completely different now. But regardless of whether it's the 1950s, the 1970s, or even the 1990s, dating still involves sweaty palms, agonizing bouts of anxiety and self-consciousness, and a universal fear and dread of rejection.But never fear---Stephen Williams is here!Williams has written another tome entitled "Dating Tips: Be an Expert and Confident on the Opposite Sex." From the start, he acknowledges the fear and the sense of feeling overwhelmed with doubt about the wherewithal to find and attract a dating partner. (Note: Even though Williams writes "Dating Tips" from a heterosexual approach, there is nothing in the book to stop gays and lesbians from applying and tailoring its tips and techniques to their specific lifestyles. Wanting a life partner seems practically hardwired into our brains, so what difference does it make if someone is attracted to either the opposite or the same sex?)One of the best pieces of advice the author provides his readers in "Dating Tips" is to accentuate what they presently have that's positive: smile, personality, humor, outlook, wardrobe, etc. Williams urges all potential suitors to take an active role in pursuing a relationship: "You should start dating TODAY and stop wasting time daydreaming about a perfect movie romance" (ch. 1). The author seems to be stressing the importance of experiencing potential new relationships in the here and now, rather than wasting precious time in a fantasy world where any chance of rejection and ridicule is nullified.A point of order should be noted here---there are more than a few would-be Romeos out there who simply aren't emotionally ready to handle entering a relationship, for any number of reasons: depression; anger; past romantic interludes that went sour; finances; etc. A wise person (I forget who) was quoted as saying: "Know thyself." This is certainly invaluable advice for anyone wanting to pursue not only the love of their life, but any worthwhile goal they set. Recognizing one's limitations, while not a sexy endeavor, is probably more mature and prescient than is given credit. Being aware of what we can and can't realistically accomplish in our lives goes a long way towards achieving what we CAN do. As a result, it is very possible that we may be more satisfied and content with our reconstructed lives from applying this maxim; hence, the future love of our life can only complement our internal successes as a result.Williams writes in a self-assured style; as with nearly all of his works, he strives to add balance and excitement to his readers' lives. He continuously encourages people to find ways for self-improvement, and he usually offers practical advice and suggestions for achieving realistic goals that can be tailored to fit his readers' needs."Dating Tips" is replete with sound suggestions for uplifting its readers' love lives, and offers a strong sense of self-satisfaction and encouragement to keep moving forward in the case that a relationship may not work out (which will most likely happen more than once as people strive to find a compatible partner who will complement them). Williams's strong sense of empathy for the average lovelorn schlub shines through in this particular instance.