Highlife Offers Real Chicago Dating Adventures

Highlife Offers Real Chicago Dating Adventures

Do you spend more time with your BlackBerry and iPhone than you do with real potential partners? In todays fast-apaced culture, shared experiences and face-to-face interaction have almost become a thing of the past but is it what people really want? According to Mary Vallone, President of Highlife Adventures (www.highlifeadventures.com), an upscale social club for singles in Chicago and Indianapolis, "Men and women are stepping out from the anonymity of the online dating world and reclaiming their lives," Vallone says. "Today's singles not only want to meet people who share their interests, but they also want to share real-life experiences with like-minded potential mates."

Vallone explains that her approach serves to bring people together in a pressure-free setting. "When you attend an event, you're meeting people you already have something in common with and who are all there to meet you," she says. "And, when you're having fun, you let your guard down and are more likely to meet the right person."

For many singles, this trend toward group activities based on common interests breaks new ground in the dating arena. "In a sense, we're going back to the future," says Vallone. "It's as though the ice cream social of the early 20th century has been kicked up several notches."

Indeed, Highlife Adventures' 3,000 Chicagoland members would be hard-pressed to find an ice cream social among the over 65 activities planned each month. Those who crave adventure can go parasailing, caving, or experience being a fighter pilot for a day. Music aficionados can revel in a hot night of cool jazz or attend a rock star fantasy camp, while those with cultural interests can attend a performance of the Chicago Symphony or a Frank Lloyd Wright tour. Members who enjoy the club scene can participate in a trolley pub-crawl, a moonlight party cruise, or events like "Martinis and Manicures" or "Pots 'n' Shots Pottery Class."

This new dating trend is in stark contrast to the bar scene of the 1980s, the one-on-one matching services of the 1990s, and the speed dating phenomena that peaked a few years ago. "Not all singles like to hang out in bars, many don't care for the pressure of sequential one-on-one dates, and most people find that speed dating is too superficial," says Vallone. And, while online dating may appeal to the college crowd, many of the 25- to 45-year-olds members have "been there, done that." According to Vallone, "Meeting people online can be fun, but also fraught with pitfalls. Singles fare better when they put down the mouse, get out of the house, and meet people face-to-face. We prescreen each member in person and have a company representative at each event to help ensure positive experiences by everyone."

Ultimately, Vallone concludes, "We don't match anyone. Instead, we provide unique, fun events where groups of singles can meet one another and find what they seek – whether it's a friend, a date, or a soulmate."

BONUS : Holiday Dating: Finding The Right Gift For Your Sweetie

Dating relationships are tough enough, but finding the perfect holiday gift for your latest flame can be even tougher. Sending the wrong gift can also send the wrong message. And if you've only been dating for a short time, you may even not yet know all of your sweetie's interests and passions and the gift that will please them most.

And if you've only been dating a short time, should you give a gift at all? If sparks are mutually flying, go ahead and be as romantic as you feel. On the other hand, you may want to tread lightly if you're not sure where you stand. Sometimes an overly romantic gift can create awkwardness when it's not reciprocated. It's hard to go wrong with cologne. Something that shows a special effort can also be a nice gesture. For example, homemade cookies in a decorative tin or you can play DJ and burn a custom mix CD.

Still don't know where to start? Here are some ideas --

For Her

* A funky & casual watch with changeable bands
* Bubble bath and soaps in a matching scent
* An assortment of gourmet chocolates
* Luxurious cashmere blanket

For Him

* A trio of gourmet coffees and a mug in his favorite color
* Cigars
* Leather day planner or case for his iPod
* Tickets to his favorite sporting event (but you get to come along)

For Both of You

* Champagne in a bucket engraved with your love poem
* Candlelit dinner out on the town
* Sign up for dance lessons, and enjoy an entire month of cha, cha, cha
* An engraved ice cream scoop, assortment of toppings and a quart of your favorite flavor

If you're still puzzled on what to give, how about a gift certificate? Although deciding from which store to buy the certificate can be equally puzzling, GiftCertificates.com has an innovative solution. Imagine giving a gift certificate where your sweetie can choose their favorite store!

GiftCertificates.com offers a SuperCertificate® that lets the person receiving your gift pick from over 200 top stores, restaurants, spas, jewelers and more. It's the gift that's always appreciated because it also gives the gift of choice.

Let her go wild! She might love to be pampered with an indulgent soak in the tub with a gift certificate from Spa Finder, a stack of romance novels from B. Dalton or even the the perfect diamond from Blue Nile.com. And for him? He'll get just what he wants like a scarf to keep him warm on winter days from Barneys New York, a sporty new watch from Fossil.com or a soft sweater from Land's End. Your honey will have fun choosing from these and thousands more gifts ... all the while remembering you gave this wonderful gift experience.

Sending the right gift not only expresses your affection, but can also set the stage to answer the eternal dating question, "Where is this relationship going?" Pick the right moment to give your gift (a champagne toast under the mistletoe) and make it even more memorable - a holiday filled with romance and laughter.