The Art of the First Date: Because Dating's Not a Science - It's an Art (Marriable Series) [Paperback]

Hayley DiMarco (Author), Michael DiMarco (Author)

Book Description

Series: Marriable Series | Publication Date: June 1, 2006

In 2005, Hayley and Michael DiMarco helped take the desperate out of dating with Marriable. Now they're back with a new series that will dig deeper into essential dating topics to help adult singles expose and eliminate their desperate dating habits. Let's face it. First dates can be nerve-racking and exciting at the same time. And unless they are going to marry their latest crush, adult singles will reject or be rejected. Finally, here's some great advice for post-teen readers on how to handle the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in the dating ritual. In these first two books of a creative new series, Hayley and Michael DiMarco show readers how to get a first date, what to do and say once they are there, and how to get out if it's just not clicking. With their direct, in-your-face style, the DiMarcos show adults how to survive singleness in the trenches by meeting new people, building dating relationships, and leaving desperate in the dust. Because dating's not a science--it's an art.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Men and women are different! That's why figuring out how to act around the opposite sex can be confusing, especially if you're looking for love. Hayley and Michael DiMarco have the practical advice you need to paint a first date masterpiece. The Art of the First Date answers crucial questions, like -How can I make a great first impression? -What do I need to know about online dating? -Should I plan where to go or just "wing it"? -Who asks and who pays? Hayley and Michael also reveal clever conversation starters, tips on flirting and complimenting, and guidelines for telephone calls and saying good night. Whether you're looking for Mr. or Ms. Right at the grocery store, work, church, or in cyberspace, you can be confident in your search. And it all starts with the first date! Hayley and Michael DiMarco have more than forty years of dating desperation between them. After meeting online, they have found wedded bliss (or something like it) and a passion to write and creatively package relevant books through their company, Hungry Planet. They are the authors of Marriable and live in Nashville, Tennessee.

About the Author

Hayley DiMarco and Michael DiMarco write and create cutting-edge books that connect with the multitasking mind-set through their company, Hungry Planet. Hayley has written and co-written numerous best-selling books for both teens and adults, including Dateable and Marriable, and has spoken at conferences like Women of Faith. Michael coauthored Marriable with Hayley, has worked in publisher relations, and is general manager of Hungry Planet. The DiMarcos live in Nashville, Tennessee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Revell (June 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800731484
• ISBN-13: 978-0800731489
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,352,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Is it art, or merely kitsch?, June 17, 2006

By 

Erik Olson "Seeker Reviews" (Ridgefield, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of the First Date: Because Dating's Not a Science - It's an Art (Marriable Series) (Paperback)

Full disclosure: I don't really like dating. I hate the anxiety, the dashed expectations, and the games. But when there's chemistry, shared passions, and good conversation, it's better than a ride on my Harley. The ambiguity makes me wish there were a better way to get a spouse. But people are people, and we can't help but dork up all the artificial relational systems we create to ensure certainty. For better or worse, dating is our dominant cultural norm for snagging a mate (Yeah, I know about courting. If that's your deal, then get thee hence to a Joshua Harris book and leave us infidels to our sad fate).

"The Art of the First Date" is one of a two-book (so far) series of small-sized relational guides from Hayley and Michael DiMarco. The other is "The Art of Rejection," which I enjoyed along with their earlier book, "Marriable." So I figured I'd check this one out as well. It's a basic how-to manual for dating, done with the usual DiMarco humorous style and visual flair. They discuss flirting, making a good first impression, and their idea of male and female romantic roles (man pursues, woman responds).

I'm ambivalent about "The Art of the First Date." On the one hand, I appreciated some of the advice. For example, I have a tendency to be too transparent, and the authors are correct to caution against that. Also, I agree in principle (if not always in action) that the man should take charge and be the initiator. I know from experience that women appreciate nice guys more in fantasy than in real life. And the DiMarco's creative dating ideas could come in handy sometime.

But on the other hand, I'm a little skeptical about their equation of extroversion with character and maturity. Psychopaths tend to be socially astute and initially likeable, but no one wants to bring Ted Bundy or Aileen Wuornos home to mother. It's critical that Christians avoid becoming unequally yoked, and the DiMarcos minimize that pitfall in favor of meeting cute and being "mysterious." I've seen too many marriages shipwrecked on the shoals of false fronts and immaturity to let their too-cool-for-school counsel slide. Indeed, they could use a little injection of courting's Biblical focus.

It seems that attractive, intelligent people like the DiMarcos take their social acceptability for granted. It's easier for "pretty people" to be outgoing, because our culture naturally rewards hot and hip folks for stepping out. There's a danger here of relying too much on outward appearance and suave technique vs. cultivating solid character and Scriptural discernment. And that's ultimately how this book struck me - heavy on external hipness, but light on internal fortitude. Like the rest of their books, the DiMarcos minimize the Biblical in favor of the cultural. With so much on the line, I really struggle with that kind of focus.

At any rate, despite its lack of spiritual depth, the DiMarcos provide useful dating tips in a lighthearted manner. If you read "The Art of the First Date" on that level, you'll be able to polish some social rough spots. But use it with discernment, and in conjunction with something meatier.