Youth-o-pia

A Nice Guy's Guide to Dating Success

2011-02-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

Has it ever happened to you? Have you ever had the experience of liking a woman, being a perfect gentleman, only to have her reject you in favor of someone else, who's possibly more handsome but who doesn't treat her right, or doesn't seem to care about her much at all?

Do women tell you you're "too nice" to be their dates? If so, you are not alone. Let's brainstorm for a minute and think about what makes the so-called charm-boys more attractive and how to use charm-boy traits to your advantage, while retaining your nice-guy values.

The so-called charm-boys are usually fun, spontaneous, unpredictable, mysterious, and act as if they don't care what others think of them. This is due to their self confidence. They follow their own rules and don't let others walk all over them. And they often look good with this attitude.

So what can you do to increase your confidence levels? You don't have to engage in risk-taking behaviors. Just be what you are and show a little bit of courage. Suggest some "safe" ideas on the spur of the moment. For example, "Let's go get some ice cream" or "Let's go catch a movie." If this is not the usual "you," you may enjoy your new-found spontaneity. You can be mysterious/unpredictable without having to violate your principles.

Many women likes men who are confident and decisive. On a date, take command but don't be pushy. Always have an alternate plan in case your initial plan doesn't work out. For example, you can't have a day out at park when it is raining outside. Always be flexible, in case your date hates Chinese food, be spontaneous in coming up with another suggestion. Low-cost dates conducive to getting to know each other include visit to a zoo, a museum, or a mini-hike at national parks. In addition to saving you money, these low-cost dates also minimize the feeling that you have to "spoil" her or "buy" her affection with an extravagant wining-and-dining evening. And if she likes you, she won't mind a "cheap" date; she just wants to be with you.

Keep it light and upbeat. Don't be needy or act nervous. You might be a bit anxious while on a date, but she doesn't need to know that. Keep things light and humorous, and pay attention to her. That in itself will help you take the focus off you and help you feel more confident. And most important of all, be a gentleman. For example, always offer to pick up the bill unless she insists on paying, open doors for her, etc. But don't overdo the gifts, lest you appear desperate.
Let her talk. This is where nice guys have an advantage. Most women like to communicate verbally and welcome the chance to be heard. But make sure you pay attention and listen. Don't just let your mind wander. Respond to her while she talks. She will be impressed if you remember details about things that are important to her, such as her pet's name or her favorite book. If you met her online, review her profile for questions you can ask her about her interests.

Neatness counts. Take another hint from the charm boys. You don't have to be a Brad Pitt look-alike, but make the most of what you have. Review your grooming, clothes, and accessories with an objective eye. If you want feedback, ask a friend, possibly a female friend, for honest input. Just because you are dating a woman doesn't mean you drop everything else including your own friends, hobbies, and interests. After all, relationships can come and go. Keep being yourself. When you really want to do something and she wants you to cancel your outing plan so that you can go shoe shopping with her, it's okay to decline. Telling her "no" may be difficult for nice guys. But if she's worth keeping, she will respect you for this and value her time with you more. To soften the blow, you might offer her an alternative get-together. For example, "Sorry I can't make it on Saturday. How about I take you to that new movie you've been wanting to see on Sunday instead? And we can shop for shoes too."

How does she rate? Remember: You have the right to evaluate her and you should. Just because she's attractive/smart/classy doesn't necessarily mean she's right for you. Does she treat you well? Is she kind? Does she have decent self-esteem? Is she giving? If you're looking for a long-term relationship, can you see yourself still with her 20 years into the future, when the looks start to fade?

The good news for nice guys is that as women get older, perhaps having survived a bad-boy heartbreak, they are more likely to appreciate nice guys. Make a list of your good points, the qualities you have to offer. Keep at it. And start believing in yourself!

“I Want to Save My People. That is the Purpose of My Life “ – Narayanan Krishnan (CNN Top 10 Hero 2010)

2011-01-26T05:58:00.000-08:00

Just when we thought that there are no truly self-less people in the world anymore, people like Narayanan Krishnan appear once in a while to remind us of the true purpose of life. We may be busy chasing after money to fulfill daily needs and to make ends meet. Remember to set aside a tiny fraction of it to be given away to the poor and needy. Let's together make the world a better place.

You may have seen this video before but again it is always good to remind ourselves of the good and also unfortunate people out there. Let me know what you think after watching this video.

Check out Narayanan Krishnan H.E.L.P Trust here- http://www.akshayatrust.org

Handy Math Trick : Squaring two digit, complex numbers in your head

2011-01-19T21:17:00.000-08:00

Answer this quick without using your calculator. What's 19²? The answer is 361. Did you managed to get that correctly or did you had to cheat?

There's a simple trick you can use to square complex, two digit numbers in your head. If you knew the trick, you'd answer the above math question as fast as me too.

Arithmetic doesn't always have to be done the way you were taught in school. Let's take another example. What is 27²?

If you were to use conventional method, you'd do 27x20 + 27x7 = 540 + 189 = 729. I bet it took some while to get that solution. Am I right?

But there's a much simpler and faster way. Try this. 30x 24 + 3².Since you probably know that 30x24 is 720 and 3² is 9, you would very quickly arrive to the solution of 729. Well, want to know the trick?

The rule is that if you want to square number X, first round it up to nearest multiple of 10. Let's call it (X + r). That will be your first operand. Then, round the same amount in the opposite direction. So, your second operand would be (X - r). So, the final solution to the math problem will be :

X² = (X + r) x (X - r) + r²

where, r is the amount you rounded. So, r² will only be either one of these values : 1, 4, 9, 16, 25.

Explanation to the trick :
This trick works because...

(X + r) x (X - r) + r²= X² +Xr - Xr -r² +r²= X²

Now, let me test you again. What's 33²? How much time did you took this time?

If you've got any other useful math tips, I'd love to hear it in the comments.

Put a smile on their faces

2011-01-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought of giving a gift that will bring not only bring smiles to your friends and loved ones but gives hope and life to a child, a mother or community in need? A simple gift from you will teach children how to read. A simple gift will help families to start a small business to support their children. A simple gift will help poverty-stricken families to have shelters.

It is time to give back. Give a life-changing gift in the name of someone special.

Put a smile on their faces. Click here

Are you looking for a job?

2010-11-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

Whether you're looking for your very first job, switching careers, or re-entering the job market after an extended absence, finding a job requires two main tasks: understanding yourself and understanding the job market. Presuming you've already chosen a career and are currently searching for jobs, here are several ways to actually get a job.

Network

Some companies tend to rely on employee referrals. In order to secure job in such companies, frequently keep in touch with your friends, relatives, and acquaintances. Call each one and ask them if they know of any openings that they could recommend you for. Don't be too humble or apologetic. Tell them what you've been looking for, but let them know that you're flexible and that if they have any suggestions, you're open to them. This is not the time to be picky about jobs; a connection can often get your foot in the door, and you can negotiate pay or switch positions later once you've gained experience and established your reputation.

Develop your personal elevator pitch

Many structured interviews, particularly those at large companies, start with a question like "tell me about yourself." The interviewer doesn't really want you to go back to your childhood. This is a specific question with a specific answer which you need to answer in two minutes or so. The interviewer wants to get you to relax and loosen out your vocal cords, understand your background, your accomplishments, why you want to work for the company and what your future goals are.

Prepare for a behavioral interview

You might be asked to describe problems you've encountered in the past and how you handled them, or you'll be given a hypothetical situation and asked what you would do. They'll basically want to know how you'll perform when faced with obstacles in the position you're interviewing for. Be able to give honest, detailed examples from your past, even if the question is hypothetical. Some questions you might be asked are:

    * "Describe a time you had to work with someone you didn't like."
    * "Give us an example of something particularly innovative that you have done that made a difference in the workplace."
    * "How would you handle an employee who's consistently late?"

Research the company

Don't just do an Internet search, memorize their vision & mission. Talk to existing employees and ask them what it's like working there, how long the position has been open, and what you can do to increase your chances of getting it. Become familiar with the history of the company. Who started it? Where? Who runs it now? Be creative, and do whatever you think the other candidates don't have the guts to do.

and the most important of all...

Change your attitude

There's a difference between making phone calls and going to interviews thinking "I'm looking for a job" versus "I'm here to do the work you need to have done". When you're looking to get a job, you're expecting someone to give something to you, so you focus on impressing them. Yes, it's important to make a good impression, but it's even more important to demonstrate your desire and ability to help. Everything that you write and say should be preceded silently by the statement "This is how I can help your business succeed."

When you've done preparing yourself for all the above, you can start applying for your dream job.

Thousands of youths have found their dream jobs here! What are you waiting for?

Sign-up now!

Listen to what top local celebrities have to say about HIV/AIDS.

2010-11-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

42 top local celebrities have joined hands in an effort to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

The movement behind this campaign, AIDSAware, advocates safer sex, being responsible for our own and other people's health, being accountable for our actions and not discriminating against people living with HIV

Read more to watch the video

INTI students launch annual magazine for JPA sponsored scholars

2010-11-25T06:26:00.000-08:00

Students of INTI college are launching an annual magazine for the Malaysia’s JPA (Public Service Department) - sponsored scholars of INTI International University’s American University Program (AUP) and South Australian Matriculation (SAM).

This magazine is an important memoir of good memories that the INTI-JPA scholars have experienced in INTI International University (INTI-IU, formerly known as INTI International University College), Nilai in Malaysia before proceeding with their respective bachelor’s degree studies in USA or Australia.
Click here to help them share their story and encourage others by supporting their campaign!