“Be Yourself” Doesn’t Work: Personalized Dating Strategies — Be Your Own Brand of Sexy

Joanna brushed a strand of hair from her face as she surveyed the restaurant. She hadn’t expected to be dating at this stage of life, but here she was.

Catching sight of Michael by the bar, she straightened her shoulders — the same adjustment she made before client meetings. They exchanged smiles, and something about his warm eyes eased the tension she’d been carrying all day.

Conversation flowed naturally. Michael had an unpretentious charm and asked thoughtful questions. When her phone buzzed, she hesitated before silencing it.

“Important?” he asked.

“Just work,” she said, but found herself explaining anyway. “I’m leading our department’s restructuring initiative.”

Michael nodded appreciatively, but his gaze flickered briefly toward the bar.

As dinner progressed, they touched on various topics — films, travel, neighborhood changes. Yet Joanna found herself most animated when discussing her team’s recent success.

When Michael mentioned his passion for sailing, Joanna smiled and asked a question, then found herself drawing parallels to organizational teamwork before she even realized it.