Dear Dating Coach,

I'm writing to thank you for your coaching and encouragement on my dating life. While my journey has taken many twists and turns, your words have guided me and opened new doors – literally.

I must admit that I'm a hard-driving professional woman in my late 40's. Traditionally, my taste in men has been what I describe as the "Alpha Male," a take-charge kind of guy who is a hard-driving businessman. They are usually very exciting, unpredictable and for some reason lacking in much emotional capacity. What can I say – that's who I've always been attracted to – until recently.

With your coaching help, I started to consider what other qualities might be nice in a partner. Maybe a man who has some emotional intelligence, who can talk about his feelings, be true to me and sensitive to my needs as well. Someone who can be supportive as well as decisive and capable of making travel arrangements.

I also became much more aware of how I think about men. Shockingly, my internal chatter was not very positive and the truth is, I had started to not like men. In fact, I often talked to men like they were idiots. Honestly – what was I thinking? These are not the thoughts of an alluring woman on the lookout for a loving partnership!

Following your advice, I started to talk to men like regular people. I allowed myself to be simply interested in anyone I spoke to, for the simple pleasure of discovering who they were. And guess what I discovered? Yup –All men are not disappointing, untrustworthy scoundrels. Turns out some are very interesting and worth talking to. And a few are actually really wonderful.

I met Don at a singles gathering. Even though he drove a Porsche, this guy was definitely not my type. He seemed too sensitive, too eager and lacking in that "alpha" personality that draws me in. But I kept thinking, "Hey, give this guy a chance. He seems like a nice person and might be interesting.

We've been out on six dates and are taking things slowly. I've had moments along the way where I questioned what I was doing since he's just not my type. Yet, I enjoyed his company and he keeps asking me out. The slower pace is working in our favor because I'm taking the time to really get to know him. And the more I find out, the more I like. Go figure!

While the jury is still out on the long term potential for us, Don is a gem. He's considerate, thoughtful, sweet, communicative and fun. I find myself in totally new territory and that adds to the excitement. Thanks again for encouraging me to open up to new types of men, to shift my inner thoughts and attitude towards men, and take the time to give someone a chance. So far, so good!

Dating a Nice Guy

Dear Dating,

Congratulations! When I hear someone say that s/he is dating someone totally different, I get very excited. That's because, when you break out of your usual pattern, you have a chance to meet someone who may be better suited. So many times people stay trapped in thinking their type is the only kind of person who can make them happy. Not true! In fact, someone's type is more often the kind of person who will deliver the heartbreak that makes you want to stop dating entirely.

Get out there and discover new personalities that will work for you and offer you the relationship you have been dreaming of all along. People fall in love every day. You can too.