Welcome to a special edition of Relation Smarts, written especially for singles in Denver, but including tips for all singles. Enclosed find ideas for Denver Singles Celebrations on New Years, plus novel ideas to ring in the New Year. In addition, all singles will learn tips to maximize the likelihood of meeting someone special in a crowded room.

Next edition, we’ll be back to our normal format for singles and couples.

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You Don’t Have To Be Alone on New Year’s Eve

Ah, New Year’s, the most exciting night of the year…or not. For many singles, the dread of spending another New Year’s eve alone is second only to the chagrin of being solo on Valentine’s Day. Faced with being the lone holiday reveler without a kiss come midnight, many singles stay home with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and fall asleep watching the ball drop in Times Square. But why settle for such an anticlimactic end to 2006? The Denver area has several celebrations designed specifically for singles.

In-the-know locals are gearing up for the annual Denver Metro New Year’s eve dance hosted by Glen and Corrina, while those searching for a more intimate gathering with a downtown fireworks view may head to Singles’ Marketplace’s Party. Christian singles may enjoy getting dance lessons at the Singles in Spirit New Year's Eve Dance and senior singles will be ballroom dancing till the stroke of midnight at the Sharp Images Singles New Year’s Eve Dance. And for singles looking for the biggest party, more than 1700 people (couples included) partied the night away at the White Rose Gala last year.

But what if you’re burned out on the party scene and the last thing you want to do on New Year’s eve is hang out at a crowded party and vie with hundreds of other singles for the attention of a potential partner? Many singles have done that all year and need something refreshing to start the New Year off right. No problem, grab a friend and try something new and entertaining for the evening. Thankfully, Denver offers a plethora of choices to suit every sensibility.

Remember: You never know where you might meet your perfect partner! Check out the lists below.

Tips to Make the Most of Parties

For Women: Many women are more comfortable attending a large event with a friend or a group of friends. So, sure, glam it up with another single and arrive in style. But keep in mind, many men will only approach you when you are alone. It’s often uncomfortable approaching a group of women (or even two)- so be sure to take some time to walk the room alone, wait in line for a drink by yourself, or even sit solo for a bit. And while scoping out the room, remember to make eye contact and smile at potential suitors. You want to appear approachable- and you do that by looking like you are enjoying yourself AND are open for conversation. It may be seem obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many folks sit around looking unhappy. If you don’t look friendly and fun- why would he come over? And what if no one comes over? It’s fine to ask a man to dance or go talk to him. Life’s too short to sit around waiting to be noticed!

For Men: I’m going to share a secret with you- women’s biggest pet peeve. It drives women *crazy* when men aren’t willing to consider women their own age. There is nothing that is a bigger turn off than men coming on to ONLY women 10 or more years younger. So keep in mind that it’s not only the beauty queens that have something to offer. There are scores of wonderful women of all ages that are smart, witty, friendly, and fun. Seek out a few women your own age and see if they don’t just surprise you.

For Everyone: It’s not just men who flock only to the beauties, women are guilty too! Although women tend to be a bit more forgiving about appearance than men, I can’t tell you how often women also rule out men based on arbitrary physical characteristics with comments like, “He’s too short,” “I like more hair,” “Ugg, his clothes.” Personally, I find it ironic that the biggest complaint I hear is “I can’t find anyone to date”, followed by a string of exterior excuses to rule out every person in attendance. Sure, if you are only willing to date Ms. Cosmo, or Mr. GQ, then certainly- I agree- you are in trouble. But if what you are really seeking is a soul mate that sets your heart on fire and makes your soul sing- then I contend that they may be all around you…if you are willing to dig deeper than the outer facade and really get to know someone.

My New Year’s Eve Challenge for Everyone: Seek out and talk to several people who “aren’t your type.” It may be that the bombshell bores you in 60 seconds and Mr. or Ms. Next Door has you laughing on the dance floor. Do this as an experiment and see what you notice!

Parties for Singles

Denver Metro New Year’s Eve Singles Dance (Hosted By Glen and Corrina)
Popular annual singles event with D.J., appetizers, and fun
Time: 7:30 pm - 12:15 am (Doors open at 7:00 PM)
Cost: $40.00 advanced purchase (by Wed. Dec. 27th) or $50.00 at the
door.
Location:
The Copper Club Event Center
10801 E. Mississippi Ave
Aurora , CO 80012
Questions/Tickets: Email Corinna at corinnamke@aol.com or Glen at
glaber@msn.com; (303) 973-0512
www.srlaber.com/party

Singles Marketplace’s New Year's Eve Party
Open bar, light dinner, and hors de ouvres, chocolate fountain, champagne, dancing
Time: 9:00 pm - 1:00 am
Cost: $50 includes open bar and dinner
Location:
The Bella Building, 3950 Wynkoop St. #2E, Denver
Contact: http://www.SinglesMarketplace.com/

Sharp Images Singles New Year’s Eve Dance
Formal ballroom dancing for a mostly older crowd. 40s+, average age 65
Time: 6:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Cost: $20.00
Location:
Ramada Inn on N. Speer and Zuni, Denver
Contact: Debbie Myers, 303-330-3549

Singles in Spirit New Year's Eve Dance
A party for Christian singles including food and snacks, a DJ, cash bar and dance lessons followed by dancing.
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: $25
Contact: 303-426-0284
http://www.spreadthewordnetwork.com
Location:
Westminster Elks Lodge #2227
3850 Elk Dr.
Westminster, CO 80030

The "Single" Best Place to Ring in the New Year!
Singles party with Champagne, Door Prizes, DJ & Karaoke
Time: 9:00 pm- 1:00 am
Cost: $10 cover at door
Location:
Supreme Court Cafe & Night Club
1550 Court Place
Downtown Denver: Next to the Adam's Mark Hotel
Contact: Stefanie at 303-352-2479, swolkis@adamsmark.com

White Rose Gala
Annual New Year's Eve bash hosted by Kevin Larson Presents and Image Magazine, with music by Friends in Stereo and Sammy T, DJ dance music, carnival performers, swimming pool and more. Not exclusively singles, but last year more than 1700 people attended.
Time: 9:00 pm - 2:00 am
Cost: $50-$70 main event, $25-$40 after-party (2 a.m.-11 a.m. Jan. 1)
Location:
Westin Resort on Hw 36, Westminster
Contact: http://www.kevinlarsonpresents.com

Novel Options for Singles

On the Spot
All-ages improvisational theater using audience suggestions to improvise scenes, games and songs.
Time: 8:00 pm
Cost: $10- $16
Location: Bovine Metropolis Theater
1527 Champa St.
Denver, CO 80202
Contact: 303-758-4722
http://www.bovinemetropolis.com

How I Lost My Denverginity
The Chicago-based comedy troupe Second City offers this original play about what it means to be a Denverite.
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: $20
Location:
Garner Galleria Theatre
14th and Curtis streets
Denver, CO 80204
Contact: 303-893-4100, 1-800-641-1222
http://denvercenter.org

Green Tara New Year's Eve
A 24-hour Buddhist Green Tara chanting session to help start your New Year off right.
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: $25-$35
Location:
Avalokiteshvara Buddhist Center
1081 Marion St.
Denver, CO 80218
Contact: 303-813-9551
http://www.meditationincolorado.org

New Year’s Eve Kirtan Celebration
Take Part in an ancient form of Yoga and Chant in the New Year
Time: 7:00 pm- 12:00am
Cost: $5-10 donation
Location:
Studio Be Yoga
2077 30th Street, Boulder, Colorado
Contact: Karen at kademar@att.net; http://www.boulderkirtan.com/

Colorado Symphony Orchestra
A Night in Vienna
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Cost: $15- $67.50
Location:
Boettcher Concert Hall
14th and Curtis streets
Denver, CO 80204
Contact: 303-623-7876, http://www.coloradosymphony.org/

Murder Most Fowl
A revival of the seminal Chicken Lips audience-participation mystery-comedy.
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: $25
Location:
Avenue Theater
417 E. 17th Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
Contact: 303-321-5925
http://www.avenuetheater.com

New Year's Eve Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
A benefit for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; the evening includes a murder mystery, three-course meal, a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight and more. 21+ only.
Time: 8:00 pm
Cost: $52.95 plus gratuity
Location: Dave & Buster's
10667 Westminster Blvd., Ste. 100
Westminster, CO 80030
Contact: 303-438-1500

Ice+Snow
A beautifully crafted, stunning light display transforming the surroundings over twenty acres.
Time: 4:00- 10:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Coors Amphitheatre
6350 S. Greenwood Plaza Blvd.
Englewood, CO 80111
Contact: 303-830-8497, http://www.moaonline.org/ice-snow/

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
A hot springs pool party!
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 am
Cost: $12.25
Location:
Glenwood Springs
Contact: http://www.hotspringspool.com/, 1-800-537-SWIM (7946), 970-945-6571

Bowl-ero New Year's Eve Parties
An adult party including casino bowling, karaoke, champagne, games and more
Time: 9:30 pm
Cost: $25- $60
Location:
Bowl-ero
5480 W. Alameda Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80226
Contact: (303) 922-1125 , http://www.bowl-ero.com/index.html

D'Note
Live salsa music with Kizumba plus champagne toasts and dessert treats at midnight
Time: Salsa workshops begin at 7 p.m.
Cost: $15- $20
Location:
D'Note
7519 Grandview Ave.
Arvada, CO 80002
Contact:
303-GO-DNOTE
http://www.dnote.us

Erotic Poetry Festival - Mercury Cafe
Including a special dinner, the annual Erotic Poetry Festival, tribal belly dancing, jazz, swing and blues and more. The party lasts until the sun comes up. Dinner reservations recommended.
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: $5-$20 and up. Some dancing is free.
Location: Mercury Cafe
2199 California St.
Denver, CO 80205
Contact: 303-294-9281 or 303-294-9258
http://www.mercurycafe.com, marilyn@mercurycafe.com

New Year's Bulls
Bull-riders from the professional circuit and other rodeo attractions.
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: $12- $25
Location: Budweiser Events Center
Crossroads Blvd. and I-25
Loveland, CO 80538
Contact: 1-877-544-8499
http://www.budweisereventscenter.com

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May your relationships bring you the happiness you deserve,

Jennifer Oikle, Ph.D.

www.couplingconnection.com

720-284-8502

coupling@couplingconnection.com

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