Catching Cupid If You Can

Prepare by going back and reading some of my first few columns, e.g. “How To Strike Up A Conversation.” Reacquaint yourself with the skills discussed. Then attend one of the local soirees listed below.

It’s crucial to realize that you deserve to be with a partner who adores you just the way you are, inside and out. Be yourself and don’t try to change to fit his/her desires. If you’re a peach, be a proud one, flaws and all, and don’t attempt to be a perfect persimmon.

E. E. Cummings said, “To be nobody but myself, in a world which is doing its best night and day to make me everybody else, means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.”

If you’re supposed to be with a particular mate, you will be, no matter what you do or don’t do, say or don’t say. If you’re not supposed to be together, you won’t be, no matter what you do or don’t do, say or don’t say.  

Return to the sample affirmations espoused in previous articles. Repeat them daily. Make a sign and tape it to your bathroom mirror or refrigerator door. Record them on a CD and listen to it while you’re driving or cleaning the house.

Get back to basics such as going where the love and affection is. Surround yourself with caring, nurturing, giving, encouraging, supportive peers and close confidantes, who bolster your esteem. Allow cherished cohorts to fill your bucket, rather than taking it to an empty well.

Rid yourself of each and every critical, controlling, judgmental, shaming, blaming, demeaning, degrading connection. You merit a sweetheart who treats you with the utmost respect and dignity. This is applicable as well to business associates, family members, and anyone you may encounter.

You can say no and set boundaries when you’re regarded in a negative, hostile, hurtful or derogatory manner. You don’t have to justify how you feel. No is a complete sentence. Listen to your gut. Let your heart lead the way. Trust your instincts. They’re always right.

It may be scary, sad, and lonely when you separate from unhealthy, dysfunctional ties.  Yet, in the long run, you’ll reap the benefits of positive energy, treasured connections, and tender liaisons. You will allure an amour who appreciates and values you in all your brilliance and glory coupled with your defects, insecurities, and challenges.    

Singles Slogan for the week: 'I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. I am me, and you are you, and if by chance we meet--it's beautiful.'

This Tuesday February 5 at 7:30pm, you’re invited to join EuroCircle Los Angeles in their 2013 kick off Cocktails and Conversation gathering at the W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 90028. Mingle with old and new friends and toast to a Happy New Year. No cover. www.eurocircle.com/events/37694.

Also on Tuesday from 8-11pm, dance the night away to old and new school R & B with The Magic City Band, a 9 piece horn group of fantastic artists and incredible guest singers, at The Gate Mediterranean Restaurant, 16925 Ventura Blvd., just east of Balboa, Encino 91316, 818-788-9800.

Take advantage of the limited time No Cover ($10.00 minimum for food and/or drinks). The Big Band includes: Allan Walker, lead vocals and sax; Ralph Carter, bass; Hugh Laxineta, guitar; Blaine McGurty, piano; Merial Austin, trombone; Connor Melwain, trumpet; and Brijesh Pandya, drums.

Check out a mid-week "Over Forty Fivers" mixer this Wednesday February 6, 7:30pm, at the beautiful Raphael Restaurant, 11616 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. It’s specifically for young, classy, upscale bachelors/bachelorettes ages 45 plus.

No cover charge; free tray passed appetizers; wine, beer and cocktail specials; 10% off food; free fun giveaways; bartender Chris' cool cocktail creations; the best tapas in town; and the wonderful cozy atmosphere of Raphael's lounge.

Who knows....Cupid may be waiting with your special Valentine! Dress code: business casual chic. www.meetup.com/Sweet-Sexy-Savvy-Singles-Speed-Dating-of-LA/events/101136782/

Additionally on Wednesday, Vitello's, in quaint Tujunga Village, 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, 91604, 818-769-0905, begins a Live piano music schedule from 9pm to 12 Midnight at the newly renovated downstairs Patio Bar.

"Piano Nights" will continue Wednesdays through Saturdays with a fabulous February lineup and No Cover. Visit www.vitellosjazz.com.

The late night Happy Hour & live piano music presented by the city's finest Jazz Stylist's playing the American Songbook & Standards, is sure to become a major gathering area for aficionados of all ages to mix and mingle.

On Friday February 8 from 10pm-1am at the Oyster House, 12446 Moorpark St. Studio City 91604, 818-761-8686, start celebrating Valentine's Day early with soulful jazz vocalist, Perlene, guitarist Doug MacDonald and bassist Clarence Robinson.

Plan for an awesome evening of standards, ballads blues Latin, and a pinch of country, that will move you and lift your spirits. 

As always, there's no cover, scrumptious food (kitchen closes at 11pm so arrive early for a delicious dinner), a full bar, friendly and cozy ambience, free parking. The Oyster House is a true neighborhood hang for performers and entertainers.

Join quality singles ages 40-60 on Saturday February 9 from 8-12Midnight, at Super Singles Mixer’s Lock and Key Dance Party, in Green Street Hotel’s elegant Romanesque Ballroom, 50 E. Green St., Old Town Pasadena.

For a mere $20.00 cash at the door, you’ll enjoy free reflexology (this is worth the price of admission in itself!), psychics, card readings, a raffle, light supper and dessert buffet, a smoking hot DJ,  nonstop dancing, and lots of great new faces to interact with and perchance catch Cupid’s arrows!

More importantly, you’ll experience the most dynamic and gracious hostess in the west…Rookie!! She knows how to keep the fires burning. No other bash offers as many fun activities and ice breakers as Rookie’s does. There are never wall flowers at her gatherings!

Venture out to LA Singles Society’s pre-Valentine’s Day celebration on Saturday at 7:30PM, in the Girard Ballroom of the Woodland Hills Hilton, 6360 Canoga Ave, 91367..

The Sidetracs Group will play terrific tunes for your dancing and listening pleasure. A buffet features tri-color fucilli with marinara sauce, chips & salsa, vegetable crudité with ranch dip, and a lentil salad with butternut and cranberry (offered until 8:30pm).

Payment is $20, in advance until 3 PM Saturday, February 9, at http://www.lasinglessociety.com/article.php?article=1087; or by sending a check to Harkitt Corp (parent company of LA Singles Society), 4145 Nogales Dr., Tarzana, CA 91356; or by calling Fred Gansky, at 818-342-3311, and giving him your credit card information.

Payment after 3 PM or at the door is $25. No refunds. Parking, valet or self-parking, is $6. Free parking is available on nearby streets.

On Sunday, February 10 at 11:30AM, Social Circle (ages 49ish to 69ish) presents a Walk at the Self Realization Center/Lake Shrine Temple, 17190 Sunset Blvd. Pacific Palisades, 90272. If you’ve never been there, you’re in for a delight.  It’s like you’ve reached Shangri-la, without having to leave the city. There’s no charge for this enchanting, scenic adventure. 

The walk around the lovely lake (about ¼ mile) is easy and the peacefulness of the setting is relaxing with ducks, swans, lush plants, gorgeous flowers, a windmill, a meditation chapel…and more. A staff member of the Lake Shrine Temple will accompany the group, providing a history of this very unique spot.

Show up at 11:30am at the Westside Waldorf School, 17310 Sunset Blvd. Pacific Palisades, 90272, (150 yards away) because the Center doesn’t open until 12Noon and there isn’t sufficient parking space to accommodate the cars. The School is one tenth of a mile from the Pacific Coast Highway. Enter where it says “Overflow Parking for Lake Shrine.” Park and convene at John’s maroon Toyota Camry.    

Afterwards, at approximately 1:30pm, an optional brunch takes place in the Oak Room at Steve’s Restaurant, 1035 Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you participate in the walk. You pay only for what you eat.

Contact John at 310-204-1240 or johnseeman@aol.com. Rain cancels walk and brunch.