Congratulations!  You made it through to day 5 of the College Dating Makeover Challenge, From Ice to Nice! The other experts and I had so much fun and hope that you were able to take away and apply some of things you have learned.

The experts have shared a lot with you this week: the importance of smiling, the power of eye contact, the negative affects of texting in public, and the messages your body is sending. And now it’s time to put it all together.

Today’s Challenge:  Get approached and set yourself up for success, with Kira Sabin, The Dating Makeover Coach and creator of TheCollegeCrush.com

If you apply all of the ideas that we have given you this week consistently you will be approached, but throw in these techniques to set yourself up for success.

1.  Pick a partner in crime: Nothing is more intimidating than trying to approach 5 or 6 women.  If you feel like getting out there and meeting people, choose only one or two friends.  Preferably ones that who are not going to try to be the center of attention.

2.  Face out: Make sure your body is facing out towards the room.  If you are huddled over a table or facing the bar, no one (or usually not the guys you want) are going to approach you.

3.  Make an entrance: Walk in like you own the place.  When you enter the room stop at the door for a few seconds and smile while you scan the room.  It instantly says I belong here and go ahead and look at me.

And with that, you’re ready. Get out there this weekend and be more approachable!

Then come back here and share your experiences in the comments section! We’re gonna randomly pick one commenter to win a free one hour one-on-one session with the Dating Makeover Coach herself, Kira Sabin, to get to the nitty gritty of what isn’t working and what is.

Good luck!

We’re onto day 4 of our College Dating Makeover Challenge, From Ice to Nice and we’re all well on our way to being more approachable!

Just joining us? Welcome! This week the experts from The College Crush are going to share with you daily videos with simple challenges to help you go from shy to getting noticed.  In a good way. (Not, in this sorta way.) First they challenged you to put on a happy face. Then, it was all about eye contact. Yesterday, they asked you to put away your cell phones.

Today’s Challenge:  Be aware of your body language, with Brittany Chaffee a CollegeCandy writer and the (faboosh) lady behind The College Revolution on The College Crush. Let’s get to it.

As much as I enjoy blabbing my mouth off from time to time, I’ve recently realized (with the help of Ms. Kira Sabin) that I need to pay attention to one of the most important aspects of dating there is: body language.  It’s so easy to close people off with your body.  And the kicker? You don’t even notice you’re doing it!

Who needs the sparkliest top in the room, the best spray tan, and the coolest frost tips to nab a man? All you need is nice posture and an open frame, and the world is yours.  It’s important to carry yourself with confidence; guys will totally notice and appreciate your (silent) welcoming body language.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve never readily approached a guy standing at the bar with his arms folded and his eyes averted.  We approach people who authentically look like they want to spark up a conversation.

And it’s the same for people who want to approach you.

We’ve all seen those body language experts analyze celebrities in US Weekly and Cosmopolitan; now it’s time to analyze YOU.

Are you ready for this? When you are out today, pay attention to your body language (and your smile and eye contact….and not your cell phone). Then share your experiences in the comments section! At the end of the week, we’ll randomly choose one commenter to win a free one hour one-on-one session with the Dating Makeover Coach herself, Kira Sabin, to get to the nitty gritty of what isn’t working and what is.

It’s day three of our College Dating Makeover Challenge, From Ice to Nice. That means we’re halfway to being more approachable!

For those of you just joining us, this week the experts from The College Crush are going to share with you daily videos with simple challenges to help you go from shy to getting noticed.  In a good way. (Not, in this sorta way.) First they challenged you to put on a happy face. Yesterday, it was all about eye contact.

Today’s Challenge: Ban PDT (Public Displays of Technology) with Jewels from @techromanceblog and Techromance Tuesday on The College Crush.

Now, let’s be honest for a second. In this day and age, everyone is hyper-connected so it’s become totally normal and expected to be texting and calling and Facebooking no matter where we are and who we’re with. But how are you supposed to apply the basics (smile + eye contact) when you’re constantly looking at your stinkin’ phone?!

Here is what our techromance expert has to say:

Normally I support technology and definitely think it help fuel connections during the dating process. Who doesn’t love sext messaging, thoughtful emails and that epic moment when your honey changes their status from single to “in a relationship” on Facebook?

But sometimes technology can also create a wall that we hide behind–just look in any library and coffee shop and you’ll see faces buried in smartphones, laptops and Kindles instead of chatting and flirting with other people. This horrible trend is even finding its way into bars.

If you want to start “crushing” it in the dating scene my advice is to ban PDT: public displays of technology. Guys will appreciate your thinking outside the inbox and enjoy the more fun and laidback vibe you project when you’re having fun in the moment. Plus you’ll realize it’s so much more fun looking into someone’s eyes instead of your iPhone.

So let’s do this! Smile, make eye contact and keep that phone in your purse. Then share your experiences in the comments section! At the end of the week, we’ll randomly choose one commenter to win a free one hour one-on-one session with the Dating Makeover Coach herself, Kira Sabin, to get to the nitty gritty of what isn’t working and what is.

Welcome to day 2 of the College Dating Makeover Challenge, From Ice to Nice: 5 Days to Be More Approachable.

For those of you just joining us, this week the experts from The College Crush are going to share with you daily videos with simple challenges to help you go from shy to getting noticed.  In a good way. (Not, in this sorta way.) Yesterday, your challenge was to put on a happy face.

Today’s Challenge:  It is all in the eyes!  It is, and Nando (from Nandoism and our Gay BFF on The College Crush) is gonna tell you why.

Now that we’ve got our smiles down it’s time to move on to a big next step: eye contact.  Eye contact with a smile is the easiest way for someone to notice you and know that it is good to make the approach. Remember, if guys think they are going to be shut down, they just won’t go there.  It also exudes mucho confidence.  

Quick fact: when you don’t make eye contact with people, the brain gives off a warning to the other person that you might be lying or distrustful, so this one is BIG.  Definitely worth spending some time on if it isn’t comfortable right away.

If you are super shy, just start with quick glances and a smile until you get more comfortable.  As you move into fabulous mode, make the eye contact longer, look away, back up and then slowly smile.  It will be hard to resist!

Watch the brilliant Nando to get more tips and tricks!

And don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments section! At the end of the week, we’ll randomly choose one commenter to win a free one hour one-on-one session with the Dating Makeover Coach herself, Kira Sabin, to get to the nitty gritty of what isn’t working and what is.

Welcome to the College Dating Makeover Challenge, From Ice to Nice: 5 Days to Be More Approachable. We are beyond excited that you are joining us!

Over the next five days the experts from The College Crush are going to share with you daily videos with simple challenges to help you go from shy to getting noticed.  In a good way. (Not, in this sorta way.)

Today’s Challenge: Show off your pearly whites, with Kira Sabin – The Dating Makeover Coach.

Everyone assumes the most attractive people get approached, but really it is the most confident and happy. Nothing is more powerful or attractive than a smile. Passersby (and that hottie in your Stats lecture) will wonder why you are so happy and want to find out.   Who doesn’t want to hang out with the people who are having the most fun?

So today, whenever you are out in public, throw a smile on your face and see what happens.

And don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments section! At the end of the week, we’ll randomly choose one commenter to win a free one hour one-on-one session with the Dating Makeover Coach herself, Kira Sabin, to get to the nitty gritty of what isn’t working and what is.

[The following post was written by dating coach, Kira Sabin, a keg of dating and relationship wisdom. She's been helping people find love for years so we thought we'd tap this keg and see what sort of brilliant advice she has for the CollegeCandy readers. Drink up!]

Ever have that friend that gets approached all the time?  Sure, she may be pretty, smart or flirty but for some reason guys flock to her like white on rice.  It may you leave you scratching your head and muttering under your breath “what is SO great about her?” You probably have friends that are funnier, smarter and prettier, yet she gets the guys.

Well, I know her secret and I’m going to share it with you.

Ask the average person how we communicate and they will most likely answer, “Duh, with words….or text messages.”  Yet, did you know for every message that we deliver verbally we actually give off 12 non-verbal signals?  In fact, researchers around the world agree that body language accounts for at least 65% of communication.  Some say up to 90%.  Ever hear the saying “actions speak louder than words?”  Truer words have never been spoken.

Every day we send off thousands of signals that we are not even aware of. Without even knowing it, we are letting others know that we are open (or not) to meeting new people, never even opening our mouths.  How you stand, create eye contact, smile and even set-up the situation may be helping you or kicking your ass.

Don’t worry, ladies; my friends and I have got your back.  CollegeCandy and The College Crush have come together to bring you a special dating makeover challenge: From Ice to Nice – Five Days to Being More Approachable. 

Starting on Monday, October 18th, we will have 5 days of simple challenges to help you stop hating on your friend and start getting noticed.

Before we begin, though, remember one thing: this is only going to be what you put in to it.  If you watch my informational (yet somewhat dorky) videos every day and roll your eyes, things are not going to change.  You are not going to change. But accept the challenges, ask the questions and make an effort, and people will notice you.

For the better.

Here is how it works: Every day we will be introducing a new theme with a video that has an easy challenge for you to work on to be more approachable. Get your friends involved (everything is more fun with friends), do the challenges, see how you change, and report back in the comments section on what was easier or harder than you thought!

And if becoming a more approachable you isn’t incentive enough to get involved, we’ve got an extra little carrot to dangle in front of you: At the end of the week, we’ll randomly choose one commenter to win a free one hour one-on-one session with the Dating Makeover Coach herself, Kira Sabin, to get to the nitty gritty of what isn’t working and what is.

Who’s excited?  We are.

See you bright and early Monday morning!

Check out Kira’s other insights into dating here.

Get a (bath)room, Amy Winehouse!

Lindsay’s jail time brings in the big bucks.

Things that make you go “awwwwwwww.”

When words fail you, use your body.

Oh no she didn’t!!

How to rock Fall’s bold brow trend.

Beyond the cover, I’ve come to the scientific conclusion Cosmo has a weird obsession with Kristen Stewart. Last month they featured an article showcasing how classy her relationship with R-Patz was and this month an entire page was dedicated to a timeline of KStew’s looks growing up from 2002-2010, where Cosmo noted she is “fashion forward and glamorous.” I’m so glad Cosmo has confirmed bed head and deep frowns as edgy and ‘fashion forward.’ But even better, on the next page Cosmo showcased ‘Styles That Go Both Ways’ - AKA hairstyles that work for both male and female.  The first victim? Our homegirl Kristen, sized up next to Ed Westwick with a VIP flow cut. Awww, cute.

As I continued to flip through; I passed the casual ‘Sexy vs. Skanky’ article which stated the (extremely obvious) sexy and skanky things in the world (i.e. cycling sleeveless as sexy and cycling naked as skanky). For a second, I did think cycling naked was dead sexy, so I’m glad I could get this formally clarified by the experts at Cosmo.  Friends who back-stab, taking his identity and wearing a tee shirt as a dress were other skanky actions Cosmo claim as ‘no-no’s.’  Aren’t you happy you know that now? Me too.  A paragraph analyzing his Halo addiction flew past my fingertips in ’101 Things About Men’ and an article called ‘How to Have Perfect Timing’ lost my attention when the first bit of advice was to wake up at 7 A.M. and have a quickie.  And where does this give me the good wishes to have fabulous timing??

As I breezed past the thigh-slimming secrets (who really reads those anyway?) and dissected Chelsea Handler’s small feature (I rip those out and keep them in a separate folder because they are so hilarious), I came across the article that took my breath away in soft giggles. The article is called ’8 Touches That Tell Him Everything.’ Oh, everything??? Let’s get this party started. I’ve always been a big fan of communication sans actual words.

Cosmo Says: When you want to let him know he’s awesome…pat him on the butt.
Brittany Says: I say go all old-school-style on him and spank him only when he’s naughty. But I’m just traditional that way…

Cosmo Says: When you need to say “I’m sorry”….reach over and squeeze his knee (while you’re both sitting).
Brittany Says: Because if you’re standing and squeeze his knee, that would be awkward. And he’d buckle and fall to the ground.  And actually saying, “I’m sorry,” would send mixed and unnecessary signals.

Cosmo Says: When he’s bummed out…lightly scratch his neck along the hairline.
Brittany Says: But for the love of all that’s right in the world, DO NOT scratch him 1 inch away from his left ear… it must be along the hairline or he’ll have no idea what you’re trying to tell him.  No need to be so technical about scratching location, Cosmo; I say when he’s bummed out, buy him some beer and give him a back rub while he watches Man vs. Wild… or Man vs. Food.

Cosmo Says: When you want to get him to do something he doesn’t want to do. . .grasp his hands and coax them into prayer position, then position your hands over his.
Brittany Says: I’m dying to know what comes next in this ‘tell-him-everything-by-touching-101.’  What prayer do you recite? Do you end the convo with a breathy ‘Namaste’?

Cosmo Says: When he’s angry and you need to defuse a fight. . .place your hand on top of his shoulder, keeping your elbow straight.
Brittany Says: I see the difficulty I would have with this gesture.  What if he bends over and ties his shoe? What if he goes to grab something from the cupboard?  How am I going to keep my arm straight? How is this ever going to work correctly, Cosmo!?! Tell me!?

…. I am not sure most of this advice is worth the paper it’s printed on, but I guess I do owe Cosmo some major props. At least this article wasn’t entitled “8 Sex Positions That Tell Him Everything.” Though, there’s always next month.

We must have laughed for days about playing Scrabble naked with your man to spice things up. Still trying to figure out what’s sexy about watching your naked (limp) man try to figure out a word he can create out of seven block letters…

We also cracked up when Cosmo told us to flash a real genuine smile that forms crinkles at the corners of your eyes and mouth in order to exude confidence. We each took turns attempting these cheesy smiles, and wound up looking more like chipmunks than sexpots. My advice: try this with your friends for a good laugh, but don’t attempt to do this at a bar. And isn’t faking a genuine smile the exact opposite of genuine?

And of course, there was the one article that made me lose more brain cells than all of the cocktails that I consumed on the beach did: 4 Signs He’s Hiding Something.

Cosmo Says: His throat is dry – Keeping something from you makes him nervous and his body actually goes into freak-out mode.
Arielle Says: I don’t know about Cosmo writers, but my throat gets dry just from talking too much. And when I’m dehydrated. Or when I haven’t had enough sleep. The list could go on and on. You can’t accuse your man of hiding something just because his throat is dry during conversation. In fact, offering him a glass of water seems like the more polite thing to do than screaming at him while scrolling through his email.

Cosmo Says: He wants more sex – Yes, maybe he’s just extra horny or you’re looking extra hot, but a sudden surge in his sexual appetite can also be a sign that something’s awry.
Arielle Says: Men have always wanted more sex. They do want more sex. And they always will want more sex. It has nothing to do with some secret they’re hiding – they’re just hornballs.

Cosmo Says: He gives too many details – Don’t be fooled by a guy who offers up tons of minor bits of information about where he’s been or what he’s been doing. He could actually be trying to cover his ass.
Arielle Says: Sometimes details are what make a story funny. Or sometimes you find yourself dating one of those guys who adds absurd details to everything he tells you and drags stories out way longer than they need to be and you find yourself fighting to keep your eyelids up as you pray he gets to the point soon. Like, in this century.  Accusing your guy of lying just because he happens to remember how many coasters there were on the bar when he ordered his fifth drink isn’t necessary. But, yeah, if you don’t have a story-dragger for a boyfriend, perhaps the fact that he knew (and mentioned) how many ice cubes were in his glass is a problem worth looking into.

Cosmo Says: His hands go into his pockets – Pay close attention to what he does with his hands if you’re sensing he’s concealing something.
Arielle Says: This could hold some validity, depending on the situation. Maybe his hands are just cold or he’s just comfortable with his hands in his pockets. Although this type of body language could be his defense mechanism, don’t scream at him in the middle of a conversation just because he begins lowering his hands into his pockets. He could just be doing the old “scratch my balls through my pocket so she doesn’t see” maneuver.

But then I guess he is hiding something,

Cosmo

We also learn that what you’re envious of reveals what you really want in life. But didn’t we already learn this when Laguna Beach first came out and we all felt green with envy? I don’t think it took our “where-we-sit-at-lunch-defines-our-popularity-status” high school minds and an article from Cosmo to realize that we were envious because we wanted what they had. We wanted their million dollar mansions, designer name clothing, thriving social lives, and Ste-VEN in our beds. And we especially all wanted to be asked to our proms with a fish filled pool and a lit up sign. So thanks anyway, Cosmo.

But perhaps the most informative article this month is His Bedtime Body Language, in which we learn how his sleeping position tells us all we need to know about his personality.

Cosmo Says: Facedown: This guy likes to be in control.
Arielle Says: Or maybe he just likes to shove his face under the pillow so the afternoon sun doesn’t wake him from his slumber.

Cosmo Says: On His Back: His open posture shows that he’s secure and optimistic.
Arielle Says: Yeah… optimistic for a blow job! Or maybe he was watching an episode of Entourage and fell asleep halfway through. Or was reading his biology assignment and fell asleep with the book on his chest. Well, actually probably not the latter, if your man is anything like mine… Either way, the analysis of this sleeping position should really just be that he will need a nose strip; he’s going to be snoring all night.

Cosmo Says: Thrashing Around: Constant movement indicates your guy is stressed.
Arielle Says: This is probably the only one that actually holds some merit. We all thrash around when we’re stressed… and when we’ve had too much to drink and can’t get comfortable on either side because the room is spinning no matter which direction we face. He may also be thrashing around because it’s hard to find a comfortable position in a dorm-style twin bed with two people in it.

Cosmo Says: On His Side: Men who snooze this way tend to be laid-back and quick to compromise.
Arielle Says: Or he turned away from his girlfriend because she was reading Cosmo and asking him why he doesn’t compromise even though he sleeps on his side…