TÊTE-À-TÊTE WITH LEAH FURMAN                                                                           

Exclusive Interview With America's #1 Dating Expert

Photo: Cover of "Happily Ever After". Another super duper book by Leah and Elina Furman.

 For instance:

1. The problems that can come of dating someone more or less religious
2. Where to meet Jewish men other than J-date
3. Developing feelings for a non-Jewish partner
4. Figuring out the Golden Rules of dating
5. Separating Jewish sexual mores from those of our Christian contemporaries
In the attempt to give young SJFs some good advice and much-needed perspective, SINGLE JEWISH FEMALE includes hundreds of quotes from Jewish women talking about what effect, if any, being Jewish has had on their love lives. "Jewish identity doesn’t have to be about keeping Kosher or observing Shabbat," Furman explains. "In fact, for most Jews, identity and dating have nothing to do with their religious beliefs. Nevertheless, being Jewish in the dating world presents a host of unique challenges."  Some of Furman's press releases included this "Leah Furman is an author, lecturer and dating expert who has written more than 25 books. Her titles include "The Everything Dating Book," "Generation Inc" and "Our Boys Speak."  She has discussed dating, relationships and her previous books on television shows such as ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s New York Weekend Today, FOX’s Good Day Philadelphia, the WB’s Good Morning Boston. She has also appeared as a dating expert on countless radio shows across the country, given her advice in Cosmopolitan magazine and written a column about dating and relationships for Seventeen online. She is currently the editor of the "Coupling" department at Profile magazine, a new dating/relationship-oriented e-zine for men and women.

Photo: " SO YOU'D LIKE TO WIN A  MILLION". Another savvy book by Leah And Elina Furman

THE INTERVIEW

Furman: "Find a great setting for your meeting and half the work is done. The rest is just chemistry..."

Q: Correct me if I am wrong. American men in general, and particularly American Jewish men are not known for their generosity and savoir faire vis-à-vis ladies. French are. And the Italians wrote the book. So, how and why, American Jewish women should deal with men who don't know the difference between a Cognac and a glass of wine, or a cyclamen and a red rose?
Leah: Because these men remind them of their fathers. Ha ha. Seriously, though, there's  a lot to be said for similar backgrounds and upbringings. If you're brought up to value practicality, comfort and stability, the idea of whirlwind romances and flash over substance may be a turn off. 
Q: You are the expert. You are stunning and highly educated. So, what FIRST, do you notice in men in general, and in your date, in particular?
Leah: I notice the most obvious thing of all...his face. Whether it's attractive and has some intelligence in it. Then I notice his physique. Then I move on to his clothes and sense of style. But of course all this is very superficial...however, you did ask about the FIRST thing I notice.
Q: What the "things" a Jewish or non Jewish woman should be cautious, concerned and alert about on her first date?
Leah: She should be paying attention to her date at all times and evaluating him on his behavior and general level of interest in her. She should also be minding her own feelings, and trying to figure out if she's interested in getting to know this guy better.
Q: What is the most important and noticeable first date's "touch," flair or jest that totally and strongly makes a good impression on a Jewish woman, upon dating a stranger for the first time? You, Leah, what impresses you most?
Leah: Location, location, location...Find a great setting for your meeting and half the work is done. The rest is just chemistry...

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