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Are you dating impaired? There’s an app for that. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of apps that can coach hapless romantics who want to improve their games. From tracking down a hot new prospect to avoiding awkward silences, these inexpensive (and sometimes free) downloads turn cellphones and tablets into reliable playbooks for any dating dilemma.
Problem: Can’t find a date
Solution: MeetMoi (Android, iOS), free
How it works: If Foursquare and your favorite dating Web site hooked up, MeetMoi would be the result. When you arrive at your favorite bar or hangout, check in, and based on the preferences you’ve selected — from height to body type to education — MeetMoi reveals who’s nearby and willing to be chatted up. We checked in at Rockefeller Center and found a dozen willing women within 10 blocks.
Problem: No idea what to wear
Solution: My Fashion Assistant (Android, iOS), $1.99
How it works: For those who want to look their best, My Fashion Assistant delivers an invaluable second opinion. After you’ve mixed and matched items from your wardrobe on the app, send them to your Facebook and Twitter feeds, and be prepared to get feedback from your entire social network. Also, the calendar function reminds you if you wore the same outfit on your last date.
Problem: Can’t think of a great date spot
Solution: Immaculate Infatuation (iOS), free
How it works: Now that you’ve met your new flame and settled on a date, the age-old conundrum of selecting a dinner spot is solved by Immaculate Infatuation. The app’s handy “Date Night” filter recommends great grub and romantic ambience in every neighborhood.
Problem: Lulls (not lulz) in the conversation
Solution: What If? (iOS), free
How it works: It happens to the best of us: The conversation is flowing along just fine, but then you’re stuck staring at one another in silence. What If? puts you back in play with handy chitchat topics. An example: “If you could speak another language fluently, what would you choose?”
Problem: Can’t think of a compliment other than, “You’re hot!”
Solution: Dr. Tingleton’s Miracle Compliment Generator (iOS), $1.99
How it works: Compliments should come from the heart, not a phone, but we’re not all natural-born Cyrano de Bergeracs. Dr. Tingleton always knows the right thing.Give his app a shake, and up pops poetry like, “When you walked into the room, everyone stopped breathing for a second.”
Problem: An awful date won’t end
Solution: Bad Date Rescue App (iOS), free
How it works: You’ve spent 30 agonizing minutes feigning interest in an utterly boring conversation, but can’t figure out how to escape without being rude. Enter eHarmony’s Bad Date Rescue, which allows you to schedule a call to your phone in three seconds, one minute or five. The “fake” call looks real, appearing on your phone just like a normal call would with an actual voice that tells you “Your boss needs your help NOW!”