Let’s get one thing straight: I love dating. I love going to places I’ve never been before, eating new foods, giggling though a game of putt-putt golf with some new guy.

I love that first kiss, and that scary hang-time before he asks to see me again.

This was not always the case.

Several years ago, fresh out a long marriage, I took a stab at dating. I put a tentative little profile up on Yahoo personals, got asked out, went on some dates and promptly realized I didn’t know what the hell I was doing.

Figuring it was just a matter of practice, I muddled through several more guys, baffled at their behavior (and they at mine) and stumbled around the online dating world like a toddler at a family reunion where everyone seemed to know what was going on but me.

Eventually I managed to start a relationship with someone I really fell for and it seemed really great. I relaxed. I rejoiced. Then he dumped me.

Oh God. Must I have to do all that muddling again?

Something had to be done. They have life coaches, career coaches, and basketball coaches, right? What about dating coaches?

Turns out they do!