Dating 101: Power ranger

The corporate-maven high-flyer is only ever in town half of the time – and no one’s ever sure which half. You’re either a roguish trader or a wannabe househusband, but a strong woman does not intimidate you; nay, you long for someone who shares your faultless taste. Perhaps you even fantasise about being walked all over by a sharp dresser in stilettos? This is a woman who can relate to the conference call-studded stress-race world that is your working life – she does all that too, but still finds time for a personal trainer and two Salmon Caesars a day with her Sex and the City-esque friends. Together, you’ll always be time-poor, but rich pickings will be had during the power naps.

Where to find her:

Power woman can’t be found, she’ll find you. You might catch a glimpse of the black-suited femme exec-indulging colleagues over a martini (or five) at the Astro Bar (St Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Rd; 6506 6888); otherwise, try the first-class lounge of most airports. When she is in town, she’ll be wining and dining at the newest places. Krish (9 Rochester Park; 6779 4644) suits her East-meets-West culinary leanings and the cocktail list with the potent Bourbon Smash will ease the stresses of the hectic day. She’ll hold memberships to a few choice places: The Melbourne Temperance Society – Singapore Chapter (www.melbournetemperancesociety.com.au) will quench her thirst for a well-mixed cocktail. Her attendance at corporate charity events is a sure fire bet, so keep an eye out for her at the upcoming SRT Ball (www.srt.com.sg) and White Collar Boxing event (www.vandaboxing.com), egging on her co-workers. And because she believes in giving back to society, she’ll donate her time and/or money (depending if she’s tangled up in a deal or not) to organisations such as Beautiful People (www.beautifulpeople.org.sg) and Habitat for Humanity Singapore (www.habitat.org.sg).

Spot her:

She works hard for her money and indulges herself in noticeable ways. Always impeccably turned out, her feet will be shod in the latest designer shoes. Spot the red-soled stilettos (Christian Louboutin), the blinged-out details (Giuseppe Zanotti), exotic skin handbags, perfect nails from weekly mani/pedi sessions and man-style timepieces. All visible ‘rewards’ for those long nights spent at the office.

One-liners to use:

The boardroom warrior is used to direct, honest conversation. She suffers no fools and appreciates a well-thought out, balanced exchange. Don’t try anything too clever because she’ll look right through you – a simple but subtle approach is recommended. Let’s paint you a hypothetical scenario:
You (with a fresh glass of champagne): 'Another Krug?'
She (with empty champagne glass): 'It’s a Veuve Clicquot.'
You: 'Oh, my mistake. Would you like to try this? It’s a Krug, and a good vintage.'

Show your affection:

Big gestures will be appreciated but it’ll be tricky getting her the right gift. What you need is something tasteful, not flashy but still trendy. Check out artwork and prints from Jo Soh’s fashion label, hansel (#02-14 Mandarin Gallery, 333 Orchard Road; 6337 0992), being exhibited from 6 February. A smaller but thoughtful gesture – she does like being taken care of, even if she won’t admit it – is to set her up with the 90-minute fully loaded facial ($200) at pampering supremo Bliss Singapore (#01-05/06 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn; 6509 3511).

Under the covers:

She spends her days whipping people into shape, mediating high powered meetings and brokering multi-million dollar deals – so when it’s time to turn down, the last thing she wants to do is think. Dominate and she will submit. Use your imagination and turn her on with some fantasy role-playing – she’s the secretary, you’re her boss.

Dating 101: PARTY CHIC