This is a detail that you can't afford to overlook. You can always improve your voice, and it's not hard at all. Head on over to http://www.essential-skills.com and check out their video tape on "Tonality". Or even better, take some voice lessons. You'd be amazed at how simply changing your voice can make a huge difference in how people perceive you.
4) Always be reading. You should be reading one book per month minimum. Even
if it's short books. Even if it's kids books, it doesn't matter. You should
always be reading something interesting. It makes you a well rounded person,
and someone who is interesting to talk to.
One way to find interesting books is to do a search on http://www.amazon.com
for books that you already know you like. Then, when the book comes up in the
search, click on it... and look to the side. You should see something called
"List Mania".
Basically, people who liked the book you searched for created lists of other
books they liked. It's a great way to find new books that you didn't even know
existed.
Also, look at the reader reviews toward the bottom. After you read a review
that you agree with, click on the reviewer's name, and see the other books that
they have taken the time to review.
Before you know it, you'll discover books that you didn't even know existed.
Remember, always be reading.
5) Make your apartment warm and inviting. Here's a tip. Find someone who has
a sense of style and knows a little about interior decorating. Bring them to
your place, and ask them to be brutally honest with you.
Tell them that you want to make your apartment warm and inviting for your female
guests, but you aren't sure how. You'd be AMAZED at how helpful these people
will be! They will give you ideas that you simply never thought of before. Also,
remember what I said about paying attention to the details... when it looks
like you put some thought into your apartment, she'll automatically see you
as someone who would put a lot of thought into HER.