Dating doesn’t have to be as exhausting and dreadful as many people see it to be. The process of dating is one of self-discovery and can be quite enjoyable and pleasant. Of course, you may have to go through your fair share of bad dates, but the good outweighs the bad right? If you want to make the process a little easier for yourself, read the pointers listed below.
1. Understand That You May Not Find The Perfect Partner In The First Try
It is essential to understand that the idea of ‘the one’ that you may have built in your head probably doesn’t exist in reality. Even if he or she does exist, it is highly unlikely that you’re going to meet that person when you just start dating- and this is okay. As you begin dating, you may come to find that everyone is a little flawed in one way or the other (even you) and that’s what makes us more interesting.
2. Understand Yourself And What You’re Looking For In A Partner
As much as dating is about getting to know another person, it is also largely about self-discovery and understanding what you’re looking for in a partner. It is essential to follow action with reflection. Once you’ve been on the date, regardless of whether it went well or not, spend a few minutes thinking about which aspects of it you liked and disliked.
3. Playing ‘Hard To Get’ Isn’t The Best Strategy
It is important to keep yourself engaged with activities like your work, interests, and social life while dating. Never put your life on hold when you start dating someone. At the same time, don’t try to appear busier than you really are. Studies have found that playing hard-to-get may actually lead people to lose interest in each other.
4. ‘Un-friend-zoning’ Could Be A Thing
Consider dating your friends. A healthy relationship is one that is based in friendship. As important as romantic interest is, it tends to fade away after a few months or years. When it comes to dating, romantic interest tends to take over and friendship only begins to form much later. Reversing this process might work well for you.
5. The Bar May Also Not Be The Best Place To Find A Lover
“The club isn’t the best place to find a lover
So the bar is where I go” – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran may find lovers at the bar but it might not be the right place for everybody. Consider striking up a conversation with someone you find interesting at an event you’re participating in, book clubs, dance classes, and other social gatherings. You never know where you’re going to find the person you’re going to date. Finding someone with a shared common interest might help initiate more meaningful conversation.
6. Think About Whether You’re Interested In Your Date
Many people are obsessed to a fault about being liked by their date that they forget to ask themselves if they liked their date in the first place. Notice the things you liked and disliked about your date. Never assume that your date’s interest in you is reason enough for you to be interested in them.
7. Don’t Rely On Other People’s Opinions
If you like someone, don’t be quick to ask what other people’s opinions of that person are. Their opinions might cloud your sense of judgement and influence your decision even if you think it won’t. Let your opinion formulate on its own as you get to know the person you’re dating better.
8. If You Realize That You’re Not Into Your Date, Move On
If you have come to realize that you’re not really into the person you’re dating, don’t drag it along because of your fear of being single or any other insecurities you may have. It’s best to end it where it is and see what the future has in store for you. Don’t lose hope.
