Let’s be honest: Dating can be a bit scary, and it’s not about lacking confidence. Even if you’re comfortable with who you are and can hold a good conversation, the idea of showing your best self to a stranger who might be your future partner can be pretty intimidating. Whether you’re looking for a casual relationship or something more serious, this guide is here to help you navigate modern dating.
We’ve gathered six important rules to help you find what you want, so relax and have fun when you’re out there dating.
Put Yourself Out There
We understand that meeting new people can sometimes make you uneasy, but pushing past any negative feelings about dating is important. The more you make an effort to meet new people, the higher your chances of finding someone you genuinely connect with. If you’re not a fan of dating apps, consider other options, like asking your friends to introduce you to potential matches. You can also try meeting people at places you enjoy, like joining a yoga class and chatting with someone you find interesting afterward.
Keep an Open Mind
Being open-minded is the key rule here. Sometimes, we have a specific idea of the kind of person we want to date, but that might prevent us from meeting someone special. Just because someone has different interests or isn’t what you usually look for doesn’t mean they’re not worth getting to know. You never know what you might discover if you give someone a chance. So, why not be open to new possibilities?
Stay Safe
Your safety should always come first when you’re dating. Don’t worry about being polite if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe – just leave the situation. Especially when meeting someone from a dating app, it’s a good idea to tell a friend where you’ll be, meet your date in a public place, and make sure you stay alert so you can make the right decisions throughout your time together.
Set Your Own Pace
When you’re dating someone new, take things at your own speed. You don’t have to follow society’s unwritten rule about waiting a certain time before being intimate with your new partner. It’s perfectly fine to wait if you’re not entirely sure you’re ready for intimacy yet.
Remember: Forming Connections Takes Time
Don’t rush things; finding the right person takes time. Instead of trying to speed up the process and settling for someone who doesn’t fully meet your needs, it’s better to invest time in dating more people. This increases your chances of finding the one who truly makes you happy.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
We understand that you can’t always be positive, but when it comes to dating, it’s a good idea to try and stay positive. If you go into a first date with a negative mindset, it’s more likely to turn out badly. Instead, think about it this way: If you meet someone you’re not that into, it’s just a couple of hours of your time, right? But if you approach the date with a positive attitude, thinking you’ll have a good time regardless of whether there’s a second date, you’ll enjoy yourself more. Positive thinking can make a real difference.
