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I am so glad to be out of the dating scene for the last 24+ years! It would be so scary to have to get back out there meeting new people. So kudos to you for taking this big step!
Dating can be fun. It can be thrilling, exciting and funny. On the flip side, sometimes it can be awkward, laborious and repetitive. If you are worried about your next date or if you think that you just need to try and make a better impression on your potential partner, then this is the guide for you.
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It’s Important to Set Boundaries
Try to decide your boundaries before even going on your first date. Think about what kind of boundaries you want to set, or where your boundaries are. It’s okay to enforce them in the middle of the date as well if it comes to that. Your boundaries will probably fluctuate based on the support system you have, your lifestyle, your ambitions and your general chemistry. It’s important to be flexible but it is also important to make sure that your date is able to respect your boundaries and you respect your date’s boundaries as well. Speak up for what you need, and what you are not comfortable with. Take care not to be too rigid here in things that aren’t make or break a relationship such as where to eat. But don’t be afraid to be firm about things that are critical for you. Stay curious, ask questions about things you wouldn’t do normally and make the effort. Also always make sure to meet in public places and have your own transportation until you know this is a person that is safe. If you want to protect yourself when you do meet someone you like, then check out this link: Tarrant County.
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There will Be Awkwardness
You have to be prepared for awkwardness. It doesn’t matter if you take an elbow on the first hug, if you find yourself falling asleep at the dinner table or if you get locked out of your home at the end of the date. You have to be prepared for moments like this because so you will be able to deal with them much more gracefully. The more practice you can get dealing with things like this, the more fun you’ll have. You may even be able to bounce back from slip-ups too.
Don’t Be Afraid to Call Things Off Early
Your date might be looking for a casual experience or might be truly ready to settle down. If it has become clear that you are looking for different things in a relationship, you may well want to call it off early as opposed to waiting until you are later down the line. Don’t waste your time or the other person’s time. It’s awkward to do this, but if you do not have the same expectations then calling off the date may well save you a lot of trouble. Time is one commodity that you can never get back. This is another reason why you should have your own transportation to where you meet for the date.
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Never Tone Down
Sure, you want to be yourself, but you don’t want to show too much personality, right? NOPE! Why would you date someone you aren’t going to be yourself around. What’s the point?! You need to be yourself as much as possible and you also need to make sure that you are honest about the way that you feel about certain topic matters. Transparency is key. If your date does not appreciate that, they are not a good fit for you in the long-term anyway.
Be Different
If you have been dating for quite some time, then try not to choose the same place every single time. Even though it may be convenient, you should not take your date to a dive bar where you go all the time. If you do, then you may find that you have some awkward run-ins and this is the last thing that you need. Try and choose somewhere that is a neutral location for the both of you, and choose somewhere different every time. If you do this, then you won’t get stuck in the same habits and you will also find that you end up being able to freshen things up too.
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Trust Your Gut!
If something doesn’t feel right, even if it is subconsciously, this may signal that it is not time for you to be dating or not dating a certain person. It may be that a person is giving off a vibe that doesn’t just seem right. It may be that you need to get much more comfortable with yourself and your body. You may also need to get more comfortable with your intentions and whatever you are working through before you are ready to begin the next part of your life with someone else. You can always put off dating. This is especially the case if you believe that your emotions are at stake.
Of course, dating can be a fun experience. I wish you luck in this new pursuit! But it can also be daunting if you are just not ready. It is vital that you listen to yourself and that you also pay special attention to how you feel at every stage of the process. If you don’t, then you may find that you end up in a bad relationship.
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