There is a lot of dating advice out there. Some of it is good, and some of it can be overwhelming.
It’s important to be honest about what you want in a relationship. Otherwise, you may end up with someone who wants a casual friendship when you are looking for something more serious.
1. Make It Clear What You Want
The first step to finding love is figuring out what you want from your dating experience. It may help to evaluate your past relationships so that you can identify what went wrong or, better yet, what you want to avoid in future partners.
Then, once you have a clear idea of your goals for your dating experience, make sure that you are on the same page with your date. It is easy to miscommunicate about your dating intentions and end up with a casual relationship that you didn’t expect when you started.
This doesn’t mean that you should be demanding. However, it does mean that you should clearly communicate your desires and be willing to compromise if necessary. For example, if you are not interested in having physical contact on your dates, it is perfectly fine to politely decline a kiss goodnight or to turn down a hug. Punctuality is always a good idea, as well. It demonstrates respect and good manners and will impress your date.
2. Be Honest About Your Feelings
Emotional honesty is a key component of a healthy relationship. It allows you to share who you are, and it helps prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings that can result from miscommunication. However, many people are hesitant to be honest about their feelings because they don’t want to make themselves vulnerable or put demands on their partner.
But, in reality, it’s more damaging to your relationship to keep your feelings bottled up than it is to share them honestly. Your partner will pick up on the incongruence between your words and your energy, and they may start to lose trust in you.
If you’re nervous about sharing your feelings, try writing them down. This can be an effective way to communicate, and it also gives you the time to carefully select your words. You may even decide to send your declaration as a sweet note instead of saying it in person. It takes courage to be emotionally honest, but it can ultimately help you have a healthier and more fulfilling relationship.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Asking questions is one of the best ways to get to know someone, but many shy people avoid asking sensitive or personal questions for fear of stepping on their partner’s toes. However, Einav Hart explains that our fears are often overblown. In the right context, sensitive questions can help us better understand each other, and they can lead to stronger relationships.
For example, if your date is interested in politics or sports, you can ask them what their favorite team is and why. This is a simple question that almost everyone can answer, and it will let your date know that you’re interested in them and their interests.
If you’re more comfortable with more intimate questions, you can ask your date about their childhood or if they have any pets. These are also easy to answer and won’t put your date on edge. Moreover, asking these kinds of questions shows that you’re invested in them and can help you build a strong connection. You can even tell them a funny story from your own life to make the conversation more interesting.
5. Be Relaxed
The goal should be to feel comfortable enough to act like a regular person around your date. That means relaxing and enjoying the moment, even if it is awkward.
It’s a lot easier to relax when you’re confident in your own value. If you know that your skills and abilities add up to something significant, then you won’t be worried about whether or not someone else is interested in you. This also helps you to let go of the need to constantly check-in and double-check your behavior or communications with the person.
If you have trouble relaxing on a date, try to understand what’s driving your anxiety. It’s normal to feel some level of anxiety when you meet a new person but it can become an issue if it gets out of control. Trying to push through it without understanding the root causes can lead to self-doubt, confusion and insecurity. Once you have a better grip on what’s causing your anxiety, it can become much easier to relax on a date.
6. Keep It Casual
Having a casual relationship can be exciting and fun, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not a full-fledged romantic commitment. Casual dating can be a great way to meet new people and have a bit of variety in your life. So don’t be afraid to take on that new job or go on an impromptu trip. Just make sure to stay respectful of your casual partner and give them their personal space.
If you want to stay casual, it’s important to set clear boundaries about how often you see each other, what topics you’re comfortable discussing (don’t talk about work), and how intimate you are. You should also be honest about your goals and intentions.
Finally, it’s a good idea to avoid seeing each other in public places where you might run into mutual friends or colleagues. This will ensure that you can cut ties cleanly when your fling ends. Also, be careful about sending cute texts or pictures. This kind of behavior can lead to feelings quickly, even in a casual relationship.
7. Be Yourself
Be your true self, and make sure that you’re bringing your best version of yourself to each date. Don’t be afraid to share your hobbies and interests, your views and beliefs, and any other parts of your identity that are important to you. Just be careful not to use these traits as a weapon to manipulate or control your partner.
Also be mindful about what you’re saying, both verbally and non-verbally. Complaining too much or sounding negative can put your date off. And don’t be afraid to use body language to convey interest in what your date is saying. Nodding, smiling, and leaning in are all great ways to show that you care about what they have to say.
These dating tips will help you feel confident, secure, and clear during your first dates. If you want to learn more about dating like a High Value Queen, check out my ebook program here!
8. Be Authentic
Achieving authenticity in relationships is one of the most important skills that you can develop. This is because healthy relationships require trust and open communication. Being authentic helps you build these relationships by presenting your true feelings, hopes, and dreams to your partner.
When you’re being your authentic self, it’s okay to make mistakes. For example, you may trip over your words or make a silly typo when texting a friend. Just remember that you don’t want to overdo it. Being overly perfect can come across as insincere.
Authenticity also involves actively listening to your date and responding to their concerns with compassion. It also means respecting their boundaries and avoiding putting them on the defensive.
Authenticity can be challenging to master, but it is essential for creating meaningful romantic relationships. By following these simple tips, you can become more authentic and increase your chances of finding a partner who will appreciate you for who you are. Intimate romantic relationships take time to cultivate, but they can be worth the effort.