To date or not to date, that is the question as dating gets a bad rap. Mix the stigma of dating with an overactive imagination – visions of meeting boring men or having horrible things happening to you – and soon you will swear off dating altogether.
It’s time to wake up to the reality that dating can be exhilarating and fun. Yes, it can!
Creating an open attitude towards dating and adopting new strategies can turn dating into a fun new interest that gets you active and builds your confidence.
Remember, dating leads to happily ever after.
So stop making excuses. If you feel comfortable enough to engage in a conversation with a stranger, then you can date.
With all those dating websites out there, it's even easier because you can set filters for someone who matches your lifestyle and priorities. You can control the level of contact you have with people you might be interested in dating. And that should make you feel safer, while ratcheting up your anticipation levels.
There are many perks to dating, including:
- Getting Out and About – Dating gets you active and out of your "poor me” isolation and closer to finding “the one.”
- Practice Makes Perfect – Whether your date is 15 minutes at a coffee shop or an hour-long hike on a nearby trail, every date provides an opportunity to learn more about what you want in a future partner.
- Building Confidence – The more you date the more comfortable you will be dating.
5 Simple Tips for Fun Dating
No Pressure. Have fun. Dating is just trying people out for short periods of time. Some last minutes, some longer.
Body language. Your body language says a lot about you. Crossed arms and legs say you are guarded or disinterested. Be aware of your body language. Uncross your arms. Face your date. If you are feeling flirty be sure to use light eye contact, smile, and laugh.
Take It Easy. Talk about safe subjects. Hobbies and favorite things are great topics for dating. As you learn more about each other, look to find things you have in common. This will help you build your conversation. Exit Strategy. Keep your exit simple. Just say, "It was nice to meet you," and walk away. Don't over think the situation. If you want the date to end, end it.
Keep It Present. Interact in the now. Engage in conversation and activity with your date. Pay attention to the flows in the conversation. Keep it Present. Interact in the now. Engage in conversation and activity with your date. Pay attention to the flows in the conversation.
Here are some tips for getting back into the swing of things as you let the dating experience back into your life.
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- Use an online dating service or a matchmaker to help you find people you’ll have real connections with. Dating gets better with experience.
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- Meet people first casually. Expose yourself to many types, of people, especially the ones you aren't normally attracted to. Dating is about finding the right person – and it rarely happens overnight. Have fun socializing with your new contacts.
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- Avoid sexual intimacy at the beginning stages of dating. Sex is very emotionally charged for many of us. Keep dating light by taking sex off the table – at least to start with. Get to know each other first.
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- Take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise and get a full night's sleep. Have passions that bring you happiness. A well-rounded person is more interesting to date.
- Remember that dating is fun. Keep it easy and light with safe topics. If you aren't having a good time, move on to the next person. You are free to pursue exactly who you are interested in now.
