- Enjoy yourself.
Dating shouldn’t be seen as a chore or an excruciating thing you must go through. Think of it as an opportunity to go to new places, meet new people and have experiences that you otherwise wouldn’t have had. If the date doesn’t work out, you could still develop a friendship or networking opportunity.
- Relax.
Above all a date should add value and joy to your life – not take away from it. Remember that you might potentially go on many dates before finding someone you are actually compatible with. Go easy, enjoy the ride and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
- Don’t project your expectations.
This one is important if you’re particularly attracted to someone. Keep in mind that physical attraction is much more common than emotional or life-style compatibility. What you really want is someone who you’re not only physically attracted to but someone who you are also compatible with. If you project unwarranted expectations simply because you’re attracted and want to force qualities onto the person that the person doesn’t have, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Avoid projections.
- Avoid too much contact the following days after your date.
Give yourself time to process your date. Think about what was said, what you felt, how your date reacted to certain situations. Remember that you are still an individual living your best life and your partner is a compliment to your life. Not the answer to your life. Give yourself some healthy distance and if everything checks out, see that person again!
- Don’t get too physical too quickly.
Again, physical attraction is way more common than life-style compatibility. The last thing you want is to get emotionally confused about someone who you may be intensely physically attracted to but who isn’t compatible with your life and life-style. Take things nice and slow.
