Dating Hints

There are simple tips that arm you with relationship advice if you are dating that gives you a fighting chance at success.

• Be yourself and know yourself – Be yourself:  If the person you are trying to impress with fake values and accomplishments does not appreciate the real you, they will not respect you enough to let you “grow into them” anyway.  Know yourself:  Know who YOU are and what you need in order to be fulfilled.  Once you know who you are and what you need, you can fill those needs with a person who possesses the qualities you find necessary.

• Find common ground – get to know someone before considering formal dating.  Identify your core values and interests, and search for things that are in line with how you think and feel about life.

• Know your emotional readiness – If you are only emotionally ready for casual dating, do not fall into something more serious too soon.  People who have been divorced or hurt by love identify with this concept best.  Patience is like gold in relationships. Take small steps toward deeper emotions only when you are ready.

• Do not project past mistakes on future partners – Each day is a new opportunity to leave the past behind. You can not change things that happened or the mistakes you or others made. Start each encounter with a new person with a clean slate, and respect the person in front of you instead of comparing them to people and situations you have been in before.

• Learn to read body language – If your date is squirming in their seat, checking their watch, or watching other people having more fun, it might be time to say goodnight. Do not be discouraged. There will always be opportunities for a relationship with someone else.