Dating Advice You Wish You Followed When You Were Single

happy girl with book

When we are actively participating in the dating game, we think we know our stuff. We know how to appeal to the other singles in the bar. We know how to show off what our mommas gave us. Why we even know how to seal the deal!

Or… Maybe not. If that were truly the case, we wouldn’t be single, now would we? Probably not. In fact, most of us who are actively dating are going about it all wrong. People who care about us probably even see this and try offering us dating advice, but we simply ignore it because we think we know better.

Perhaps now is the time that you swallow your pride and admit that you aren’t so savvy when it comes to dating, and any advice you receive can change the way you approach dating, love, and someone you are interested in. Keep reading to learn useful bits of dating advice that you’ll want to commit to memory.

1. Finding a romantic partner should be only one of the many goals you set for yourself.
There’s nothing wrong in wanting have a goal in life. Why there isn’t anything wrong with being passionate about achieving that goal. But, the second that passion turns into an obsession, then it’s time to reevaluate. So, while you may be dedicated to finding the love of your life, if that is all you talk about or all you want to do, you have to take a few steps back and rethink your priorities.

2. When you are attracted to someone, any friends you may have in common will have several things to say that may make you rethink that attraction.
We all have that friend who likes to stick their nose into your business and tries to make you rethink your crush. Whether the stuff that they say is true or not, it still will give you pause.

3. It isn’t always about getting someone to think you’re good enough to date them.
More likely than not, when you find someone that you want to spend a lot of time with, you’re going to evaluate every second you’re with them to see if you truly can stand to be near one another.

4. Work on that gaydar.
You might be attracted to someone only to find out that they are gay, and that’s a bummer!

5. Understand that sometimes your partner will have an annoying habit or two… or a hundred.
Not everyone is going to be perfect. Sometimes when you find someone that you like you become blind to their idiosyncrasies. However, the more time you spend with them, the more you notice those annoying behaviors that are just disrespectful, and you definitely do not deserve that!

6. If you’re really bored at the local hotspot on a Friday night, chances are you aren’t going to meet anyone there who will make the night any more exciting.
Instead of ordering another martini to dull your senses, think of somewhere else you’d like to go next weekend. If your friends don’t want to go, why not go solo? You never know how much fun you could have!

7. Stop worrying about possibly being rejected for stupid reasons.
You aren’t going to appeal to everyone, so you are going to be rejected now and then. Don’t let it get to you. The sooner you can weed out the folks that aren’t right for you, the happier you’ll be.

8. Go to the movies alone.
Whoever said that you had to go to the movies with someone obviously has never sat through a movie by themselves. It can be enjoyable, relaxing, and you don’t have to share your snacks! Score! You should also try going to other places like museums, trade shows, parks, concerts, and festivals by yourself. When you’re in a relationship, remember it doesn’t mean you have to be attached at the hip!

9. The first date shouldn’t be treated as an audition for a commitment.
The first time you go out on a date with someone, the only thing you should be hoping for is not to hate them and possibly go out on a second date. That’s all!

10. If your date says they are too [insert adjective here], believe them.
He may try to tell you that he is too damaged, too neurotic, or too busy to date. It doesn’t matter what you say or do, you won’t be able to fix him. Chances are, he’s just telling you politely that he isn’t really interested in seeing you again.