Familiarize Yourself with the World of Dating

No matter where you go, who you see, or what you do, dating involves a certain process of planning. The art of being able to skillfully pull off a painless, memorable, and even romantic date is something that takes time, thought and effort on both sides. The first meeting is normally the most awkward, as both partners are struggling to get to know each other without asking forbidden questions, or do things that will unknowingly put the other person off. Second dates are relatively easier and more smooth-sailing, and successive dates determine whether or not there is real relationship potential between the two parties.

However, to a person who is new to dating, making major mistakes or committing serious dating no-no’s are more common than he or she thinks. Unfortunately, while many people share a Utopian, dreamy vision of what their ideal date would be like, in reality, the executions are a lot more flawed, thus resulting to major boo-boo’s that may prevent a couple from going on a second or third date. The first few dates are crucial to ensuring that relationship potential may arise, and so knowing how to deal with the first handful of meetings is extremely vital. Newbies in dating must know that there are certain do’s and don’ts that come with modern dating.

What You SHOULD Do When Dating

1. Seriously? Enjoy yourself. That’s the number-one rule. When your date sees that you are genuinely having fun, then he or she will eventually relax into the evening, making it more memorable and easy for both of you. When he or she sees that you are tense and stiff as rod, he or she will naturally feel as awkward, and both of you will struggle to make it through the evening.
2. Punctuality is always important. Yes, sometimes being “fashionably late” works, but not in the case of dating. Trust us when we say that your date will appreciate you making it a bit easier for him or her by showing up on the scheduled time. If you are going to be late, have the decency to tell him or her beforehand.
3. Engage yourself in conversations. Conversations are not a one-way street. Even if you’re naturally an introvert, go out of your shell and make the effort to get to know your date-and of course, allow him or her to get to know you as well.
4. Pay your date a compliment. Chances are he or she took a lot of time and effort getting ready for the evening, and will be nervous about seeing you. Ease his or her nerves a bit by telling him or her how great he or she looks.
5. Never go on a blind date, or go out with someone that your friends like and you don’t. Friends are important, but at the end of the day, you will be the one dating the person. So never go out with someone just because your friends told you that you should.
6. If you find that after the first few dates, the sparks still aren’t flying, don’t prolong the agony and be upfront and honest about it. Your date will appreciate your truthfulness and concern for him or her. Don’t lead a person on unless you truly believe that you will end up a couple.
7. Make an effort to create plans. While spontaneity works a lot of times, the first few dates are better planned than winged at the last minute as these are the more awkward moments of the dating process.
8. Don’t be idle if you want to meet someone. You need to get yourself out that door and actively searching for a person you’re interested in. The right person won’t just appear out of thin air.
9. Never let yourself be brought down by an unsuccessful date. It doesn’t end there. There are more fishes in the sea, and if you hang out with people who are also positive thinkers, you will be more motivated to carry on.

What You SHOULDN’T Do When Dating

1. Do NOT-we repeat-do NOT go out with someone who is already married to someone else. This is the number one rule in dating. Do not do this unless you are ready to get your heart broken. The chances and likelihood of them choosing you over their spouse are low. Plus the deception will make you miserable and cranky.
2. No matter what, never ever have sex during a first date! If you really want to see what a person is like, the way to get to know them is not through physical pleasure, but through interesting conversations. You will also find that a great date is someone who respects you enough not to bed you on your first get-together.
3. Be careful about divulging personal information like private contact details and ID numbers. You never know who you’re dealing with until you get to know them better. In line with this, keep your security in mind by bringing cell phones and letting your friends know where you will be and how they can contact you. Never go on a first date in a dark and dusky place. Make sure it’s in a public area where you can be seen and heard.
4. Don’t drink too much on your first date, as this can be offensive and off-putting. Allow yourself to be respected.
5. Don’t play the field while on the date and scope out other potential prospects while you’re at it. Simply put, this is just rude.
6. Maintain that air of mystery by not spilling your guts out to a person on a first date. Chances are they will also not appreciate knowing every single detail about you right away-this is too overwhelming and awkward. Don’t always appear eager about scheduling dates either. You may be free all week, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to make sure you two go out every single night.
7. Be honest. Your date will find it refreshing. Even if the story isn’t pretty, they will have to accept it as a potential partner. They will have to know who you really and are and what your background is in order to accept it, which they also must do if they are interested in a relationship with you.
8. Let your date know about the changes in your plans-whether you will be late or will have to cancel at the last minute. And have the grace to apologize, please. If you need to reschedule, propose a date but don’t assume that this will push through unless they confirm their availability.
9. Don’t appear desperate and keep texting or calling your date after you have just seen each other. This reeks of attention-seeking syndrome and will only just turn him or her off. At the end of the day, leave them with something to do for you. Don’t crowd their answering machines with messages that plead for them to call your right back. It’s just not right.