Dating can be exhausting and, sometimes, feel like a drag. You go on date after date, and although you have a connection with some, many just fizzle out into nothing.
It’s easy to get caught up in the “dating game” by going on as many dates as possible because, in the end, the more dates you go on, the higher the chance of meeting someone you like, right? While this might ring true for some, many of us aren’t as lucky or have that much time and energy to solely dedicate to dating.
So, how can we date in a way that suits us and, at the same time, creates a more enjoyable and meaningful experience?
To help you date more intentionally, here are five tips that you can try out on your path to finding love.
1. Learn To Love Yourself and Know Your Worth
It sounds so cliché and you’ve probably heard it many times before, but learning to love yourself and having a healthy amount of self-care and self-love in your life is an excellent route to finding true love.
By loving yourself, you begin to understand your worth which often translates into you being more confident – and confidence is sexy! You know what you have to give and know what you want.
2. Set your boundaries
Having boundaries is important in all areas of life. In relationships and especially in romantic or intimate relationships, these may sometimes be pushed or ignored more easily in order to please the other. For this reason, before you continue dating, find out what your deal breakers are and whether you have any boundaries that you may be more open to changing or adapting.
Boundaries can and often do change with time, but this change should always be voluntary and natural.
Setting boundaries when dating sends clear signals to any potential matches. What’s more, you’re less likely to compromise on what’s important to you, meaning you’re less likely to be caught in an uncomfortable situation.
3. Keep it real
Of course, we all want to show off our best selves when we meet someone new, but not being true to who you are can be an exhausting act to keep up.
Knowing your worth and where your boundaries lie will make it easier for you to keep it real and remain true to yourself. There will always be moments when we want to impress our dates or maybe even show off a little. However, you don’t want to feel like you have to impress them and always be on your best behaviour.
Being yourself may not always be easy, but you shouldn’t have to change yourself to be accepted by others.
4. Quit playing games
Have a think about why you’re dating. What is your intention? What are your relationship/dating goals? Are you dating to find a long-term partner, or simply looking for something casual? Whatever your intentions are, be honest with yourself and be upfront with your date.
In this way, you both know where you stand, which means less second-guessing each other’s actions or messages.
5. Enjoy the process
Last, but certainly not least, enjoy getting to go know your date. Going on dates shouldn’t feel like going to a job interview or something you have to do.
Although dating can be time-consuming and to some may feel like an additional chore, you have the power to make it what you want it to be.
Of course, there will be less enjoyable moments or times when you overthink sending a text or asking a question. However, as long as you feel like you’re moving forward, try to relax and enjoy the company and the dates you’re on.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to date with intention and finding love, sign up for the Lovedoc waitlist, and be the first to receive a sneak peek at the app and all the newest updates.
