Dating is an art that anyone can learn if they put their mind to it. There must be hundreds of books on the market today offering dating advice to singles, widowers and divorcees. Dating is for anyone who wants to establish a fun and meaningful relationship. By following these tips, you can be well on your way too many pleasurable evenings and momentous occasions.
Be Yourself
There’s nothing more irritating than going on a date with someone who is trying so hard to be what they are not. Whether you are on a blind date, going out with someone you recently met or have been dating someone for a while, strive to relax, enjoy yourself and be who you are.
Dating offers an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy each other’s company in a variety of different settings. One of the greatest pleasures of dating is sharing similarities and differences, interests, hobbies, passions, goals, and so much more.
Dating may or may not lead to a more permanent relationship, depending on the individuals involved. However, it offers an opportunity to share a part of yourself with someone else and, if nothing else, establish valuable friendships for the future.
Who to Date
Who to date is a personal matter that people need to decide on their own. Some people are naturally outgoing and friendly and have little trouble meeting people and setting up dates right away. Others are quite reserved and shy and may need some help to get things going. If you fall in the latter category, you may have well-meaning friends or relatives trying to set you up with dates or offering dating advice.
Just remember that, ultimately, the choice to date and who to date is yours alone. If you feel comfortable going on a blind date set up by close friends by all means, go and have a great time.
If blind dates make you tense and nervous, perhaps other arrangements can be made for you to meet your prospective partner in some other way, such as through a group outing or party. Blind dates are not for everyone, and you can save yourself time and embarrassment by being careful about the “who” before you agree to go out.
Where to Go
One beauty of dating is that there is no limit to the places you can go to. Evening dates can include any activity from dinner out to watching a movie or play, enjoying a concert together, going to a party or disco, sharing drinks at a bar and much more. Dating in the afternoon may find you having lunch together, sharing a cup of coffee, going ice skating, biking, golfing or swimming at the club, etc.
One way to please your date is to choose places or events you know will arouse his or her interest or enjoyment. You may be a great basketball fan, but if your prospective date finds the sport boring, inviting your partner to watch a professional basketball game may not be in your best interest, especially on a first date. If you can find mutual interests in advance and arrange a date for a place or event you both enjoy, you stand a better chance of being successful in your dating endeavour.
Who Pays
Despite modern attempts at altering old fashioned dating habits, it is still reasonably customary for the man to pay for dating expenses, unless, of course, you have come to a mutual agreement in advance. A man who has invited a woman to dinner, a movie, the theatre or any other occasion should expect to foot the bill.
In today’s society, a woman may offer to pay her share of the expenses. Even so, men, unless this has been discussed and planned in advance, it would be in your court to graciously decline her offer and pay for you both. It is much better to come prepared to pay for the entire evening than being caught short.
What to Expect
The art of dating has been around for centuries, yet so many people are still not sure how to act on a date or what to expect. Many people especially feel nervous and awkward when it comes to blind dates.
Young women who are inexperienced in dating may feel a bit nervous on a first date, not knowing what their partner has in mind. After a romantic dinner for two and drinks, a woman may feel she “owes” a man a little more than a “thank you” and peck on the cheek when he takes her home.
No one should be made to feel obligated or pressured into doing anything on a date they are uncomfortable with. Whether you are new to the dating scene or an old pro, it is your responsibility to treat your partner with courtesy and respect at all times.
Dating can reveal a man or woman’s character (or lack thereof) through what is said and done. If you don’t want your first date to be your last, you will do well to remember your manners and treat others as you would want them to treat you.
Is It Worth It?
Is dating worth the trouble, expense and effort, not knowing for sure whether your date will be a success or total failure? Absolutely! Dating can be one of the most enjoyable past times on the planet when it is done right. You can even set yourself up for success in dating so that both you and your partner get the most from the experience.
Planning is an essential aspect of dating and can make a difference in the success of your evening. Your attitude will also play a key role in your dating success. If you are determined to give your date a pleasant and enjoyable time, he or she cannot help but reciprocate in return.
As the saying goes, “Smile and the whole world smiles with you.” A positive and cheerful outlook can do wonders in transforming a dull evening into one of great satisfaction and pleasure.
Though there is no guarantee that every date you go on will be the awesome experience you desire, dating is still one of the best ways to make friends and establish long term relationships. By following this dating advice, you may very well find more “hits” than “misses” in your dating and experience greater enjoyment from your dating ventures.