Relationship Advice If You Are Dating

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.

• Be polite - Show up (or be ready) for your date on time, open doors, be polite, dress well. Take the time to invest in the success of the relationship by starting off right.

• Keep it simple - For some, dating is an unpleasant experience, regardless of the outcome. Expectations are high, but the fact is they should not be.  Keeping things simple is a great way to really get to know someone.  Meet for lunch or go for a walk.  Then when you get there, be yourself.

• Use the relationship advice of friends and family wisely - Too often, less confident daters turn to friends and relatives, for advice on the "who, what, where, when, and why" of the dating game.   There is something to be said for going with your natural instincts and making your own way.   Use common sense and you will be okay.

• Do not settle for less - Respect yourself enough to avoid "throwaway" relationships, just to be "involved" with another human being.

A Final Word

Remember that just as Rome was not built in a day, you should not expect your relationship to be either.  The best advice is to take things slow, be yourself, know yourself, use common sense, and keep it simple.

Monte Jamison, Founder
PickMySpouse
CommonSenseNation

© 2009