Try New Things
No one likes to look like a fool. But we often have the best time when we do! If you are on a date, and your partner suggests you try something new -- a new food, a new sport, a new activity -- consider it. Try it. If it's not illegal or immoral, why not? You may find out that you like it or that you're good at it. And you and your date will be closer because you discovered it together. Don?t be afraid to fail. Just let your date know that this is a new thing for you and you?re nervous, yet willing to try. It could be fun!
Becoming Serious
You're dating exclusively, and you have been for a while. Perhaps you've both said the "L" word. Now may be a good time to talk about what you both want out of this relationship. When you become more serious with your boyfriend or girlfriend, take time to talk about your expectations for the relationship and its future. This will help you both stay on the same page and eliminate some rather unpleasant surprises. Talking regularly will bring you both closer together, strengthen your communication skills and hopefully make a good relationship even better.
Just Say It
The first date went GREAT! Now you're sitting at home, waiting. Ask yourself this question: what are you waiting for? Did someone tell you -- a friend, an aunt, an article in a popular magazine -- that you should wait a certain number of days to call? Or did it say you shouldn't call at all? This type of advice treats dating as a game and treats your date as a game piece instead of a human being. If you want to go on another date, say so. Don?t just sit at home waiting and hoping that he or she will call. Take the initiative, give 'em a call and end the suspense! You'll be on date number two before you know itl.
Sharing Your Feelings
Not everyone is comfortable sharing their feelings with their dating partner; it's a tendency that can be traced back to childhood. If your girlfriend or boyfriend's family were not big 'sharers' of their feelings, chances are your date won't be comfortable sharing his or her feelings with you. Regardless of your date's family history, the best way to begin the process is with baby steps. Start by sharing each other's day. Talk about your plans and activities. Then transition into your feelings about those activities -- a less threatening thing to share -- before moving into your more innermost feelings and thoughts. Over time, the two of you may feel comfortable sharing thoughts about each other -- qualities you like, elements of your relationship you like or want to change, and how much you love each other.
Making the Best of A Bad Situation
We've all had 'em: dates that are off-the-charts miserable. They begin badly. They continue badly. They end badly. How do you endure them? And how do you overcome them? The best thing to remember is that a bad date only lasts a few hours; it'll be over soon. Try to handle it gracefully without hurting the other person's feelings. Remember, you don't have to go out on another date. And chances are, you'll get an incredible story out of all that pain.
How Long Should A First Date Be?
First dates are one of the most exciting and terrifying unknowns that a person can face. They can be amazing, and you want them to go on forever. They can be beyond painful, and they can't end quickly enough. Since you never know which way they are going to go, do not plan a first date that will last more than three hours. (A day time date -- lunch or a quick drink -- facilitates this plan.) If the date is miserable, that gives you both an excuse to be put out of your misery. If the date goes well, you can plan that second date as soon as you both can fit it into your calendars!
Hints, Tips and Tricks
Have you ever become frustrated with someone you're dating because they don't say what they mean or what they want? Your partner may think this behavior is 'cute' or 'mysterious,' but dropping hints or beating around the bush causes more problems than it does fascination. Being honest with your girlfriend or boyfriend shows that you respect them and their feelings; hints and tricks and tips are ultimately hurtful and can damage the relationship long-term. Be honest with your mate, and you are more likely to keep them around longer.
What Are You Thinking About?
Many a mother has taught her daughter to never reveal her true feelings to a boy that she is dating. It's all part of the 'dating game'...or so they have said. Unfortunately, playing the dating game is playing with another person's feelings. Being honest and letting the other person know exactly how you feel -- and where you think the relationship is headed -- avoids a lot of hurt feelings, confusion and heartache. True, game playing may make you appear more mysterious to your friends, but being honest will make you more lovable to that special someone that you are no doubt looking for.