6 Dating Prep Tips
Consider your expectations.
When you begin to date the first thing you may want to do is consider your expectations. This is necessary before moving forward. This decision to move forward should be based on more than just attraction. It should be based on your initial impression, your comfort level, and ability to communicate. It’s imperative that you have a positive view of your date before moving ahead.
It’s been said it’s better to listen to your first instinct and never second-guess yourself. This advice is critical when embarking on a new relationship. Never step into a relationship with someone you’re not comfortable with.
Review your standards.
Take time to review your standards - this is of course assuming that you’ve previously set them and have given thought to the atmosphere you wish to create while dating.
What are standards? Standards are guidelines or rules that we operate within. If you’ve not considered making a list of standards I would recommend doing so. They will help to keep you focused and alert.
Set goals.
When dating is practiced with the intention of marriage, as it should be, the process is usually shorter in length as each person has the same goal. When the goal and purpose of a relationship isn’t stated from it’s start you have no idea where it’s leading and you become uncertain that the outcome will be positive. This state of uncertainty is a breeding ground for anxiety and fear. Yes, fear of the future.
Since women by nature are planners, we tend to be more concerned about the future than men. There are times that you may decide to remain in a relationship that isn’t progressing with the hope that things will change. However, this isn’t advised. Therefore, it’s best not to remain in a relationship that fails to meet your expectations.
I’ve encountered countless women who’ve started relationships with men they’ve had reservations about from the start but moved ahead regardless. When this occurs, it brings with it a spirit of suspicion and mistrust.
Establish Boundaries
Why are boundaries so important? Boundaries are needed to establish an environment of safety for you. These boundaries are not just good for you but for your date as well. They will help your date to be respectful, considerate, and consistent. They also insure his level of interest remains high and even increase.
One of the most frustrating things that can happen in relationships is situation where the relationship seems to be going well and all of a sudden, communication stops leaving you to wonder if there was something you said or did. Trust me – there wasn’t. A mature and sincere person would be willing to discuss the issues.
This of course could happen even if you feel you’ve done everything right. The only thing you can do is move on knowing that you’ve at least upheld your standards and although you may be disappointed in your date, you’ll never be disappointed in yourself.
Set the Tone.
This tone that I’m referring to is the message you send regarding how you expect to be treated. It’s assumed that people are aware that they should treat others as they wish to be treated. Well, we’ve all encountered people who don’t subscribe to this belief. For this reason you’ll need to be keenly alert to any signs of negative interaction and be prepared to act accordingly. If this treatment is observed and is permitted it could have devastating consequences.
Set your meeting place.
You’ll need to give careful thought to where you’ll meet. During the course of the relationship you’ll no doubt go many places and do a variety thing. These locations and events should be safe and serve to enhance the relationship.
Here are a few suggestions:
Ø Meet in public places.
Ø Date with friends
Ø Avoid being alone at each other’s apartments or homes particularly in the initial stages of the relationship.
These suggestions will not only keep you safe but accountable as well.