hollie
The complexities of dating go beyond mind reading and body language interpretations. Given the fact that modern-day dating has undergone a 180-degree evolution since the 90’s, it helps to know that there are still timeless rules that dating couples should live by.
Compliments pay off
Most modern-day couples overlook the magic that good old-fashioned compliments bring. Remember, compliments are a lot different from false flatteries. Take time to make your date feel good about herself about the genuine things that struck you about her. If she’s the smartest chick that you’ve ever dated, let her know. If your guy looks good in his mauve shirt, then it’s worth verbalizing the compliment. Studies have shown that giving and receiving sincere compliments trigger the release of endorphins in your body. Now, who doesn’t want a rush of those happy hormones?
Excessive details about your past are NOT welcome
Your dating history should be perceived like your Curriculum Vitae. A few noteworthy details are given to highlight your credentials but no exhaustive expansion is deemed necessary. No date would ever want another man or woman’s name dangling in just about every conversation, much less your first date.
Save steamy sessions and intimate conversations for later
In a survey conducted by Match.com, 80% of respondents (males and females) agreed that it’s not prudent to have sex on the first date. For men, having it all in one night eliminates their motivation to call for a second date, and in most cases, negative impressions ruin their interest. Talks about wedding plans in the early stages of dating can also scare your date away. Even if your first date has translated into an almost soul mate-like chemistry, you have to keep in mind that giving it all away too fast runs the risk of making your guy step on those dating brakes too soon.
Honesty is still the best policy
The best-foot-forward principle only lasts for so long. Sooner or later (usually sooner), your date will know the facts and the fallacies of your stories. Be sure to be candid about everything, especially the basics. You may not want to disclose your paycheck rate but at least be honest about your occupation or job title. The same thing goes for your family background and your overall educational credentials. If you may have sugarcoated any of that fundamental information, you may want to be ready for future blows because chances are, your date will find out; and when she does, you can bet that happy endings will be far from your own reality.
Red flags have a lot of weight in them. Make sure you don’t “carry” any
Sometimes, it’s the small details that your dates may notice. Your guy may be his perfect gentleman self around you but be on the lookout on how he treats the valet staff or that waiter who handed him the wrong wine. Character is the focal point of a person, so if he doesn’t have a lot of good-deed bones in his body, you may want to narrow down your options and let him go. As for women, manners do not always translate on the formal dining set-up. Your girl may be well versed in just about all the French terms on the menu but when bashing and gossips seem like second nature, you may want to reconsider bringing her home to mom.
With all the self-help and dating books found in bookstores today, hundreds of do’s and don’ts can get confusing and for some, even overwhelming. Sticking with the mentioned classics may not answer all your dating woes but it can cover all the bases in assuring that you are on the right dating track, and a step closer to the once elusive relationship bliss.
Bella
Jason Harris
renae
natalie
