6 Essential Rules of Dating

Dating has always been a tricky and challenging part of being human, but dating in the modern world? That’s an entirely different ball game. The area of modern dating is much more complicated than it was a few decades ago. There are more rules and etiquette to follow, not to mention major shifts in gender dynamics to adjust to. 

All that said, dating doesn’t have to be a battlefield. With the right strategy and preparation, you can make the most out of the experience and even gain life-changing lessons along the way. Below are six (6) essential rules of dating that you can try out to make your dating life much more harmonious and enjoyable. 

Be clear about your goals

When it comes to dating, different people may have varying goals and expectations. Before you even go on the second or third date, both parties must be on the same page about where you both want to be during your time together. Are you looking for something serious or fleeting? Are you in it simply to socialize with people who might have similar interests as you? Knowing your goals can help prevent hurtful misunderstandings and disappointment between you and your date. 

Put effort into your outfit

While it isn’t a requirement to look fancy or cute when you’re going out with someone, dressing up for a first date can make the event more special and memorable. This doesn’t mean you should put on an uncomfortable evening gown for the occasion. Simply putting on an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and yourself is enough. 

A study from Northwestern University found that clothing had a significant effect on a person’s psychological state. When you dress nicely for a date, you’ll feel more confident and at ease with yourself. So, don’t be afraid to put a little more effort into your outfit. 

Take your time

Forming connections with people you go on dates with takes time and effort. It’s not like in the movies when one day you’re both just getting coffee from your favorite bistro and the next you’re exchanging engagement rings. There is a process that you go through to figure out if you’re the right match for each other. So, take your time. Don’t rush into things and definitely don’t rush the other person into getting on the same level as you. 

If you find yourself feeling particularly anxious or anticipatory, take a deep breath and remind yourself to just enjoy the moment. 

Avoid talking about your exes

Let’s be honest — who wants to listen to a person talk about their exes for an hour and a half? Exactly, nobody. This is why avoiding talking about your exes during the first few dates is a big NO-NO. Conversations about exes can get dark and heavy pretty fast. Dark and heavy isn’t exactly a color that you want your first, second, or even third date to have. 

If you aren’t sure what topics you can bring up during your dates, creating a list of safe subjects ahead can help. Not to say that you should create full scripts to memorize and reiterate. However, it does pay to mentally prepare yourself a little bit before going out on a date. 

Don’t sweat the bill

Traditionally, men and women had very different roles in terms of who answers the bill during dates. But it’s 2022 and most of what was accepted before with regards to dating are mostly non-existent now. There’s no need to adhere to outdated gender norms that were created by a much more oppressed generation. 

If you’re a woman going out on a date with a man, there shouldn’t be any reason for you not to pay the bill for the both of you. In the same way, there shouldn’t be any reason for a man to feel obligated to pay for the date either. If none of you wants to let the other pay for the entire bill, you can agree on splitting the cost so nobody feels bad about anything. 

Don’t rush the follow-up

It can be tempting to reach out to your date immediately after having such a great time with them. But no matter how fun or enjoyable your date may have been, you must allow yourself and the other person enough time to evaluate your compatibility before going on more dates. After all, it would be a complete waste of time for both of you if you kept going out, only to discover in the end that you don’t jive well together. 

When it comes to sending a follow-up, wait at least a week or two before texting or calling the other person. That should be enough time for you both to analyze your feeling 

Enjoy the journey

Dating is much more than simply finding the person you’ll be spending the rest of your life with. It’s also getting to know other people, building connections, and enhancing your understanding of life as you know it. These six essential rules of dating should be able to help you make the most out of your journey. Good luck and enjoy the ride!