It’s Stress Awareness Month and as we know dating and the pressure of finding the perfect partner can often affect someone’s life. Dating can be a stress filled minefield which can be tricky to navigate but it also can be an amazing experience which leads to a great night filled with fun and romance. A lot of the time the outcome of a date can depend on the mind-set and attitudes of the individuals involved.
Catching up with dating app happn’s trends expert, Claire Certain, we have 5 top tips on how to have fun and relax when going on dates and meeting new people.
1) Trust your instincts
Chances are, by the time you arrange a date, you have already spoken to the other person, whether its texting or talking on the phone. It is good to listen to your gut, does the conversation flow well enough to last the whole dinner? Are you excited to hear from this person? Don’t force interactions if the spark isn’t there, feeling comfortable with the person you are about to meet means you will feel less anxious. Be mindful of butterflies (the good kind), its totally natural to feel nervous, but try to embrace the feeling.
2) Put your detective hat on
Don’t worry, we don’t need to find out their shoe size, address and check out all their exes on Facebook, but a little insight into their likes and dislikes is key before any date. It is incredibly important to find out your partner’s interests and helps to avoid the nerve-wracking silences and repetitive conversation.
3) Be comfortable in your environment
A good rule of thumb is to make sure the place you are going to is comfortable and on familiar ground. You’ll feel far more relaxed if you’re in a place that puts you at ease and allows you to chat more freely. It’s ok to have a few drinks to help with the nerves but try to not drink too much either.If you’re worried about not having enough to say, try a date where there is an activity involved.This allows you to help the conversation along a little before it starts to flow naturally. Just be patient and find enjoyment in the situation, it will automatically lower any stress levels. If it gets too awkward, don’t forget to laugh it off and try to learn from the experience.
4) Earlier is better
A little trick we learned along the way is to make the date earlier in the week. This trick shifts the pressure off the weekend where the expectations reach peak, no need to feel this pressure on a first date. Rather than a big dinner or drinks it’s simpler to meet for a coffee mid-week or an after work drink. This will create a comfortable space for you both and will be easier to escape should the things do south.
5) Accept rejection
Being a part of the dating scene makes rejection unavoidable. Chances are, you will meet people after a few dates who will simply be not that into you and vice versa. This is perfectly ok! It sucks, but it’s always worth remembering that you are in control of how it will affect you. Avoid dwelling on bad dates, instead try to learn from the experience. Keep your expectations in check and understand that a rejection doesn’t mean you are not good enough, it just means you and your date are not suitable for each other. When you have the right attitude, you’ll feel less stressed, be able to wave off rejections, and find a suitable partner that is truly for you.
