I get asked frequently if I subscribe to or prescribe to traditional dating “rules”. You know, things like wait X number of days to call a guy back, don’t sleep with a man before X number of dates, never be the first to say “I love you,” and so on and so on.
Well, the simple answer is no.
Living a life with hard rules doesn’t allow flexibility. You need to know how to use and modify rules based on your personal beliefs and what will directly work for you.
On my own journey and along the journey of my clients and readers, I’ve learned some rules that never seem to fail anyone.
Below are the top things to do while dating someone.
Invest in yourself
Confidence is the key to attract great love into your life and in loving who you are. The more you invest in becoming a beautiful person inside and outside, the more confident you will become.
It’ll encourage you to not settle for anything less than you deserve. It’ll make you realize your real worth.
Always play yourself
If you invest in yourself, you won’t need to transform into another person. By being yourself, you won’t have to second guess if a man likes you for the person you really are or the person you have presented.
Stay present
To keep your sanity and dating future intact, live in the present. Remind yourself that real feelings take time to develop and relationships need room to blossom. Think of early dating as get-to-know-him time and not the time to decide if your date could be your future groom.
Trust your instincts
Living life can put you in all sorts of wonderful situations but it can also present you with some questionable ones, too. If something doesn’t feel right, it isn’t.
Don’t force yourself to learn lessons that don’t need to be learned. Trust your gut.
Open your mind
Don’t be quick to judge and date outside of your comfort zone. There is no wrong place to find Mr. Right and there’s no wrong timing. Don’t let the idea of being married by 30 or dating someone within your line of work or social status stop you from meeting other people.
Be open for business
From having an approachable attitude and demeanor to dressing for dating success, allow yourself to say “yes” to the possibility of love at all times. Be prepared emotionally and physically to take and give applications anytime, anywhere.
See Also: 4 Dating Mistakes You Could Be Making (And What To Do With Them)
Leave your house
No one ever found their love by staying cooped up in an apartment, reading magazines and eating Chinese takeout 7 days a week. Get out there and connect with the vibrant world. Give in and watch what you will receive in return. You’ll be surprised by the opportunities you’ll find.
Spend time in your treehouse
No matter how much fun you are having dating or how in love you are, you need time to yourself. You need time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
And if you are in a relationship, your man needs the same. Honor your individuality by gifting yourself some time apart.
Take the high road
Dating offers a myriad of options and choices where we can take the high road or the low road.
For example, what happens when a boyfriend breaks your heart? Do you play the revenge card?
Although it might be momentarily satisfying, in the end, you’ll feel worse for sinking to his level. By taking the high road, you’ll be proud of the woman in the mirror that you rise and shine to everyday.
Grow from your experiences
Every adventure in dating is a moment to learn from, so don’t hinder yourself from growing from your experiences. Don’t waste your time and energy.
Wear color
Despite our natural inclination to go for that black ensemble, men are more attracted to color. Opt for jewel tones which look great on every skin tone, make your eyes pop and send a message that you are fun and confident. These can set you apart from the sea of women donning boring black.
Believe in love
No matter how many unfavorable experiences you have, don’t lose faith in the beauty of love. Remember, those who believe in love are instantly more lovable. This is something you can’t miss in the list of things to do while dating someone.
See Also: 7 Ways To Tell That You’ve Gone From Dating To A Relationship