Dating 101

Dating advice is abundant on the Internet, in magazines, books, newspapers and on TV. There was even an eight year old kid who wrote a book filled with sound dating advice. (That kid really is pretty clever and must be pretty popular with the girls, because although fairly basic, all of his dating advice is good sense. |If you read the book, you will be forced to agree that that eight-year-old kid does know what he’s on about and that he keeps it simple. And that is the point really: when it comes to dating, keep things simple.

Leave your past in the past. It only holds you back. Anyone you get dating advice from will tell you that to have even one successful date, you need to dump all your baggage and start afresh. Do not ruin your chances by boring your new date with stories of your ex’s crimes against you. It is a just not on. Do not let old grievances spoil new chances.

‘Be yourself’ is probably the best dating advice possible. It’s true that people like to put their best foot forward, and impress their date, but if they aren’t their usual selves, not only will they feel uncomfortable, but their date will pick up on the uneasy vibes as well.

Not to expect too much (nor too little) is also good dating advice. If you expect too much from one date or from te person you are dating, it is highly likely that you will be discouraged by the results. After all, your date is only human too and first dates are generally at least slightly awkward.

A question that crops up time and time again is: who should pay? The general consensus of opinion in dating advice circles is that the one who invites, pays. But, others argue that it is always better to go 50/50 every time to avoid embarrassment. Furthermore, there is yet another school of dating advise though, that reasons that a man is not a gentleman” if he doesn’t offer to pick up the bill. The best thing to do in this scenario would be to settle for something that you and your date are both comfortable with.

Texting your date before meeting is also a good idea as it puts him or her at ease and allows you to discuss interests and hobbies in an informal and less tense environment than a first date would be. This gives you something to work with if conversation lags.

At the end of the day, just bear in mind that, no matter how much dating advice you have under your belt, eventually, it is all up to you. No date is the last date, so if one doesn’t work out, don’t worry, there can be another one and if it still doesn’t work, there are always other people to meet.