10 Do's and Don't of Early Stages of Dating To Keep in Mind

The early stages of dating can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time for many people. This period is typically characterized by getting to know someone new and exploring whether or not there is potential for a romantic relationship.

During the early stages of dating, individuals may feel a range of emotions such as excitement, anticipation, and anxiety. There may be a strong desire to impress the other person and to make a good first impression.

Communication is key during the early stages of dating, as individuals are learning about each other's interests, values, and personalities. This can involve a mix of verbal and nonverbal communication, such as conversations, text messages, and body language.

It's also important to establish boundaries and expectations early on in the relationship. This can help to ensure that both individuals are on the same page and can avoid misunderstandings or hurt feelings down the road.

Overall, the early stages of dating are a time of exploration and discovery, where two individuals are getting to know each other and deciding whether or not to pursue a relationship.

Early stages of dating do’s

# Keep yourself busy

It can be tempting to constantly check their social media profiles, coincidentally find yourself in the same places they've tagged themselves, and talk about them nonstop. However, it's important to stay true to yourself.

Engage in your usual activities like work, studies, socializing, hobbies, and exercise to keep yourself occupied. By doing so, they may wonder why you're not constantly pursuing them, and they might even start pursuing you instead! Trust me, being authentic and focusing on your own life can be a powerful magnet.

# Keep your social media page full of positivity

In the exciting early stages of a relationship, it's probable that your partner is just as curious about your social media activity as you are about theirs. In such cases, it's advisable to maintain a lighthearted and positive online presence.

Endless streams of profound quotes, melancholic love messages, and a consistently negative tone can be off-putting and overwhelming, potentially pushing them away. Instead, opt for a light and positive approach when sharing on social media. Show your fun side by tagging yourself in enjoyable moments spent with friends and engaging in uplifting content. This will create a more appealing and inviting online presence that is likely to keep their interest without overwhelming them.

# Make time for your friends

Balancing your new relationship with maintaining your friendships is crucial, so it's important not to neglect your friends. While I don't want to sound pessimistic, it's essential to consider what might happen if the relationship doesn't work out. Your friends will be there to support you, and you'll need them.

If you make plans to meet your friends, make sure you follow through and prioritize those commitments as you normally would. If you have a tradition of meeting your friend for Wine Tuesdays, continue to do so. Consistency in your interactions will demonstrate that your friendships remain important to you, and it will help maintain the bonds you've built over time.

# Set your boundaries

Establishing boundaries early on is crucial for the success of your relationship. It's important not to let someone disregard your personal boundaries simply because you're infatuated with them during the initial stages of dating.

While it's important to maintain your own interests and individuality, if there are certain things you won't tolerate, it's essential to communicate them. This doesn't mean presenting a comprehensive list of non-negotiables on the first date, but rather being open and honest about your values and limits.

By expressing your boundaries in a clear and respectful manner, you set the tone for a healthy and balanced relationship. It allows both you and your partner to understand each other's needs and expectations from the beginning, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

# Have fun

Keep in mind that the early stages of your relationship will become cherished memories in the years to come. Make sure to create enjoyable moments during this time and allow your true personality to shine. Don't suppress yourself just because everything is new and you're concerned about overwhelming your partner. Embrace authenticity and be true to who you are.

Early stages of dating don’ts

# Give everything up

It's important to never sacrifice your friendships, personal life, hobbies, and interests just because you've met someone you're deeply infatuated with in the early stages of the relationship. It's crucial to preserve your individuality and avoid losing yourself, regardless of how the relationship unfolds.

Continue to pursue your own interests and maintain your commitments to friends. Make sure to carve out time for yourself as well. It's equally important to respect your partner's need for their own personal space and interests.

By maintaining a healthy balance between your relationship and your own individuality, you can cultivate a strong foundation for a fulfilling and sustainable partnership. Remember, both partners should have the freedom to pursue their own passions and maintain meaningful connections outside of the relationship.

# Semi-stalk them

Engaging in excessive scrutiny of someone's social media presence and becoming fixated on dissecting every detail, especially to the extent of potentially violating privacy laws, is not a favorable behavior. It is important to recognize the line between taking a genuine interest in someone's online activities and crossing over into the realm of obsessive stalking.

While it is acceptable to have a healthy curiosity about their social media presence, investing excessive time and energy into scrutinizing every photo or post is unnecessary and can be detrimental. It's crucial to respect boundaries and prioritize respectful and balanced interactions. Remember, being overly invasive or exhibiting stalker-like behavior is not only inappropriate but can also have legal consequences in many jurisdictions.

# Attempt to make their friends your friends

While it's natural for relationships to evolve and deepen over time, it's important to remember to maintain space and allow the relationship to grow gradually in its early stages. Trying to integrate yourself into your partner's social circle too quickly may make them feel overwhelmed and as if they have lost their personal autonomy. It's important to respect their need for individuality and personal connections during this phase. Giving them space and allowing them to have their own separate life is crucial. This will foster a healthier dynamic and provide an opportunity for the relationship to develop organically at a comfortable pace.

# Schedule in dates and activities every single day

During the initial stages of dating, it's important to keep in mind that you're not yet in a committed relationship. It's a phase of exploration and seeing how things progress. It's crucial to avoid prematurely scheduling dates, planning future activities, or envisioning vacations and weekends away together. Instead, it's essential to relinquish control and allow the relationship to develop naturally.

Being excessively needy can be unattractive and potentially hinder the growth of the relationship. By going with the flow and embracing a more relaxed approach, you increase the likelihood of the relationship moving in the desired direction. Allow things to unfold naturally and enjoy the journey without placing undue pressure or expectations on the situation.

# Put a label on it

As mentioned earlier, it's important to acknowledge that you're not in a fully established relationship yet. Therefore, refrain from using terms like boyfriend, girlfriend, or any other labels to describe your partner. Keep the dynamic light and flexible. It's also crucial not to get upset if your partner does the same.

At this stage, it's important to observe how things progress naturally. Some individuals might feel overwhelmed or hesitant if they're given a title too early. It's best to hold off on labeling the relationship until the conversation arises organically between both parties. Allow the relationship to develop naturally and let the appropriate timing guide the discussion about the status of your connection.