5 Early Stages of Dating Do's

I remember those early stages of dating well. Sleepless nights, effortless weight loss, constant nervous energy, checking my phone so many times the home key stuck, and stressing my friends out with constant questions and queries.

Yes, those early stages of dating were a joyful time … or not!

In so many ways, those heady days of “do they like me/don’t they” are full of wonderful memories, but I consider this the same as childbirth *not that I have ever had children*. It’s wonderful when you look back on it, but at the time it’s a nightmare.

It might look idyllic and full of sweet nothings. The self-doubt and constant urges to check their social media pages is exhausting! Honeymoon stage or not, I would not pay you to take me back to those early stages of dating, no sir-ee!

# Keep yourself busy

It’s easy to suddenly become obsessed with checking their social media page, “accidentally” ending up wherever they’ve tagged themselves into, and talking about them endlessly, but you need to be yourself!

Keep yourself busy with the things you normally do, such as work, study, socializing, hobbies, and exercise. Trust me, they’ll wonder why you’re not chasing them around, and they’re likely to do the chasing instead!

# Keep your social media page full of positivity

If you’re in those heady early days, the likelihood is that your beau is checking your social media pages just as much as you are checking theirs. In that case, keep it light and positive.

Nobody likes a constant chatter of deep and meaningful quotes, woeful messages of love, and a downright negative feel. It’s exhausting and likely to make them run a mile. Keep it light and positive, and make sure you tag yourself into some fun places with your friends!

# Make time for your friends

This is a bit of a do and a don’t, but you should never let your friends slide because of a new relationship. I don’t want to put a negative spin on it, but what happens if it all goes wrong? You need your friends!

If you say you’re going to meet them, do so, and make sure you stick to regular catch ups as you normally would. For instance, if you always meet your friend for Wine Tuesdays, keep going on Tuesdays!

# Set your boundaries

The earlier you set your boundaries, the more successful your relationship will be. Do not allow someone to trample all over your life simply because you’re a little infatuated with them in these early stages of dating.

Keep your own interests, but if you won’t stand for something, let it be known. That doesn’t mean sitting down on date number one and giving them a list of things you won’t put up with, but be open and honest about what you will and won’t tolerate.

# Have fun!

Remember, these early days of your relationship are the things you’ll look back on in years to come with fond memories. Make those memories as fun as possible, and remember to let your personality show. Don’t hold back simply because it’s all new and you’re worried about scaring them off. Be yourself!