Dating has become so simple since the time of courtships. But there are still many people who still wonder how to start dating. All you have to do these days is spend as much time as possible with each other. The only thing you need to worry about is how to spend this time and what you’re going to talk about.
The usual ritual starts by one person asking the other one out. This can occur immediately, or it can gradually be inserted in a correspondence that has been going on for some time. Some people prefer to ask people out immediately, while others want to take some time to get to know the other person through texting or chatting first.
Dating someone immediately can get a lot out of the way. Your motives are clear from the start, and you know exactly how the next step is going to play out. The latter can be more effective if you’re trying to establish whether you like the person or not.
Some people would prefer to decide this before they meet in person as is the case with Tinder, where many people aren’t that appealing in person in terms of personality and catfishing tendencies.
# First things first. Ask your crush out!You’re not even going to get to ask yourself how to start dating someone if you don’t take this first step. If you’re not going to do the asking, you might as well wait until they do.
For the time being, you can flirt with them until they ask you out. You can do this through text, but it feels more special when you do it in person. Don’t think too much about it. Just go with your gut and rip that band-aid off!
# Choose the locationDepending on both of your intentions, the type of venue for your date will tell you a lot about where things are going. If you eat at a nice restaurant, it means that they want to impress you and create a romantic ambiance for your date.
If they take you somewhere unimpressive like a dive bar, then they’re either trying something new or just don’t want to put in any effort. If it’s up to you, it’s best to choose a date location that is both active and engaging – something that lets you talk, but with activities that will prevent boredom.
We suggest going to amusement parks, cooking classes, or go-kart racing! Here’s a tip: people who experience an adrenaline rush *not from sex* during a date are more likely to fall in love. That’s a great tip for how to start dating.
# Keep an eye out for signs that they don’t want to be in a relationshipOn your first date/get-together/hang-out session – depending on what you want to call it – make sure that you listen intently to what your date is saying and not saying. There are some signs that will tell you that a person may not be looking for a serious relationship yet.
Here are some examples of some phrases you have to look out for:
– I just want to have fun and not get too serious.
– I’m seeing this other guy/girl.
– Aren’t you a bit young to settle down?
– I was in a really bad relationship, and I don’t want to go through that again right now.
– I don’t want you to expect too much.
Of course, these are all up for interpretation. But if the sentiment is obvious, just go with your gut. This person is not ready for a relationship. Also check if they keep looking at their phone. It’s only okay if they’re expecting an urgent message, not a booty call text.
# Talk about things that you’re both interested in separately, as well as things you have in commonWhen you are wondering about how to start dating, you can be concerned about what to talk about. A diverse set of topics gives you an insight into what kind of person your date is. If you continue to talk about your day, you won’t end up knowing much about that person.
Apart from that, it can get boring after the first course. Researchers suggest talking about travelling. And you don’t have to cram every topic into one date. Just remember that talking is a great way to build a connection and establish trust.
# Establish an unspoken schedule for talking
Sometimes, talking on a daily basis comes naturally to people who are dating, but others are more inclined to talk only a few times a week. You and your date need to be on the same page about this.
If you started talking every day and it seems like your date is fine with it, just keep it consistent. If a few months in, things start to change, don’t hesitate to ask your date about it. A radical change in dynamic is something that needs to be addressed. This is why it’s important to know when it’s okay to communicate and when some “alone time” is necessary.
# Try to see each other every weekWhen people are still curious about how to start dating, they also are unsure of how often to see their partner. And since you just started dating, it’s only understandable that you’re going to take advantage of the honeymoon phase. This is the part where everything is exciting and you still don’t know what to expect for the dates to come.
Just enjoy it as much as possible. If you can’t see each other that often, make sure that there is a legitimate reason. If there is none, your date is either not that enthusiastic about dating you, or they might be dating someone else in between your own dates.