8 Things To Keep in Mind Before Getting Into Your First Relationship

There are several things to know before your first relationship. These tips will help you navigate the dating world with a little more ease.

The dating world is a minefield, no doubt about it. If you learn how to navigate it correctly, you can actually get some enjoyment out of it, rather than constant confusion and panic. However, before you enter into your first relationship, you probably think you know all the things to know before your first relationship.

Here’s some advice you haven’t got anything figured out. Actually, you have a lot to learn. The good news is that you’ll do so pretty quickly with experience.

# Communication is key

It can be pretty awkward to have certain conversations with someone you really like and don’t want to scare off, but communication is one of the most important things in any relationship.

If you don’t feel comfortable with something, speak up. If you’re concerned about something, talk about it. And if you’re adult enough to be in a full-on relationship, you must communicate freely. Of course, that doesn’t mean having heavy “what are we” conversations too soon, but it does mean having the confidence to talk about important things.

# If you can’t trust them, they’re not for you

Many people have trust issues that have stemmed from former relationships and experiences. If you really feel you can’t trust this person, they’re not someone you should be in a relationship with. It’s really that simple.

Alongside communication, trust is one of the most important things in any relationship and without both, you’re lacking.

# Any type of control is never okay

One of the most important things to know before your first relationship is that any type of control isn’t okay. If you experience it, take action. If someone tries to coerce you, push you into something you don’t want to do, or control your actions or thoughts, it’s not healthy, it’s not love, and it’s not something you should put up with.

Many people falsely believe that control means the person cares. It doesn’t. It means the person is controlling. Why would you want to put up with that?

# It might not last and that’s okay

You’ll want them to be The One from the get-go, but they might not be. Sure enough, they might be too, but it’s important you don’t put all your eggs into one basket. Go with the flow, enjoy it, and simply see where it goes.

When you use that type of mind-set, you’ll learn to appreciate what you have and won’t think the world is ending just because your first relationship didn’t turn out to be a life-long commitment. That’s definitely one of the things to know before your first relationship.

# Your self-worth and happiness doesn’t rely on this relationship

It’s easy to assume that this relationship is your everything. While it will seem that way, you should chill out a little and ensure that you continue to do the things you’ve always done. Your self-worth certainly doesn’t hinge on this relationship and neither does your happiness. This is a wonderful thing that’s happening in your relationship, but it’s not the only thing in your life.

# Love yourself as a first port of call

Of course, you care deeply about your partner, but you should always ensure that you focus on loving yourself first. By doing it, you’ll be able to stay confident, happy, and you’ll have more to offer your partner in the relationship too. It’s not possible to completely love another person if you don’t love yourself, and that’s a truth.

# Always remember to dedicate time to your friends

It’s super easy to focus your attention completely on your partner and let your friendships go by the wayside. Big mistake. One of the things to know before your first relationship is that your friends should always be an important part of your life. They deserve your time and attention, too. Make time for them, keep seeing them, and doing things together, no matter what.

# Constantly pleasing your partner won’t make them want you or love you

Some people are manipulative and as much as nobody wants to end up in that situation, it’s a possibility. If your partner is always needy and constantly trying to get you to please them, take a step back.

You don’t have to keep doing things for someone to make them want you or love you. As a person, you’re enough. Don’t be a doormat.