DATING AND GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER

When you start dating someone you're really excited about, it's easy to start daydreaming about the amazing life you'll have together and the great things you will do together.  

But before you can even reach that point, you'll need to successfully navigate through the fun yet sometimes awkward "getting to know you" phase.

Dating and getting to know someone should feel like an adventure. There are some things you can do to make the most out of the “getting to know you” phase so your relationship can get to the next level.

Here is what you can do to make the most out of the “getting to know you” phase: 

Talk on the phone. This will give you more of an opportunity to get to know someone better.

Be curious to learn more about them without having an agenda. Having an attitude of curiosity makes the other person feel relaxed and valued when they're with you. In turn, they'll want to spend more time with you.

Be open about your passions. Letting them into your "world" will give them a chance to see you in your element. Maybe they'll see something about you that they wouldn't have seen in a regular restaurant setting.

Stop trying to hurry and figure out if this person is 'the one” within the first few weeks or months of meeting each other. It's important to be patient and just allow the relationship to grow at its natural pace.

Don't assume the person you just started dating is like everyone else. This is a totally new person, so give them a chance to show you who they are.

Make sure you’re not doing most of the heavy lifting to keep the relationship going. For example, if you're always the first one to text or make plans, give yourself a break and see if they step up. Mutuality is key.

Prioritize yourself always. It's easy to compromise a lot of your own needs for theirs when dating someone new. But that's the last thing you should be doing. Prioritizing yourself and doing your own thing will help you stay in check. You're less likely to overthink or worry about the future of the relationship.

Take away

There are so many different opinions out there about the "right" and "wrong" way to get to know someone. It is easy to overthink everything and you can lose your authentic self in the process. But if you simplify the process by setting a goal to just get to know someone new, you may find that dating can be a pretty enjoyable experience. You may also find yourself forming a bond with someone you truly connect with.