For those of you who are looking, I'm sure you know all too well that dating can be tough. In a world with billions of people, you would think it would be easy to find someone. It's not. That's why you get excited when you finally meet someone with potential! That's understandable, but you should still play it cool and remember you're still single. Don't act like an exclusive partner to someone who has not officially made you their exclusive partner. If you're wondering how to keep your guard down, keep these things in mind...
Don't Sit and Re-Read Texts
Ah... the beauty of text messages. It's written down to keep in your phone until you get mad with that person and delete the thread. Whenever you're thinking about a potential bae, you can scroll through and read all of the cute and funny things he or she said. Then, you smile and wait for them to respond to your latest text. I'm telling you this because I've done it. Now, when I find myself wanting to re-read texts, I'll either delete the thread or find something better to do. Re-reading texts only builds up your fantasy about that person. Sometimes people say things just to say it. Don't take it to heart just yet. It's just a text.
Don't Start Planning Your Wedding
When you meet someone you're interested in, it's natural to imagine them with you at your dream wedding. Hold up, though—you're not there yet, so stop it! It's important to think about whether or not the person you're seeing is husband or wife material. But don't start planning wedding arrangements, calling caterers, or shopping for a dress or tux. Take things slowly. Planning a future wedding in your head is pointless if it goes nowhere instead of going to the altar.
Don't Start Claiming Things as "Our This or That"
What I mean by this is putting too much into activities that you share. For instance, I was dating a guy who played a particular song in the car when we were going on a date. I was shocked that he liked the song because it was one of my favorites as well. In my mind, I thought we had a "connection," and every time I heard that song, I smiled and thought about him. Now that his number is blocked, I want to turn it off when I listen to it. The same goes for the movies we watched together. Just enjoy the moment. Don't attach a person to memories.
Don't Focus on Dates of the First Everything
On June 4, he or she said, "I enjoy spending time with you." Wednesday was the day that he or she held my hand. And? Again with living in the moment. There's no need to write in your journal the day your crush said bless you when you sneezed or asked you what day it was before a test. Of course, you'll want to remember important dates, like your first date or the day you and your partner made things official. But what about if it doesn't work out? What will all those other minor dates you worked so hard to remember mean to you then?
Don't Force It
You will know when something is forced. If it gets to that point, fall back. Dating has to be mutual. You can't date someone who doesn't want to date you, right? So, if you feel like you're the one always texting, calling, and making plans, text, call, and make plans with someone else. Consider your options. Don't put all your effort into someone who isn't putting forth any effort into you.
Don't Do Too Much
Gifts, loaning money, and things that go against your morals. I could go on, but I won't. You shouldn't be a wife to a boyfriend or a husband to a girlfriend. If you go overboard to keep someone around, you're going to be pissed if it doesn't work. And you won't get all of your money back. Ain't nobody got time for that.
Don't Get Too Involved in Social Media
I'm not saying go out with anybody without doing a little research to ensure it's a real person and they aren't in a relationship or married. However, avoid doing too much private investigating; it could get in the way if you actually get to know someone. Also important? Don't post everything to social media too soon. Keep others out of your business for as long as you can. You also don't have to be friends with potential bae on social immediately. You'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure out why someone liked a photo or wrote a particular comment under a picture. Trust me.
These are just tips to make things with a new love interest go smoother. Enjoy potential candidates! You should have fun getting to know new people! Just don't get ahead of yourself too quickly. Sometimes, things don't always go as planned, and recovering from it can be challenging. It's not the best feeling when you think you've found someone you want to be with and realize you aren't on the same page. People play games. Guard your heart. Know that you are enough and you deserve nothing but the best.