Why Is Dating So Hard? Tips On How To Navigate The World Of Dating

Navigating the world of dating isn’t always an easy feat. It might seem like the rules are always changing, and no one relationship is identical to another. When we spend so much of our time looking for someone to spend our lives with, it can be helpful to have some tips and tricks to guide us along the way.

If you wonder why dating is so hard and how you can navigate it more easily, look no further! Here are some tips to help you along the way.

Don’t take it too seriously

Dating is largely just looking for a person who matches you. The part that makes dating so hard is that it can require a certain amount of trial and error before you find that person.

When you first step onto the dating scene, you might have no idea what you are looking for in a partner. Even if we do, most of us might end up falling in love with someone completely different than the person we thought we wanted. If this sounds like you, then the key to success could be to simply relax. Overthinking and overanalyzing every last thing likely won’t do much good. Take a moment to breathe and enjoy the ride!

Taking the world of dating too seriously could be a good way to crash and burn. It can be challenging but try not to invest so much of your emotions into it. Instead, try to take things as they come and deal with them one step at a time. If you meet someone you like, but they don’t feel the same way, don’t give up. Each person who you date or have a romantic connection with can teach you something. All that knowledge may even help you later in life if you do meet someone who you’d like to marry and have a family with. 

Have patience

Contrary to what you see in movies and books, true love isn’t usually achieved overnight. You will probably have to meet a few different people before you find the person who’s right for you. 

The concept of patience can be an important one to have when you decide to dive into the world of dating. Firstly, having patience can be important while you are trying to find the right person for you. When dating, don’t settle for less than you want or deserve simply because you don’t want to be alone. While you are solving a loneliness problem by opting for this route, you can create other problems for yourself in the process. Be sure the person you’re dating has the qualities and traits you are looking for. 

Secondly, when you meet someone new, be patient and take things slow. Build a solid foundation for your future relationship. The best way to do that is with both eyes open and your feet on the ground. If you rush into anything too quickly, you might be setting yourself up for failure. Take the time to build a solid foundation on which to stand.

Look out for red flags

When you are dating someone new, it can be easy to ignore the red flags. If you see something that is off or doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. 

Whether it was a slight notion of control on the first date or a harsh word exchanged during the first argument, red flags may start slow and build over time as the person tests your limits. It can be tempting to ignore or make excuses for this type of behavior. After all, you don’t know this person very well, so it could be completely out of character for them to act this way.

It would help if you always assumed that the way your partner or the person you’re dating presents themselves to you exemplifies who they are as a person. When you are on a date, try to be hyper-aware of how you are acting. Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of an unfulfilling relationship in favor of making excuses.

If you suspect you might be in an abusive relationship, reach out immediately to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by dialing  800.799.SAFE (7233). Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Know your worth

Understanding your worth in a relationship can help you immensely along the way. 

All people deserve a happy and supportive love life. When you acknowledge and believe in this, you can set yourself up for success. Revel in your accomplishments and your own confidence and self-worth while also treating other people with kindness and openness, and you can attract the person who you are looking for. A relationship that consists of two people with self-confidence and determination may be one of the best kinds of relationships out there.

If you come across someone who tries to undermine your worth, don’t put up with it. Chances are you have spent a lot of time getting to the point where you are now in terms of self-esteem. In that case, the last thing you would need is a person to come along and wreck your progress. They must understand your worth. If they don’t, they likely aren’t worth your time or attention.

Don’t settle

It can be tempting to take on the first relationship that comes your way in favor of not being alone. If you feel you have spent too much time wondering, “Why is dating so difficult?” there may come the point where you might feel like you might do just about anything to win a new relationship.

Make sure that you stand steadfast in the requirements and hopes for a new relationship. Accepting less than your standards or compromising your morals probably won’t result in a happy or long-lasting relationship for you. 

Even though it may take a little longer and might cost you more emotionally, be with a person you’re compatible with long-term. This doesn’t mean that a person has to check every single box on your list for you to be with them, but it does mean you shouldn’t compromise on the things that matter most to you. 

Keep it real

The rule of thumb when you are building any new relationship is to be yourself. 

If you are true to yourself and the people around you, you can have a much better chance of success. You can attract people who have similar interests and want similar things as you do. When you attract people like this, you can have a far better chance of meeting the person who’s meant for you. This can be a great way to help you waste less time on people who won’t be compatible with you or your lifestyle.

Know when to get help

If dating is causing you undue stress, consider getting some help from a licensed professional. The counselors and therapists at Regain can be a great option for anyone looking for convenient therapy options from the comfort of their own home.

Build confidence to re-enter the dating world in online therapy

While dating may feel tricky, there are steps you can take to relieve some of the pressure and enjoy the process a bit more. And if you still find it difficult to navigate the world of romantic relationships, consider reaching out to a counselor or therapist. By working on your self-esteem and mental health, counseling can help you improve the quality of your romantic relationships. And if you are already in a relationship and you would like to talk about your issues with someone, note that 95% of couples who engage in online therapy say that it has been helpful to them. People also say in surveys that they find it much easier to open up in online therapy than they do in person. Reach out to Regain to complete a short questionnaire and be matched with a counselor who is specific to your case and needs.