All about Dating

Dating advice is abundant all over the internet, in magazines, books, newspapers and on TV. There’s even an eight year old who wrote a book filled with great dating advise. If you’ve read the book, however, you’d be forced to admit that the eight-year-old boy does know what he’s talking about – he keeps it simple. And that’s it really – when it comes to dating, keep things simple.

Leave your past behind. There’s a reason it’s called the past. The first thing any giver of dating advise would tell you is that a clean slate is important for a date to go well. Boring your date with tales of ex’s misdeeds is a definite no-no. Don’t let old hurts get in the way of new opportunities.

”Be yourself” is probably the best dating advise possible. Sure, people like to put their best foot forward, and impress their date, but faking only makes both you and your date uncomfortable.

Making sure that your expectations are neither too high or low is also good dating advise. If you expect too much out of one date, or of the person you are dating, it’s bound to be disappointing. Even your date is just human, and first dates are generally at least slightly awkward.

A frequently asked question is who foots the bill? Most givers of dating advise agree in principle on this one, that it is the person who initiates the date that pays. But there are politically correct people who are convinced that Dutch is the way to go every time. There’s another school of dating advise thought though, that suggests that the man is not a ‘gentleman’ if he doesn’t pick up the tab. In the case of a difference of policy between you and your date, come to a compromise that works for both of you.

Texting your date before meeting is also a good idea as it puts him or her at ease and allows you to discuss interests, hobbies in an informal and less tense environment than a first date would be. This gives you something to work with if conversation lags.

The most important bit of dating advise though, is to remember that no one date is a deal-breaker. If you get it wrong on the first date, you can always try again. No matter how difficult the first date seems, it does get easier…until it’s actually fun.