Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Find a date
• Method 2 of 3: Go on your first date
• Method 3 of 3: Developing relationships through dating
• Tips
• Warnings

Dating is a great way to meet potential partners and have a good time with new people, but it can be difficult to start dating. However, remember that dating doesn't have to be stressful. It should be fun and adventurous, and if you keep an open mind and remain patient, you will be meeting new dates in no time.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Find a date

1. Think about what you want in a potential partner. Everyone has different preferences for romantic partners. You need to look beyond physical characteristics about what traits you like, what you need in a partner, and what you want to get out of dating. That said, there's no need to get super picky - just give yourself some guidelines. For example, you can ask:
   • What qualities am I looking for in my friends (funny, serious, creative)?
   • Do I want a serious relationship or casual meeting new men / women?
   • What are the "deal breakers" that I absolutely don't want in a relationship?
2. Take care of yourself before looking for other people. Many people want a partner who "solves all their problems", but unfortunately these princes-in-white rarely exist in real life. By being confident, taking good care of your body with diet and exercise, and looking representative you indicate to people that you are ready to meet a partner and able to be in a relationship.
   • Remember, you're not trying to trick someone into liking you. If the feeling isn't mutual, then that person isn't worth your time.
   • Keep yourself clean and hygienic. This is one of the main reasons someone would turn down a date with you.
3. Develop a strong network of friends. A stable social life not only helps you find people to date, it also gives you a chance to go to social occasions without being alone. A strong group of friends will support you when your dates go wrong and help you navigate the world of relationships when you start dating.
   • By building a strong social network you will meet many new people and personalities who can help you find dates.
   • Ask your friends if they know people interested in a casual date.
   • Friends are often the best romantic partners, if you do it right.
   EXPERT TIP

   Learn to flirt. Flirting is often seen as a secret art form, but in reality it is quite simple. Study after study has shown that eye contact and smiling is the most effective flirting technique, so be happy and respectful and connections will follow. Flirting is a great way to try to "pre-date". Smile, make eye contact, and have casual conversation to see if you want to see someone more often or start dating them. If you think you two are a good match, continue flirting to show your interest by:

   • Breaking the touch barrier - touch a shoulder or knee, lean in for a hug, or wipe something off their clothes.
   • Teasing - Teasing lightly, such as making a joke about their drink choice or taste in a movie, is one of the oldest techniques in the book. If they tease you, then you've made a connection.
   • Asking questions. Real interest in someone is not only flattering, it also lets you know more about them and whether they are a good fit for you.
4. Sign up for an online dating profile. These websites and apps, such as Tinder and Lexa, help you safely and easily find suitable dates in your area, and are a great way to start dating. If it works out well, you've made a great new connection. But if you're not a match, you probably never see each other again, and you can move on to other dates without feeling uncomfortable.
   • If you've been chatting online with someone for more than 1-2 days, it's time to ask them out on a date.
5. Enter your phone number first. Take the first step and give someone your number, instead of asking for theirs. This shows that you have self-confidence and this is how you leave the ball with them. If they are interested, they will call you or give you their number back.
   • Don't always expect someone to give you their number back. If they are interested, they will contact you, and this is a good sign that there is chemistry between the two of you.
6. Ask someone on a date. This is the easiest, but most difficult step to start dating. If you never ask someone out, you will never start dating. However, remember that dating should be casual. So keep it casual! You don't have to declare your love and invite someone to a romantic dinner. Simply ask them if they want to have a drink or a snack with you and see what happens.
   • Just because it's "normal" for a guy to ask a girl out doesn't mean it's the only way to do it. Whoever you are, take the first step and ask.
   • Try something like, "I enjoyed talking to you, would you like a cup of coffee with me?"
   • Be receptive when people ask you out. It takes a lot of courage to ask someone out. Unless you're sure you would never date someone, a casual date can't hurt.
7. Agree on a specific time and place for the date. If anyone is interested, schedule a time to meet and swap numbers. Don't wait for them to propose something, or ask without having a specific suggestion. If they say yes, suggest a time or location and find out when is the best time to meet.
   • Give them one or two options so they don't feel like you're forcing anything.
   • For example: "That's great, are you off Saturday or Sunday morning around 11am?"

Method 2 of 3: Go on your first date

1. Keep an open mind. If you've already decided that they are going to hate you, chances are you will feel uncomfortable, anti-social, and down on the date. Whether you know it or not, your date will pick this up. Likewise, if you've already decided that you don't like someone, you will spend the entire date looking for things that are wrong with them. Dating should be fun and casual, so enter each date with no expectations and with your head held high.
2. Keep your first date casual. Take them to a place they like or feel comfortable with. Slightly busy restaurants, outdoor events, or small gatherings are often the best places to go, as no one feels uncomfortable pressure to be romantic or perfect. You still have plenty of time to be romantic. For now, focus on being yourself and having fun.
3. Remember, dates are a way to get to know someone, not a test of impressing them. Both parties on a date try to find out if they are a good match. It's hard enough to figure out if you're a good match with someone, but it's next to impossible if you spend all your time trying to get someone to like you. Plus, you give your date the wrong impression when you put on a show, which will get in the way later in the relationship if your act breaks up.
   • Be yourself, although it seems obvious. You want someone to like you for who you are, not who you pretend to be.
4. Concentrate on having conversations during dates. A good face-to-face conversation is still the best way to get to know someone. Fortunately, a conversation is something almost anyone can excel at. You don't need a list of topics to have a good conversation, just the willingness to join the conversation and ask questions. Feel free to share things about yourself, but if you are unsure about what to say, you can always ask them questions. People like to talk about themselves and will feel that someone is interested in them. Ask about work, their family, etc., but whatever you do, be sincere. What will you know about them? What makes you interested in them?
   • The best questions are specific. Try "What do you like about your job?" Instead of "What kind of work do you do?"
   • Don't let the date revolve around you. If you talk about how good you are throughout the date, chances are this is your last date with them.
   • Avoid controversial topics such as religion and politics on your first date. These topics are often incendiary if you don't know the person well enough to be respectful.
5. Make a move at the end of the date if you feel a mutual connection. While this may seem difficult to pinpoint, the signs are actually quite clear. If your date often leans towards you, makes a lot of physical contact (shoulder touch, hand hold), maintains long eye contact, and smiles in your direction, they probably like you. Start slow, say compliment or get close to their face, and watch them respond. If they don't retreat, it may be time to kiss them.
   • If you're not interested in seeing someone more often, say goodbye politely and go home. Don't feel like you have to kiss them or reciprocate feelings that you don't have.
6. Arrange a new date if the date went well. Indicate that you would like to see them again. While you don't need to make plans on the spot, as this can seem a little clingy, you can say that you are staying in touch and would like to have another drink. If they smile and agree, try to schedule another date in the next 1-3 days.
   • Ignore things like "the three day rule" and just be yourself. When you feel a connection, go for it when it feels right.

Method 3 of 3: Developing relationships through dating

1. Remember that a date is not a relationship. When you first start dating, it is normal to think that you have to go on 5-6 dates with someone. But if you don't feel a connection with someone, you should feel free to move on. Dating should be a fun way to get to know someone better, it's not an obligation to a marriage or relationship. If you don't want to keep dating, be polite and honest and break it off quickly.
   • Never lie or ignore people you don't want to see anymore, as this will often only cause more problems. Simply saying, "I had a good time tonight, but I think I'd rather stay friends," should be enough.
2. Schedule more dates when things are going well. You don't have to get into a relationship right away, but if you feel like you have a connection with someone, then you should ask the person out again. If you really like someone, go out for dinner, go to a movie, go for a walk, or meet for coffee 1-2 times a week, and watch things develop.
   • Again, don't forget to keep it casual at first. Meeting your parents, for example, usually happens many months later in a relationship.
3. In the beginning, don't rush into your relationship. The rush of love is hard to overcome, but both you and your partner will be grateful if you take it slowly and get to know each other naturally. Avoid making big plans for your future together or seeing each other every night. While intimacy isn't wrong, rushing into a physical relationship can lead to hurt feelings and complications if both partners don't feel the same way. While you may want to spend your entire life with someone after a date, take the time to understand your feelings before making any rash decisions.
   • Respect their privacy and history - you don't have to know all of their exes on the second date.
   • Spend evenings at home and avoid lots of napping at first. You can always get serious later - it's much harder to take things slow.
4. Build trust over time. If you really enjoy someone's company, you need to build a bond that goes beyond the final episode of "Game of Thrones". Building trust requires a bit of vulnerability on the part of both parties, but the reward is finding someone you can trust and getting truthful, helpful advice in return.
   • Building trust requires trust. Share a little secret, uncertainty, or purpose and see if they are similarly willing to open up.
   • As you become more comfortable, you probably trust someone with more and more of your life. This is the foundation of a strong relationship.
5. Be exclusive. You can't still date others if you want to build a stable relationship. While many people have no problem going on 2-3 casual dates at first, you have to commit to someone if you want them to commit to you. If you've been on 2-3 dates with the same person, it's time to cancel other romantic plans and stop looking for new dates. If this doesn't sound appealing, be honest with your partner about your needs.
6. Discuss your expectations for the relationship. This is often a difficult conversation to start, but if you feel a connection with someone, they probably feel it too. After you've been on 3-5 dates you should sit down together to talk about where it's going. Are you interested in a relationship, or do you want to take it slow and see how it develops. Talking now will prevent heartache later on.
7. Don't forget to set limits. Nobody likes it when you stop hanging out with your friends as soon as a new flame comes around the corner. Continue to spend time with your friends, work, and see your family. You shouldn't feel like you have to spend every moment with your new flame. Instead, set boundaries between you so that you feel comfortable doing your own thing from time to time. They will appreciate this too.
   • Don't feel bad if you have to turn down a date every once in a while.
   • Make time in your schedule regularly for your old friends - they'll be there for you if something goes wrong.

Tips

• Don't be fake with them and always be honest with them. Nobody likes fake people.
• And don't worry because there will be someone made for you.
• Be yourself. It seems obvious, but many people change who they are so that they become more attractive to someone.
• Remember, the first relationship probably won't be your last. Maybe it works, but often it doesn't work. Keep going for it and stay true to yourself.
• Plus, you have to be patient as the former may not be the best.
• Make sure you have a fresh breath before going on a date so you don't have to worry about it.

Warnings

• If it doesn't work, and you want to curl up in a corner, take a deep breath and remember you knew it wouldn't last forever.