Let’s face it – dating in your 20s can be tough. TV shows and romantic comedies portray this in many different and sometimes humorous ways. But, it somehow isn’t as fun when the situation applies to you. And it can be incredibly deflating when you see happy couples and proposals all over your Instagram feed. But, dating in your 20s doesn’t have to be as awful if you keep these guidelines in mind. Keep reading for 3 dos and 3 don’ts of dating in your 20s.
Do prioritize yourself.
While it is a beautiful sentiment to love someone selflessly, it is also important not to lose sight of yourself in the process. Whether you are casually dating or in a serious relationship, your 20s are an amazing time for self-discovery and growth. Don’t allow your dating life to take this from you.
Do communicate your values.
At some point early on, make sure you mention the things that are important to you. What are you looking for in a partner? Where do you see yourself in the next few years? If a non-negotiable comes up, it is better to discover it sooner than later. This way, you aren’t wasting either of your time and emotional energy.
Do select date ideas you’ll enjoy.
If the connection just isn’t there, at least you got to go to that trendy TikTok restaurant or art show you’ve been dying to see! Additionally, it can be helpful to select a date that resonates with you. If you are an outdoors enthusiast and all the other person does is complain during your hiking date, it may not be a match.
Don’t value your self-worth based on a date.
Dating can take some serious resiliency! If you are actively looking for your special someone, the odds are that you may have a few bad dates. Sometimes, it might be more than a few. If you keep striking out, remember to keep your self-worth separate. There are a million potential reasons a date might not work out – it does not mean that something is wrong with you! It just means your special someone is somewhere else at this time.
Don’t settle for the sake of time.
Everyone has their own timeline for life. Just because the wedding invitations may be rolling in, doesn’t mean that you should be sending them out too. Love can find you at any point in your life, so make sure you aren’t rushing into something less than great just so you can check the box.
Don’t date if you don’t want to.
Last but definitely not least, don’t date if you don’t want to! There is so much pressure within society to date, get married, and follow the “traditional” path. But, that is outdated and not necessary to be happy! If you are happy alone or taking time to focus on your independence, enjoy that time with yourself. Don’t let others who don’t understand it tell you that it’s wrong.
With these guidelines in mind, I hope your idea of dating in your 20s isn’t as frightening! What are your go-to rules for dating in your 20s?