Starting to date someone new is exciting, but it can also make you feel a bit nervous. You might worry about how to act, what to say, or what they think of you.
The early stages of dating should be fun, not stressful. But sometimes, it’s hard to relax, especially when you really like someone and want them to like you back.
In this article, we’re going to talk about how to chill out and enjoy the early stages of dating.
We’ll share some tips to help you feel more at ease and show you that it’s okay to take things one step at a time. After all, getting to know someone new should be a happy experience, not a nerve-wracking one.
You don’t have to be perfect, and neither does your date. We’re all human, and we’re all just trying to find a connection with someone special.
Why A Lot of People Are Anxious In The Early Stages of Dating
One of the most common reasons why people can’t relax in the early stages of dating is the pressure to make a perfect first impression.
People often scrutinize their own behavior, choice of words, and even their appearance because they’re afraid that a small misstep could sabotage a budding romance.
This hyper-awareness and the desire to control how we are perceived can create a level of stress that is anything but conducive to a relaxed and authentic interaction.
Another significant factor is the uncertainty that pervades the early stages of dating.
Questions like “Do they like me?”, “What are their intentions?”, and “Where is this going?” can dominate one’s thoughts. This uncertainty, coupled with the fear of rejection, can make it challenging to let our guard down and enjoy the process of getting to know someone new.
Instead of embracing the journey of forming a connection, we fixate on the destination, leading to a tense and anxious dating experience.
How to Relax In The Early Stages of Dating
If you want to learn how to relax in the early stages of dating someone new, here are twelve practical things you can do to reduce your anxiety:
1. Don’t Be In A Desperate Position In The First Place
One of the surefire ways to guarantee an anxious dating experience is to be too desperate to be in a relationship in the first place.
Dating is a time to explore and enjoy, not to lock yourself down in desperation. You want to approach it with a relaxed mind, confident about who you are.
Remember, you’re valuable just as you are. There’s no need to act out of desperation, as it can actually push people away rather than draw them in. Maintain your composure and self-respect. Show your genuine self, and let things flow naturally.
Being desperate can make you blind to red flags. You might end up ignoring things that you shouldn’t. Stay alert, pay attention, and trust your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. You want a relationship that enhances your life, not one that you feel compelled to jump into.
Maintain your own life and interests while dating. Don’t drop everything for the person you’re seeing.
Keep doing things you love, spend time with friends, and pursue your passions. This keeps you grounded and ensures you’re not putting too much pressure on the relationship early on.
Remember, a healthy relationship is built over time. There’s no need to rush. Take your time to get to know the other person, and allow them to get to know you. Keep things light and fun in the beginning, and let the deeper connection develop naturally.
[Related: Early Stages Of Dating A Cancer Man: 9 Things To Expect]
2. Don’t Try to Impress
The early stages of a relationship shouldn’t be a performance. You don’t have to put on a show to win the other person over. Just be yourself, and let things flow naturally.
People are drawn to authenticity. They can tell when you’re being genuine and when you’re putting on an act. So, drop the façade and show your true colors.
Avoid exaggerating your stories or accomplishments. There’s no need to puff yourself up.
The right person will be impressed by you, not your résumé. Let them see the real you, quirks and all. After all, it’s your uniqueness that makes you interesting.
Don’t stress about being perfect. Nobody is. Embrace your imperfections, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s all part of the learning process. Plus, it makes you more relatable.
Keep the conversation balanced. Share about yourself, but also take the time to listen.
Show genuine interest in what the other person has to say. This creates a connection and shows that you’re not just there to talk about yourself.
3. Sincerely Be Open to Getting to Know Your Partner
Dating is about exploration. It’s a time to get to know another person and see what makes them tick.
Approach it with an open mind, and be ready to learn about them, even if they’re different from you. Differences can actually be exciting and bring a fresh perspective to your life.
Ask questions and show genuine interest in their responses. This helps in building a connection and shows that you care about what they have to say. It’s also a great way to learn about their values and interests.
Share about yourself as well. Open up and let them in. This creates a two-way street, allowing both of you to get to know each other on a deeper level. It’s all about building a foundation of trust and understanding.
Enjoy the process of getting to know each other. Don’t rush through it. Take your time, and appreciate each moment. This is how strong connections are built.
[Also read: 20 Dating Tips For Men]
4. Keep Your Expectations In Check
Remember, no one is perfect. We all have our flaws and quirks. So, don’t set unrealistic expectations for the person you’re dating. They’re human, just like you.
Avoid putting them on a pedestal. This can create pressure and make the relationship feel unbalanced. See them for who they are, not who you want them to be.
Stay open-minded. The early stages of dating are about getting to know each other. You’re both figuring out if you’re a good fit. So, give it time, and don’t rush to conclusions.
5. See It As A Fun Process – Getting to Know Your Partner
See dating as an opportunity to meet new people and learn more about yourself. Each date is a new experience, a chance to enjoy someone’s company and have a good time together.
Keep the mood light and playful. Laughter is a great way to connect and break the ice. Share funny stories, and don’t be afraid to be silly. It shows you’re comfortable with yourself and creates a relaxed atmosphere.
Don’t focus too much on the end result. Enjoy the journey, and cherish the moments you share together. Whether it leads to something serious or not, appreciate the experience for what it is.
Remember, the goal is to get to know each other better. So, take your time, enjoy the ride, and see where the journey takes you.
6. Trust the Process
Things might not always go as planned, but that’s okay. Understand that building a connection takes time, and be patient.
Allow things to unfold naturally and don’t rush the process. Every experience, whether good or bad, teaches you something valuable.
Understand that every person you meet has something unique to offer. Try to learn from each dating experience, regardless of the outcome. This helps you grow and prepare for the right person when they come along. It’s all part of the journey.
7. Don’t Overthink Things
It’s easy to fall into the trap of overanalyzing every text, call, and interaction, but try to resist.
Overthinking can lead to unnecessary stress and could create problems that weren’t there in the first place. Take things at face value and try not to read too much into everything.
Remind yourself to stay grounded and take things one step at a time. Enjoy getting to know the person and let things develop naturally. Don’t rush to conclusions based on limited information.
Give it time and let the person show you who they are.
8. Maintain a Strong Sense of Self
Don’t lose yourself trying to be what you think the other person wants. Stay true to your values, beliefs, and interests.
While in a new relationship, continue to invest time in your personal hobbies and interests. This not only helps you stay grounded but also makes you more interesting and attractive to the other person. It’s important to have a life outside of the relationship.
Avoid compromising your values and standards just to make the relationship work. It’s okay to have deal-breakers and boundaries. A healthy relationship requires mutual respect and understanding.
9. Avoid Playing Games
Games and manipulations have no place in a healthy relationship. Be straightforward and honest with your feelings and intentions.
Playing hard to get or sending mixed signals can create confusion and frustration, which isn’t a good foundation for a relationship.
Trust is built through consistency and honesty. Show that you’re reliable and that your words match your actions. This creates a sense of security and helps to build a strong foundation for the relationship.
Avoid testing your partner or making them jump through hoops to prove their interest. Relationships should be built on mutual respect and understanding, not games and power plays. Focus on building a genuine connection instead.
In addition, learn to be clear about your feelings and intentions, and encourage your partner to do the same. This creates a trustworthy and transparent relationship, free from unnecessary games.
[Related: 30 Dating Tips For Women]
10. Focus on Building a Friendship
Remember, strong relationships are built on a solid foundation of friendship. Try to cultivate a genuine friendship with the person you’re dating. Enjoy getting to know them, their likes, dislikes, and what makes them tick.
Having a strong friendship means you have someone to lean on during tough times, not just a romantic partner.
It creates a deeper connection and helps to solidify your bond. This doesn’t mean you should avoid romance, but rather balance it with a good friendship.
Being friends means supporting each other’s interests, even if they’re not shared interests.
And more importantly, remember that friends are honest with each other. A strong friendship allows for vulnerability and honesty, which are crucial in a romantic relationship.
11. Keep Things Light and Fun
In the early stages of dating, it’ll ease the tension to keep things light and fun.
Enjoy each other’s company and try to make each date a good time. You’re still getting to know each other, so there’s no need to dive into heavy topics right away.
Sometimes, plan dates that are enjoyable, casual, and lighthearted. Whether it’s going for a walk, playing a game, or trying out a new cafe, choose activities that make both of you happy. This creates positive experiences and memories associated with the relationship.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy each other’s company and build a connection. Don’t put too much pressure on the relationship in the early stages.
Keep things fun and let the serious stuff develop naturally over time.
12. Be Patient
Good things take time, and this is especially true when it comes to relationships. Be patient and give the relationship the time it needs to grow.
Don’t rush things or try to force a connection. Let it develop at its own pace.
Remember that everyone has their own timeline for opening up and getting comfortable. Be patient and give your partner the space they need. This shows that you respect their boundaries and are willing to wait for them to be ready.
Don’t get frustrated if things aren’t progressing as quickly as you’d like. Good relationships are worth the wait, and patience shows maturity. Trust that if it’s meant to be, it will happen in due time.
Appreciate the small steps forward and celebrate the little victories in your relationship. Every moment is a step towards building a stronger connection, and patience is key to letting it flourish.
Final Words
The main takeaway is pretty simple: just be yourself and enjoy the ride. Remember, it’s okay to feel a bit nervous, but don’t let that stop you from having a good time.
Dating is about finding someone you click with, and that takes time. So, breathe, relax, and let things happen naturally.
Don’t rush; just enjoy getting to know the person you’re with. Who knows? They might be just as nervous as you are! So smile, laugh, and make the most out of every moment you spend together.