You just started dating a new cute, nice guy that you’re really into and you’re sure that he feels the same way. You might be tempted to throw out all the rules and regulations about new relationships, but before you go all-in with this new guy, stop, take a breath and read these 9 dating tips for new relationships.
- Take things slowly
When you feel like you might have found The One, it can be tempting in your head to already start planning the wedding, thinking of future kids names, where they’re going to live, etc. But slow it down! Take time to get to know each other, go on dates and enjoy the honeymoon phase of a new relationship.
Let it unfold naturally without putting the weight of future expectations on it.
- Don’t feel pressured to rush into bed
If you want to explore a real connection with someone, don’t feel pressured to have sex right away. You also want them to know that you’re looking for more than a hookup. Every situation and individual is different and so always do what you feel most comfortable with, and what feels right for you.
- Be real about your expectations
It can be challenging when you’re really into someone. One of the most empowering dating tips for new relationships that women should live by is to set your own realistic expectations about what you want from a relationship, and then to follow them.
Speak honestly and openly about things like communication styles and lifestyles, as when they are different, it can lead to misunderstandings.
- Don’t forget your friends
Any expert offering dating tips for a new relationship will tell you the importance of not isolating your friends when you start dating someone. Your friends have been there for you from the beginning, through the good times and the bad. Now is not the time to ditch them for a new love. You need them now more than ever, even if you don’t realize it.
- Keep your feet on the ground
If you meet someone new, and you’re really into them, don’t start giving them ALL your time, energy and feelings, because they might not be the one. You need to keep your options open, at least in the very beginning. It helps to keep an open mind to be more realistic about the reality of your connection and budding relationship.
As tempting as it is to get lost with your head in the clouds, you need to be real with yourself. Balance is always healthy to maintain in all relationships, but it can be particularly hard to do in the euphoric early days.
- Don’t give too much of yourself too soon
The initial stage of dating is not about doing things to impress someone else, it’s about being yourself and having them love you for it. Giving too much of yourself too soon can mean you start cooking for them, doing their laundry, buying them gifts, when you’re not getting the same in return. Or that you rush right in and give away your heart.
Love is always worth taking a risk and putting yourself out there for, but do it wisely while you’re still getting to know someone.
- Keep your neediness in check
A little bit of jealousy can be cute, but making demands on your partner of their time and restricting them from doing things is NOT cute—and can show a lack of confidence. It’s common for new couples to spend a lot of time together and give up some of their usual time with friends and family.
However, avoid constant texting, calling, or making unfair demands to see your new guy ALL THE TIME. Keep your own individual lives running as per normal and explore how well those fit together. At the end of the day, you both want a relationship that is an addition to your life, not a drain.
- Listen and stay curious
Of all the dating tips for new relationships to listen to, listen to this one. Listening is a skill most people don’t do very well. When you give your partner your undivided attention, it allows them to feel heard and shows that you really care about them. When you ask questions, listen and show curiosity, it not only indicates your interest in their life, but makes them feel special to you.
- Don’t judge too quickly
As Lori Gottlieb, author of Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough, says, especially when it comes to online dating, we judge based on objective criteria (height, hair), rather than subjective (attraction), which you can’t judge until you meet the person.
When you read someone’s profile, don’t judge them on one thing that they write, rather judge them when you meet them in person. You can’t tell how kind a person is until you meet them in real life, you can’t have a feel for your real life chemistry until you spend time together.
There are lots of dating tips for new relationships to consider, but above all else, focus on being yourself and stand confidently on your own two feet when you’re dating someone new. You want the other person to like you for who you are and if they don’t, they’re not the one for you.
