10 Ways To Make Dating More Fun & Less Stressful

Dating is something that’s meant to be light-hearted and fun, and yet we tend to make it so serious and even gloomy. It stresses us out and we get mad at the whole process as well as the people involved. Instead of allowing that to happen, there are ways that you can make dating fun again. You just have to keep an open mind and be willing to try different things.

  1. Do something you’d do on your own or with friends. Say you love going to a certain park in your neighborhood, which is something you’d do on your own or with your buddies. That location’s a great date spot too because you’re somewhere you enjoy being. It’s hard to lose when this is the case. Even if the date is crappy, you’ll have visited one of your favorite spots, so who cares?
  2. Talk to multiple people at a time. At least in the beginning phases of dating, keep your options open. Have fun by talking to more than one person. This will help you not keep all of your eggs in one basket when you’re just in the initial stages of getting to know people. Otherwise, it’s easy to get your hopes up too much. Once you’re getting more serious with someone, you can stop, but give it a try in the meantime.
  3. Have backup plans. This could mean a number of things. One is that you have backup plans in case the date isn’t going so well. Maybe you can stroll outside to a nearby beach if things are getting boring just sitting inside. Another backup plan is to have a way out. If you’re anything like me, you feel too nice to tell the truth, which is that the date sucks. It’s much better to just make up an excuse like having to meet a friend.
  4. Don’t schedule over existing commitments. It’s easy to get really excited about dating and want to see the person you’re talking to. Don’t, however, make plans that intrude on other aspects of your life. Like if you normally go to a yoga class on Tuesday night, don’t skip it to hang out with a new flame. Keep your life your own.
  5. Listen to your gut. Your intuition knows best. If someone feels sketchy or not right for you then you’re likely going to feel it in your gut. It’ll feel like a heavy rock or nausea. This is your body and soul trying to signal to you what’s not right for you. Alternatively, when someone is okay or even great, your body may feel at ease or only a tad bit nervous.
  6. Keep your head out of the clouds. It’s so easy to dream about a future that hasn’t come yet. You can think about all the things you and the other person are going to do together. You play out the whole relationship in your mind. It’s much better to keep your feet planted where they are, in the present moment. Remind yourself that you just don’t know anything yet about the person or situation.
  7. Don’t compare your date to exes. This should be a “duh,” yet sometimes it’s easy to do. Maybe you’re still pining for your ex a bit so you compare each date to them. This is a losing battle. No one is ever going to match up with your ex. They were special to you and you have a grandiose picture of them in your mind. Instead, let someone be who they are. Meet your new boo there.
  8. Have a sense of humor. Some dates can be disastrous. You’ve got to have a sense of humor about it all in order to stay sane and happy. It’s much less stressful to laugh when someone does something ridiculous than it is to let it get under your skin. Your date will very much appreciate your humor too. Your friends will also be happy to laugh with you.
  9. Dress fabulously. This isn’t for anyone but yourself. Sure, it’s cool to have others tell you how lovely you look, but it’s even more gratifying to just feel like a bombshell in what you’re wearing. Call me vain, but I think this is a great way to boost your mood. It takes the pressure off because at the end of the day no matter what happens at least you looked good.
  10. Be sure to take breaks. This is another one that’s easier said than done. It’s not uncommon to get glued to dating apps, getting set on going on dates until you find your person. However, it’s possible to get burnt out from doing this. As a result, you should take breaks from dating. Maybe it’s just a few days or perhaps it’s a few months. Either way, take time to recollect yourself and take a breather.
Ginelle has been writing professionally for more than six years and has a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing & design. Her writing has appeared on Birdie, Thought Catalog, Tiny Buddha and more. You can follow her on Instagram @ginelletesta, via her Facebook page, or through her website at ginelletesta.com.
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