There could be a lot of reasons why you’ve taken yourself out of the dating game. Maybe it was the pandemic putting you off, or maybe things started getting stale. Whatever the reason, could it be time for you to start again?
Dating can come with a lot of pressure, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Easing yourself into dating can help make things a little less daunting, and help you get comfortable putting yourself out there again.
Take a look at some tips to help you ease back into dating and get ready to get out there once again.
Firstly, think about what went wrong in the past
A little self-reflection is a good way to acknowledge past behavior and work out a plan for how you’re going to change things. What took you out of dating before? Were you feeling frustrated with dating apps, or maybe you were too quick to fall head over heels? Whatever the reason, take some time to think about what went wrong in the past so that you can put it behind you and move forward.
Give yourself a confidence boost
When you’ve been out of the dating game a while, your self-esteem might not be where it once was. Giving yourself a confidence boost could change that. One part of building up your confidence is simply being kinder to yourself. Why not treat yourself to a new hairdo and some outfits that make you feel great? With a little spring in your step, you’ll be able to make your grand return to the dating scene and feel much more confident in yourself.
‘Date’ your friends first
For a lot of people, the pandemic has put firm brakes on dating, and on other aspects of your social life. Even the thought of going out with a friend can cause anxiety, so why not do some practice with your friends first? Get used to going out for coffee or dinner, and build up to other activities that you used to do. Overcome your FOGO (fear of going out) to build up your social life again and get reacquainted with familiar situations – it will be great practice for those first dates again.
Try different types of dating
Dating can feel like a bit of a loop. Meeting in the same bars and restaurants and doing the same activities can become boring after a while – it’s no wonder you got tired of it! Even dating apps lose their charm after so many swipes. Try different types of dating to help mix things up and stop dates from becoming repetitive. Local dating meetups are a good place to start – helping you meet people in a more social situation, with a lot less pressure than a typical date. Make dating more fun and embrace the different types of dating that are out there.
Ask for a casual setup
Being asked to be set up can feel like a last resort, but it could actually pay off. Having an established connection can break the ice, and means that the person you’re meeting isn’t a complete stranger. Instead of asking for a blind date, make it casual instead. Ask your friend to invite the person to your next group hang, or plan an event that will give you the chance to get to know them in a group setting. Having familiar people around you can make the situation less intimidating, and gives you a chance to see how the person could fit into your life.
Look at other ways of meeting people
Dating doesn’t just have to be about ‘the date’. There are a lot of ways to meet people that could lead to dates and other encounters. But where do you meet potential dates in this day and age? From volunteering to taking up a new hobby, the right person for you could be found somewhere you least expect it. Open yourself up to more than just dating, and you never know what opportunities might come your way.
After a break from dating, it can be hard to go back to it. And that’s ok. Try to avoid situations that you’re uncomfortable with and if you’re simply just not ready, then that’s ok too. When you’re ready to ease yourself in, there are a lot of things you can do to take some of the pressure off so that you can enjoy dating and open yourself up to a lot of new and exciting experiences.
*Collaborative Post