Dating gets a bad rap sometimes. We get so worked up about the outcome, we forget to enjoy the experience. Here are 13 little ways to make online dating more fun.
1. Drop expectations
If you’re demanding that your date show up a certain way, you’ll miss the opportunity to enjoy what’s actually in front of you. Get clear on what your must-haves and deal-breakers are, but stay open to possibility.
2. Intend to have fun… no matter what
No more “The goal of this date is to find a husband/wife!” pressure. Keep it light. That’s where the flow gets flowing.
3. Be present
Projecting 20 years into the future within five minutes of a first date distracts you from the getting-to-know-you process. Slow it down and let things reveal themselves.
4. Become the kind of person you’d like to date
Is it possible you haven’t yet met the (likely insanely high) standards you hold for someone you want to date? Get good with yourself and you’ll start to attract perfect-for-you people into your life in dating and everywhere else.
5. See every date as an opportunity for some fun new conversation
Meeting new people is fun, right? At worst it’ll make for a good story.
6. Be an anthropologist
Take nothing personally. Observe with a curious “Hmm, isn’t this interesting” mindset.
7. View your online dates as great practice for when you do meet the person you really want to be with
Even if this person doesn’t turn out to be a fit for you, you’ll walk away with useful information moving forward.
8. Let things unfold
If it’s meant to move forward, it will. No need to force anything.
9. Ditch the hype
Be mindful about letting your hopes snowball before you’ve even met this person. Take it one step at a time.
10. Drop judgment.
They’re going to have quirks. You’ve got a few, too. Leave room for humanness—that’s where the good stuff is.
11. Focus on enjoying your life
The less energy you spend worrying about meeting the partner of your dreams, the more you’ll be able to enjoy them when they actually show up. Create some breathing room so she can enter your life.
12. Stop comparing your dates to your exes (or anyone else)
Give this human being a chance to reveal themselves.
13. Trust the process
Relax. No need to rush. Let things unfold. When it’s time (according to the universe, not your ego), the right relationship will come.
Try on a few of these practices and you’ll likely find yourself on a date with an amazing person who it might just turn out will make this whole dating thing worthwhile.
Source: Meetmindful