Dating…it does get better

If you asked me in my early 20s if I would be writing a blog posts about dating, I would have replied that unless it was a cry for help, there wouldn’t be much I could write about the process. But the 20 year old version of me could learn a ton from the current version. So from version 4.0 to version 0.1 here is the advice i would give.
Don’t accept you, Celebrate you
We’re all so very different and we need to not just accept it, but own it. What makes us different from the other 1000 tinder / bumble matches is what they will remember. Version 4.0 of me is a combination of waving the flag of me and giving no fucks. No apologies and no filter for being me. Life is short, you want to get from potential to compatible sooner rather than later.
Date and Chillax
I remember the version 0.1 one of me prior to a date. They were like mini-weddings where everything had to be perfect from the pickup, to the meal to the goodbye and whatever else was thrown in. It made me a wreck and an observer of the date, more interested in things going without a hitch versus actually being a participant and enjoying the date. So make plans, know that they might change and if they do, go with it. If your date can’t flow as easily as you on a date, imagine what they will be like when it really matters.
Be the best you
Dating is not about finding a lifeguard or life coach. Be the best you, be the version of you, you would be impressed with. Think what can I bring to the table that is unique. It could be as simple as a passion for live shows, wine tasting or breweries. Bring something to the potential relationship that is new.
Find the right date for you
Version 0.1 had tons of preconceived notions when it came to gender roles and what was expected of a man versus a woman when it came to courting. The great news is that this is changing. More woman are willing to be assertive and not just wait for their date to indicate interest. Whatever your style, figure out what your date is and make sure you are compatible, it certainly makes it so much more fun.
For God sake, be courteous and respectful
I don’t know when respect and courtesy became in short supply but I cannot count the number of dates who just thanked me for being nice and respectful. Believe me I wasn’t being Don Juan just nice. So yeah, bonus points are awarded to the dudes, that hold doors open, pay attention during the date, let their dates speak and ask about them. Pretty basic stuff even the 0.1 version of me knew but I guess it’s in short supplies these days.
Be yourself, be confident, don’t sweat the details, be engaged in your date and good things will happen. Armed with this go forth and find your dream partner.
