People tell you that your teenage years and early 20’s are the period of your life where you ought to test the waters and have fun in dating. Everyone tells you not to be too serious about things, and at this stage of your life, it is very okay to make mistakes. Well, this theory may not be wrong, but it may not also be right.
The fact is that we are all humans, and what works for one person will not necessarily work for another. However, what can be said is that we all experience life, and these experiences are what eventually shape us in life. We surveyed individuals between ages 20 to 24 to find out their thoughts about dating at that stage of their life.
Below, we list out seven of the salient points culled from them:
7 Things to Know About Love and Dating
- Take Risks
When it comes to dating, you need to learn how to take risks. The future is not absolute, but you can always hope for the best. The fact that you do not know whether or not a potential suitor is your life partner does not mean you should prevent yourself from dating them.
Like the song by The 1975 goes “Give Yourself a Try” so as not to miss out on what could be. You do not want to end up with doubts.
- Always know how to take a hint
One thing that is “certain” about dating is the “uncertainty” that comes with it. In order to avoid situations where you end up hurt or slighted, it is crucial to know how to read the signs. Although we like to say that time spent with people we love should not be considered as time wasted, what if all along, the person you have feelings for might just be using you to while away time.
As a result, it becomes vital for you to know when to push forward or cut your losses. Do not linger in a relationship when it is quite clear that the person you have feelings for does not reciprocate the feeling. You have to know your worth.
- Passion is important
Did someone say passion as in relating to sex, lust, spicing up your love life and sex toys for men among others? Yes! That is what we mean. Passion plays a major role in deciding whether a relationship is going to last or not.
Never make the mistake of getting into a relationship when you feel nothing more than an innate fondness for the other party. There should be no “what-if” in attraction. If it is not there, then it is not there. Do not try to test the waters.
- Do not live together for the wrong reasons
For some couples, after a certain period of dating, they see the concept of living together as the next step to take. These couples see living together as a natural path in improving their relationships.
At the same time, other couples view living together as a means to save costs or move out from an inconvenient location. Although life has its ups and downs and may throw obstacles in your way, do not let it interfere with the natural progression of your relationship. Moving in together is a big move that should be made because you love each other, and you are ready to take it to the next stage.
- Make your expectations known
Imagine being in a relationship for over two years only to find out you both have different expectations. One of you already has a plan in place for having five kids and living in the suburbs while the other has no plans to produce children or move away from the city. After two years of living together, the information now pops up, then what?
It is better to address important life issues like this early on in the dating phase to prevent being blindsided or loss of time. Once you discuss these issues early on, it would be easier to decide if the relationship is worth pursuing or not.
- Think carefully before dating your friends
Okay so earlier on, we said you should take risks. But, when it comes to dating your friends, a lot of caution should be exercised. What if the relationship turns sour? Do you want to lose your friend after the relationship?
But, at the same time, things can turn out great with both of you achieving your happily ever after. It could then turn out to be the best decision you have ever made in your life.
However, you cannot see the future. In as much as we love to talk about taking risks, a bit of rational sense should be applied especially if you are in a group of friends. You do not want to put your other friends in a position where they have to choose sides.
- Do not make comparisons
Life is not a bed of roses, and one thing about humans is that we all love to think the grass is greener on the other side. One moment you are in a relationship then the next you envy your other friend because it seems like their partner showers them with the love and affection you think you want.
The same also applies to compare your single self to other people in relationships. This might force you to make a drastic decision which you are not ready for. In cases like this, you need to have a positive mindset that the right time and partner will come for you.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, our roundup of the seven most important things to know about love and dating in your early 20’s. Read it, learn from it, and excel in the world of dating and finding a suitable partner.
