These dating rules for success do not include instructions that ask you to represent yourself in an inauthentic way. There are, however, areas where self-improvement is recommended. These dating rules aim to inspire you to be your best to attract the best partner!
These rules are based on extensive research on this topic. In most cases, the short description of each rule is enough to ensure the successful implementation of the advice. If you want more guidance, this article offers many related articles.
1. Get Yourself Motivated
Get yourself motivated to find a compatible dating partner you truly enjoy, someone with whom you can build a productive and fulfilling relationship. Finding a good match will take some time, effort, and perseverance, and it will require a strong source of motivation.
Here’s how: First, visualize yourself in a magnificent relationship. Picture every glorious detail. Then visualize yourself in a horrible relationship and picture every nasty detail. Create these visualizations by recalling your relationship experiences and/or those of other couples you’ve observed.
Motivation is created when we imagine the pleasure we will feel by having something we desire– like a great relationship. Motivation intensifies when we imagine the pain we will feel if we end up with something we hate instead– like a bad relationship. Use these opposing mental strategies to motivate you to find the right person for you!
Related article: How to Create Relentless Motivation to Find the Right Partner for You!
2 . Do a Personal Evaluation
What is the condition of your life? Have you become the person that you know you can be? Where do you stand emotionally, physically, socially, and financially? Your future dating experiences will reflect the strengths and weaknesses that exist in each of these areas. Get your life in order before you start inviting others to make investments in you!
Do this by evaluating all the major areas of your life. Determine what areas need improvement, identify solutions, set goals, and then get to work. You’ll be ready to start dating once you are satisfied with your changes and have gotten into the habit of working toward your remaining long-term goals.
Related article: Self-Evaluation & Preparation for Relationship Success.
3. Get Your Teeth Fixed and Cleaned
The goal of this dating rule is fresh breath. Nothing is more of a turn-off than bad breath. It is often caused by a dental or periodontal problem, which is usually not noticeable to the person with it. Cup your hand over your mouth, blow into it, and then smell it. If there’s the slightest hint of odor, you may have a problem.
If your teeth haven’t been checked and cleaned in the last six months, get it done! If you have a cosmetic problem that affects your confidence, get it fixed if you have the money. If you don’t have the money now, just come to terms with it by adding it to your list of long-term goals. At the very least, get your teeth and gums healthy so your breath will be fresh and ready for romance!
Related article: Bad Breath: How to Eliminate & Prevent It
4. Identify Your Target
Create a detailed description of the person you want. With a clear vision of the person you want, you will attract and be able to recognize them when they enter your life. Without it, most of your efforts will be a waste of time.
Here’s how: Make two (2) lists of all the attributes, characteristics, and qualities that you “must have” and “cannot have” in a partner. Refine the lists by clarifying the items of greater importance and eliminating the items of lesser importance. Then transfer them to a fresh piece of paper and place it in a place where you’ll be encouraged to review them often.
Once you have the image of your ideal partner firmly anchored in your mind, you will attract and be drawn toward those who meet your unique needs and be repelled by those who do not.
Related article: How to Find Love with a Person Who’s Right for You!
5. Determine the Best Places to Find Them
Determine the best places for you to find your ideal partner. What are your greatest passions? Are there organizations or events you can attend where others who share your passion are likely to gather? Finding someone to share what you love doing most is an ideal foundation for building a great relationship. Make a list of all the possibilities. Then go check them out. Join the ones that feel right and get involved without focusing on finding someone to date. That part will happen naturally.
You can also come up with many dating sources within your present world. Do some brainstorming to identify all the possible places and activities where you have seen or might find a potential partner.
Online dating is an excellent resource for finding an ideal partner. The key is to find a reputable service with extensive matching criteria. The identifying process described in rule #4 will help you recognize an outstanding dating service and an outstanding match.
Related article: Best Places & Situations to Find the Love of Your Life.
6. Learn about Dating Techniques and Rituals
Learning about dating techniques and rituals will improve your dating success and enjoyment. I am not talking about just learning how to open doors and order wine. I am talking about learning the techniques that can enhance compatibility judgment, relationship development, and romance. Anyone, from the beginner to the dating veteran, can benefit from reviewing this information.
This topic is too broad to summarize in a couple of paragraphs, which would do you very well. The critical point is that learning this information can greatly improve your dating experiences.
Related article: Ultimate Dating Tips, Advice, & Strategies.
7. Get Your Wardrobe Ready
This issue is usually more of a challenge for men than women, but I’ve encountered several women who could benefit from this advice as well. Looking your best is the icing on the cake. Like you, the true quality of a cake is what’s on the inside. But with an uninviting outward appearance, there’s less chance someone will be inspired to find out what’s inside.
Do you have some clothes that are appropriate for dating? You can’t go out to a nightclub in a chef’s uniform, hospital scrubs, or a business suit. Either find a couple of outfits from your closet, wash and iron them, or invest in a few new ones. Try to dress fashionably and up-to-date. This may require that you stretch yourself a bit. Make your final choice on what you wear, however, based on what makes you feel the most confident. If you have accessories or a look reflecting your unique style, go for it!
If you want ideas on what clothes to buy, look at the displays at some high-end stores and magazines. The goal here is not to spend a lot of money to impress the person you’re dating. The goal is to assemble a few outfits that make you look and feel your best.
8. Learn How to Handle Rejection
Rejection is a part of the dating experience that everyone hates. The fear of being rejected blocks us from reaching out to potential partners. If we change our perceptions about it, we can eliminate our concerns.
We’ve been programmed to feel bad when we are rejected, when 99% of the time it has nothing to do with us. Mathematically, the chances of you coming into contact with someone, where favorable circumstances and mutual attraction exist, are probably at least 100 to 1 (one) or greater. In most situations, you do not have pre-existing knowledge of the person or their current relationship status, mood, likes, dislikes, etc.
You can let go of the fear once you accept it’s just a numbers game. Then you can move forward with more confidence knowing that the more you try, and the more rejections you accumulate, the closer you will be to reaching your target!
Related article: How to Handle Rejection.
9. Enjoy the Journey
Don’t get so caught up in looking for the perfect partner that you don’t enjoy the journey. Have fun, learn, and grow!
When you find yourself out on a date with someone who isn’t right for you, shift your attention to what you can learn from them and enjoy the conversation. If it’s an uncomfortable situation, end the date as quickly as possible and enjoy the rest of your day. Don’t waste any time doing a postmortem; say to yourself, “Next!”
When you’re alone, use the time to learn about yourself and how to enjoy your single life, whether you’re dating someone or not. This means being able to go out to dinner alone on a Saturday night and truly enjoying it. Test yourself. Try it!
When a person is at peace being alone, their decision to be in a relationship is a matter of free choice and not an emotional necessity. When there is the freedom to decide when and if a person wants to be in a relationship, a better partner selection can be made.
Related article: Singlehood!
10. Ensure Lifelong Intimacy
Ensure lifelong intimacy by being tested and protected. No matter how truthful, safe, and healthy your partner/friend seems, make sure that an adequate birth control method is being used, and that you both get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (aka STIs, sexually transmitted infections) “before” your first sexual encounter. If you don’t have medical insurance to cover these expenses, most local health departments offer birth control counseling and STD testing for free or at a nominal fee. This would be appropriate for couples of any age. You may feel uncomfortable discussing these subjects with your partner/friend, but it’s your life, and these issues must be settled. One bad choice in this area can instantly ruin your life forever! For this reason, number 10 is the most important dating rule.
Dating Rules Epilogue
Most of us approach dating in a lackadaisical manner, as if no special knowledge or skills are needed to be successful. The truth is, dating is like everything else in life. You get what you put into it. These dating rules are only a blueprint for success. The rest is up to you!
If you’re looking to find a life partner, this endeavor is one of the most important in your life! If you’re new to dating or not looking for a serious relationship, then dating can either enhance or complicate your life.
You can learn through trial and error, but the price is usually a lot of pain when it’s dating and relationships. Or you can master the necessary skills and reap the benefits of superior dating experiences and relationships. These dating rules provide a solid starting point.