Dating

The 7 Biggest Dating Mistakes

How to recognize and course-correct the 7 biggest mistakes while dating.

Dateable Podcast
March 22, 2024
5
 MIN

Dating can be a complex and challenging process, and many people make mistakes along the way. Here are some of the biggest mistakes people make when dating:

1. Putting Too Much Pressure on the Outcome

One common mistake people make when dating is putting too much pressure on themselves or the other person to make the relationship work. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, desperation, and insecurity, which can ultimately sabotage the connection.

2. Ignoring Red Flags

Whether it's a lack of communication, inconsistent behavior, or incompatible values, it's important to pay attention to these signs and address them rather than brushing them under the rug. But make sure you aren’t throwing up ‘Red Flag’ at everything they do – this diminishes from the real red flags that can become detrimental in a relationship.

3. Getting Ahead of Yourself

It's all too easy to get swept up in the excitement and possibilities of a new relationship and start imagining a future together before you've truly gotten to know each other. But this can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment if things don't progress as quickly or smoothly as you'd hoped. Allow the relationship to develop and progress naturally.

4. Being Too Picky

While it's important to have standards and know what you want in a partner, being overly picky can prevent you from forming meaningful connections. It's essential to be open-minded and give people a chance, even if they don't meet all of your criteria on paper. Next time you get the ick over something minor, check yourself and see if this is really a dealbreaker.

5. Playing Games

Some people make the mistake of playing games or engaging in manipulative behavior in an attempt to attract or keep a partner. This can include things like waiting a certain amount of time to respond to texts, pretending to be disinterested, or using jealousy as a tactic. In the end, these games only serve to create distrust and insecurity in the relationship.

6. Neglecting Your Own Needs

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not understanding and communicating their own needs when dating. This is what causes us to stay in undefined situationships or unfulfilling relationships. Knowing and communicating your needs allows you to see if the person you’re dating is right for you. And if they can’t give you what you want? It’s time to find someone who will!

7. Comparing Relationships

Lastly, many people make the mistake of comparing their current relationship to past relationships or to other people's relationships. This can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction, insecurity, and unrealistic expectations. It's important to focus on the unique dynamics and strengths of your own relationship rather than comparing it to others

By being mindful of these common mistakes and learning from them, you can navigate the dating world with greater confidence, authenticity, and success. To hear more tips about how to navigate modern dating, listen to our podcast Dateable. New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday!