1. You put boyfriend expectations on someone you’re just dating.

He’s not your boyfriend so don’t place expectations on him that are merely boyfriend exclusive. Meeting his parents, giving you a house key and looking for getaways on Groupon is not a part of the initial dating process. It’s easy to get wrapped up in your thoughts and wants, but you have to keep yourself in check. The only thing that should be expected in this dating stage is a peach martini, good conversation and compliments an enjoyable time when you’re together.

2. You’re too pessimistic.

I get it. You have had some absolutely terrible dates from Tinder and have become a bit jaded when it comes to the process in which one calls dating. However, if you go into the date with the mindset that every potential date is going to result in disaster, it will. Your thoughts become  your reality, so why not change your mindset and be a little more optimistic?

3. You don’t know what you want.

You should know what type of relationship you’re looking for before the dating process begins. Are you looking for a long-term relationship? Are you looking for Netflix and chill a great conversationalist who can attend work events with you? Whether you’re looking for something serious or casual, know what your true intentions are before feelings and/or lust make your dating scenario far too complicated. Doing this will aide you in choosing viable candidates for any future dates.

4. You lower your standards.

Once you’re clear on what you’re looking for, don’t deviate! Stick to your standards and, most importantly, know when to step away from that particular dating “situationship” when your standards aren’t being met. Remember, setting standards is pointless if you don’t adhere to them. If you’re looking for a serious relationship and the person you’re dating isn’t, move on quickly before feelings get too deeply invested.

5. You expect too much too soon.

Being clear on what type of relationship you’re looking for is great, but having too many requirements for the person you’re dating can lead to immediate disappointment. You can’t expect him to pop the question just because he pays for dinner and a few laughs are exchanged. Don’t expect him to commit just because you’ve been on several dates. You can’t force anyone to meet your seemingly premature requests. You can only choose to:  (1)Move on when your expectations aren’t being met or (2)reevaluate and ask yourself if you’re expecting too much too soon.

6. You don’t know when to call it quits.

If a man is interested in you and wants to get to know you, he will make a way to do just that. Initiating the first flirtatious exchange is cool,  but if interest isn’t reciprocated don’t try to continuously pursue him. Some dates just don’t work out no matter how much you have to offer. Some men just don’t text or call back. They’re just not interested, accept it and move on. 

I’m certainly not implying that the aforementioned points will totally transform your dating life and save you from terrible Tinder dates and Black People Meet stalkers, BUT they will certainly assist you in having a better understanding of what you can do to make the dating process a little easier. #dateWisley

–Muffie B.

All articles shared on http://www.muffiebradshaw.com are original pieces written by Muffie Bradshaw unless otherwise stated. Don’t re-blog without the props!