There are three basic categories that everybody in the world fits into: people who are in a relationship, people who are not in a relationship, and people who are
sort of seeing someone, but also sort of
not. Individuals who fit into this last group are probably all too familiar with the trials and challenges encountered during the dating process - and many of them are most likely fed up with the whole ordeal.
However, if you find yourself being perpetually unlucky in love, it may because of one (or more) damaging dating habits. If any of the things on this list sound like they apply to you, you may want to reconsider your approach towards finding a partner...
1. Playing games
If you're really serious about finding that special someone, quit playing games. That means replying to texts within a sensible time frame, making plans more solid than 'we should Netflix and chill sometime', and being open and honest about what you're looking for in a relationship.
2. Dating the same type of person
It's true that a lot of people will have a particular personality type or aesthetic appearance that they find most attractive, but that doesn't mean you should limit yourself to only considering those people. So what if that guy is a little on the short side, or that girl isn't into the same films as you? They could end up being your soulmate if you gave them the chance.
3. Valuing a relationship above all else
Being happy with someone else is important, of course - but you know what's more important? Being happy with yourself. Don't make dating your number one priority in life if you've got other things you should be focusing on. Happiness will come in time, and trying to find it while your heart isn't really in the game probably won't work out too well.
4. Settling for second best
This follows on from the previous point, as trying to find someone at any cost will usually result in settling for a partner who isn't really what you wanted. You can convince yourself that you'll be happy for a while, at least, but is that really worth it? Don't date for the sake of it - hold out for someone who really deserves you.
5. Losing your identity
A consequence of valuing dating above everything else is that you will change yourself in order to fit the needs of the person you're trying to win over. Do this enough times, and you'll begin to lose the parts of yourself that made you you. So don't go altering parts of your personality for some dude you met on Bumble, just hold out for someone who actually likes you for how you are.
6. Getting swayed by others
It could very well be the case that you're perfectly happy on your own, and it's your friends and relatives who are coercing you into finding someone to date. If that's the case, don't listen to them! Being single has just as many benefits as being in a relationship, so embrace them while you can.
7. Only meeting people online
Sure, Tinder is an excellent place to find people close by, and it can be especially useful for people who are LGBTQ, or fit into some other category which makes it hard for them to find people out in the wild. Having said that, it's a dangerous habit to fall back on only looking for love online. Don't put off chatting to that woman at the bar or striking up a conversation with that man who always gets your train just because you have the internet to fall back on. You don't know what you're missing out on.
8. Chickening out
I'm sure this is something many serial daters can relate to: you go out with someone a few times, it starts to get a bit serious, you realise you like them quite a lot... and then you dump them for fear of getting serious. Come on, guys! You're never going to get out of this cycle if you don't take a chance.
9. Being closed off to new experiences
If you play things the same way every time, the likelihood is that you're going to get the same results. Don't be afraid to shake things up every now and then. If you usually take the lead in a conversation, why not take the back seat for a while? If you find yourself moving too fast with the other person every time, slow it down a bit. Little changes can make big differences.
So, serial dates, take good note of this. It might just help you to get lucky in love very soon.
