5 Tips I've Learned from Dating

Dating has become quite the social norm in American society. Because nearly everybody does it, I find it useful to share as many tips as possible that I have learned from dating. Hopefully they will be of some use to you - they sure have been to me!

1. It's not always roses and sweet tea. As most of us realize, dating isn't always roses and sweet tea. Sometimes dating can be tough. Actually, let me rephrase that - if you date for any length of time, you will discover that it is tough. No matter how glamorous the tabloids portray it, we as human beings are much more selfish than we would dare to admit, and this will always cause some sort of disconnect when dating another person. Don't get me wrong, dating is wonderful! Just don't be caught off guard when your Utopian idea of a boyfriend/girlfriend gets a little unraveled.

2. Just give it time, baby..just give it time. Because we have such a consumer mindset, we are prone and apt to desire what we want when we want it. Hate to burst your bubble - serious dating takes time! Actually take the time to get to know the person you are dating - ask questions, don't be afraid to admit you're not perfect, and most importantly of all, be yourself!

3. Don't just think about the other person - act upon those thoughts. It happens way too often. "I really meant well...I mean I know I didn't do this, but you gotta believe me I meant to do it." I know you have heard it before, "It's the thought that counts." Well true, the thought does count, but you can't just expect the other person to know that! You must act upon those thoughts and do things that are special for your significant other. Thinking shows you like them, acting upon those thoughts show you care.

4. Listen and be a good communicator! Men (speaking as one who is a man), we must listen and be attentive to our significant other! This is the number one cause of break-ups - the lack of communication. Why do we lack communication? The answer goes back to my first tip - we are more selfish than we would dare to admit, and our lack of communication is covered by our selfishness. Take the time to not only listen carefully but also ask questions as well as start conversations. Besides, how else will you ever truly get to know the person you are dating if you never communicate with them?

5. We aren't perfect people, so don't treat the one you are dating like they are perfect. Knowing that we are not perfect people, it is completely cruel and insensitive to treat your partner as if they were perfect. If you treat them like they are perfect and expect them to be perfect, can you expect to live up to the same ideals? I'll put it bluntly, no you cannot! When we understand that we are not perfect people and never will be, we will have mercy and compassion on our partners because we need mercy and compassion too.

I hope these dating tips are informative and helpful! Best of luck finding that perfect someone!