Common Dating Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone makes mistakes in the dating world but there are some mistakes that are avoidable if you pay attention and refuse to settle for someone who just "good enough". Set your standards high and never settle for less than what you really want. For every bad date out there, you will find there are many good ones. The dating game is not about who gets a date first but about who finds the person they can spend the rest of their life with and still be very happy.

If you don't like it now; you won't like it later

One of the biggest dating mistakes people make is assuming that the things they really don't like about a person in the beginning will be less annoying later. If you hate it now, you will hate it even more later. If someone has a habit, belief system, behavior or just a tone of voice that drives you crazy, have no doubt you will not get used to it. What will happen is over time you will build anger and resentment over this thing that you once thought you could tolerate. People are who they are and trying to change them will only end in disappointment.

Believe someone when they say they are not looking for a relationship

When someone says they are not looking for a relationship; they usually mean it. Often this is a kind way of saying, "I don't want a relationship with you." This doesn't mean you aren't good enough to be in a relationship with someone but you aren't right for that person. Many people make the mistake in the dating world of thinking they can become "good enough" to change that person's mind. If they aren't looking for a relationship and you are, then move on. It is a rare occasion that person will change their mind.

If you decide to stick around during the "I'm not looking for a relationship" phase with someone, then be willing to play by those rules. Not looking for a relationship means you both get to date other people and if you meet someone else, then you move on. Always be open and honest in this type of scenario as secrets have a way of coming out at the wrong time.

Don't pretend to be something you aren't

A very common mistake many people make in the dating world is pretending to be something they are not. Dating someone does not mean you have to like everything they do, but it is a time to find out what you do have in common.

If you date loves mountain climbing and the closest thing you have ever gotten to a mountain driving up a steep incline on the road, then don't pretend that you have been to the top of Mt. Everest. Going home and searching the internet for all the information you can get on the topic does not count. Be honest about your inexperience and if you have an interest in the topic, ask questions. Most people love to talk about their passion and you might just find that you are interested and might even be willing to give it a shot yourself.

You don't have to be a mirror image of the person you are dating. In fact, there are very few people who want to date themselves, so be honest, be yourself and discover if you have other things in common that you can both enjoy together.

Sex does not mean you are in a relationship

A common mistake made by many people who are dating is confusing sex with a commitment. Sex does not always mean anything more than the other person wanted sex and you were the person they had sex with that night. Do not assume that sex means you are in a relationship, dating exclusively, or anything else for that matter. This is an area of dating that you must communicate clearly with the other person in advance to be sure of where you stand or even if this is a person that you should be having sex with.

Sex is not love, it is a physical act and many people are very comfortable with sex as a casual activity versus a long term commitment. Determine what it is for both of you before you get into bed and find you don't like yourself very much in the morning. Never mistake sex as a way to catch anyone, because you will find that to be a terrible mistake.

Needy is not attractive

The clubs, meet-ups and other events are full of needy, clingy, desperate people. Nothing will chase a potential date away faster than being desperate. Nobody wants someone who can't get anyone else; few people want someone who needs a partner. Confidence is key in the dating world. If you feel you are a good catch and you approach with confidence, you are more likely to get a date than the person who is clingy and begging for attention. You don't have to be arrogant but you do have to know your own value before you can expect another to see it in you.

Needy and desperate people are the ones that get used for everything from sex to money. If you are fine on your own, others see that and are more likely to be interested in someone who is fine if they aren't giving them attention every minute of their day. Nobody likes to be smothered and it's a huge mistake when looking for a potential date to be one of those people who can't live without a partner in their life.

Keep in mind confidence can't be faked anymore than desperate can be hidden. If you are in the category of feeling desperate, then you need to take some time and figure out why you are so afraid to be on your own before entering the dating world.

Dating should be a time of fun and discovery; sadly many have turned it into a life or death feeling for them every time they go out on a date. Remember, not everyone is going to be a match for you and that is a good a thing, because even with every bad date, you will learn someone; even if it is just what you don't want. As you clear the way and fine tune what you do and don't want, you will learn to spot the red flags faster and get rid of the ones you don't want much sooner than later. In clearing the field, you are bringing yourself closer to finding the person that matches you and then you can focus on a building a relationship a person that you really like and want.

If you always put what you really want ahead of what is in front of you then you have a chance for a long lasting relationship that will make both people happy. Don't waste your time on people that are clearly not right for you and always remember that you are the perfect match for someone out there; it just takes a little time and common sense.