Dating in your 20s can be a difficult terrain to maneuver. Many people don’t think this is difficult for men, but it sure is. Learning how to be an adult, learning who you are as an adult—is no easy task when trying to find love. Relationships are one of the most challenging aspects of life, and figuring out how to make one work while growing up is something that many guys find incredibly difficult. But there are a few ways to ease the pain of teenage dating a little. These dating hacks will help you avoid some of the many pitfalls for men in their 20s. Are you ready to date smart and not hard? Here are 7 tips to help you date in your 20s.
Take your time
Being in your 20s is all about figuring things out. As a society we have in the past emphasized getting married and getting established by the age of 20. But this concept is disappearing in favor of a more well-rounded personality before anything else. You may not find your soulmate in your 20s, and that’s okay. Take your time and enjoy learning about yourself and who you are in the dating environment.
Nothing is perfect
No relationship is picture perfect. If you go into a situation looking for it as an ideal, you will be disappointed every time. Relationships are imperfect because people are. Make room for mistakes, arguments, awkward silences, and all the beautiful quirks in between.
Be honest
Here comes your role. Not considering the needs and feelings of others is very much played out. Be open and honest about what you want in a relationship between you and another person. Whether you’re looking for something casual or serious, be honest in the beginning. This will prevent you from wasting time and reduce emotional collateral damage.
Express yourself
Many times, it is culturally reinforced that men should not show emotions or express how they feel. This concept of toxic masculinity isn’t doing anyone any favors, especially you. Expressing how you feel gives your partner a chance to get to know the real you, show up for you, and do your best to meet your needs and wants – which is just as important as anyone else’s.
Do some self-reflection
To express yourself adequately, you must first be in tune with what you are feeling. Another irony is that the small society has encouraged men to be in tune with themselves and what’s going on inside emotionally. When you’re dealing with a relationship, take the time to sit down with yourself and think about what works for you and what doesn’t.
Breathe before you react
Many times, we say things that we don’t mean. A good rule of thumb for handling disagreements is to take a breath before reacting first to what your partner said or did. Marinate in the situation for a few minutes or even hours and then respond. Your feelings or thoughts on the matter will be limited and your response will reflect that more eloquently.
Be kind
Above all, be a kind person regardless of the ups and downs of the relationship. It’s easy to be sweet when everything is going well, but when the road is rough, practice being kind in your interactions when you’re not feeling the butterflies at the time. This will foster real trust and friendship between you and your partner, and is a great foundation for any kind of relationship.
