The realm of college dating seems like a complicated one for many. Well, in reality....that can be true. However, after my friends and my own college experiences I have learned a way to navigate this new dating pool. So here are some of tips I can attempt to give you all to help make dating in college a little easier for everyone.
1) Never Assume It's A Date: If it's anything I have learned in college, it is never to assume anything. Things are much different in college than they were in high school. When someone asks you to hang out or go out somewhere, it does not necessarily mean it is a date. I mean it very well could be, but if you go in there with no expectations you won't get disappointed. Treat the person as just a friend. Just enjoy the conversation, but really try to make it seem in your head that you guys are just friends and nothing more unless they explicitly say it is a date. Also, sometimes people change their minds for whatever reason. Thus, just being able to enjoy yourself with no expectations is important.
2) Don't Over-Analyze: As humans most of us tend to over-analyze every damn thing. Well, it is finally time to break that bad habit. This means stop thinking about what everything a person does means! If someone thinks you are attractive, just take it as that. It doesn't necessarily mean they like you or they want a relationship. Just because someone acts like they like you or tells you they like you does not make them want to be in a relationship. Nothing you will do will change their mind, so stop trying. If they want to be in a relationship they will tell you. Just try and distract yourself, fill your empty time up with something you enjoy doing so you can't think about things.
3) Be Straight-Forward: This one annoys me the most. What many people don't realize is that saying what is on your mind and being straight forward is the best policy. It happens all way to often that people miscommunicate with each other or don't communicate at all. This leads to so much confusion about what you want from each other. If you don't want to date right now, tell the person right away. Tell them that you just want to hangout as friends because you don't have time for a relationship. Or if you do want to date the person, tell them that. Also, if you don't know where you want things to go, then just let them know that. People spend so much time beating around the bush that they don't realize that telling them straight up is so much easier.
4) Keep Options Open Until It's Official: Don't stop talking to people just because you like someone, at least not until you guys are official. This period is the time to see different people and figure out your options. Sometimes things don't work out with that certain someone, so don't put all your eggs in one basket. All I'm saying is just to do you and do what you want to do until you are official. You don't have to give up your fun until you are exclusive.
5) Go With The Flow: Like I mentioned above, do you! Just have fun with this new experience. Take things as they come and follow them. Take a seat and enjoy the ride. Again, no expectations and no disappointments. Just follow the path ahead of you and take time getting to know people and having fun. When your not looking, the best things pop up!
Most of these tips seem like they would be easy to follow, but it's not so easy to train yourself to take the advice and follow it. Some people have to actually experience something to understand it. If you are that kind of person, take this advice and see what you can make of it. I hope it helps clear up at least what I have learned with college dating.
Disclaimer: These are just things myself and my friends have learned in college. None of these are facts, most are opinions based off of experiences.
Love,
Alexa
