On some date’s, the skies part and the angels sing and on other date’s –not so much.
Oh, the date started out well enough (before her head twirled around like the exorcist because you said you ate meat) but somewhere between the appetizer and dessert it skidded to AWFUL with a resounding thud.
Another face, another wasted night…bad dates can be so disheartening.
But they don’t have to derail you from staying confident and ready for the right date to come.
(Remember it only takes one great date to make all the bad ones obsolete)
Here are a few tips to keep bad dates in perspective:
Love Sets Itself Apart
From the very beginning of our relationship, I knew Tim was different from all the others I dated before. We laughed at the same jokes, enjoyed easy conversation and reveled in each other’s company. I didn’t want our first date to ever end.
This is the exact opposite of most of my previous dates.
If you find yourself replaying conversations and kicking yourself for something you did or didn’t say on a date, then it’s probably not the connection you truly desire. The right one WILL stand out from the rest and you will know because it will be AWESOME!
Your Identity is Not Based on a Random Stranger’s Approval
If we believe our behavior, appearance or attitude should be perfect on a date and vice versa for our date, we are only setting ourselves up for failure. Learn how to relax and be yourself on a date and if the other person doesn’t’ like what you have to offer, than it’s their issue.
(Now I’m not excusing bad manners, if that’s you than it’s time for a dating makeover)
God created each of us uniquely and we come in all different shapes and sizes, with gifts and talents and abilities crafted by the King. If you know and REMEMBER that you were made in the image of God, then a stranger’s approval or disapproval will not shake your core identity.
And truthfully, when you own who you are and accept yourself unconditionally, you will be the most attractive YOU because it allows others to be themselves too.
Watch for RED Flags
If something your date says sounds bizarre, ask a few more questions.
Here’s a few items that might need more information and further explanation:
“I haven’t seen my kids in a long time.”
“About five jobs ago…”
“Actually we are separated, but the divorce should be any day now.”
“I just broke up with my ex last week.”
Listen to your intuition and be willing to walk away from a date to protect yourself and your future. Do not play mental negotiations because they are “sooo’ pretty or drive a Porsche.
Just say no to a second date.
4. Play the Movie
If your date has an annoying habit that sends you reaching for the bottle of Advil, don’t make excuses. Put this baby relationship to bed and end it now. It could be something minor or something major, and quite possibly maybe its a quirk or issue you struggle with because you are mildly OCD, but if terrible table manners or an obnoxious laugh send you over the edge, the situation will not improve with time.
Play the movie forward and imagine how their laugh or open chomping mouth will drive you batty ten years from now. If the issue is a non-negotiable for you, then don’t compromise.
Enjoy the Experience
Every date, bad or good can go into your repertoire of life’s experiences. Maybe the bad date can be redeemed as a funny story to be told at a dinner party or in later years to encourage a friend. Maybe you learned a lesson about a personality type or more about yourself on the date.
As long as you act honorably and with respect on a date, then you can part ways at the end of the evening in a healthy manner and maybe the bad date will refer you to a friend who better suits your personality.
Dating is supposed to be fun, so keep it light and take the disappointments in stride as part of the journey!
