Category: Dating Advice

AGE GAP RELATIONSHIPS

Posted on by Unified Dating
8 Ways to Bridge the Age Gap in Your Relationship

Are you entering a new relationship? With a large age gap difference? As people say, ‘it’s just a number’, but being in an age gap relationship does come with a few difficulties compared to other couples. However, if it’s true love, nothing will get in your way. Some studies relationship satisfaction reported by age-gap couples is higher! 

Does Age difference in relationships matter?

Romantic couples with a large age gap often raise eyebrows. Studies have found partners with more than a ten-year gap in age experience social disapproval. But when it comes to our own relationships, both men and women prefer someone their own age but are open to an age gap of 10-15 years.

There is a variation across cultures in the size of the difference in age-gap couples. all cultures demonstrate the age-gap couple phenomenon. In some non-Western countries, the average age gap is much larger than in Western countries. 

Things to consider in an age difference relationship.

When you’re in an age gap relationship, your insecurities, and even flaws, can bring a whole host of issues to the table. Things that you wouldn’t usually think twice about, may start taking over your thoughts. Did you act too immature? Or are you going too fast?

The most important opinions on your relationship are your own. Both of you must be careful not to let outsiders influence how you may feel about or treat each other. However, for your relationship to work, it does mean that you both need to find a happy medium with your friends and family. 

A factor that does impact the outcomes of age-gap couples is their perceptions of social disapproval. If one partner believes their family, friends and wider community disapprove of their union, then relationship commitment decreases and the risk of break-up increases. Unfortunately. 

Your social lives may not merge as easily as you think but give it time and don’t expect that either one of you should give up your friends and family for the relationship to work. This will eventually make one or both of you feel resentful.

It’s hard. We like to believe that we don’t care what others think but it’s usually not true. 

You need to be united though for the relationship to thrive!

If you’re older, don’t assume you know best or patronise your partner, and if you’re younger, don’t forget that you have a voice, they don’t know best, but don’t turn to childish characteristics. It is key that the relationship strikes a balance and that you don’t slip into a parent/child relationship. 

The power dynamic.

With age-gap relationships, a common mistake is to assume the age difference is the only power dynamic at play or that it’s the most important one and associated with either a desire to control or a need for security. 

Even if relationships are ostensibly equal, there’s always a power dynamic to consider. They may be almost imperceptible, but imbalances exist, whether it’s the ability to stay rational amid chaos or big ones such as class, wealth, life experiences, education, or emotional maturity. 

Relationships work best when they are mutually beneficial… 

Don’t force your relationship on them.

Let them see how well your relationship is working and involve them in your life. Only those who don’t truly care for your happiness will struggle to support you and your relationship. Be careful of being paranoid and making assumptions about your friends and family’s opinions that aren’t real!

Age Preferences Are Embedded Into Our Mating Psychology.

Evolutionary psychology is based on the premise that the human mind has evolved adaptive strategies to support reproduction and survival (Buss, 2016). 

Ancestrally, women benefited by seeking men who have the status and resources to support their child-rearing and the willingness to do so. These traits are tied to older men. 

Men, meanwhile, have evolved a preference for younger women because their youth is a signal for fertility, and over eons and eons, men have better reproductive success when they partner with women who can bear children. Therefore, larger age gap relationships tend to be this way round.

But, age is just a number, right? If you’re happy, go for it!

SHOULD YOU RELOCATE FOR A RELATIONSHIP?

Posted on by Unified Dating
18 Signs You're Ready to Move In Together | Glamour

Should you move to a new town, county or even a new country, for the sake of a relationship? Keep reading to find out whether you should relocate for a relationship!

While long distance relationships are possible, most people would prefer to live close to one another. Or together!

However, relocating somewhere new is a big decision and you need to consider what you’re moving for and what you’ll be giving up. Below are Unified Dating’s suggestions to help you further decide whether relocating is a good idea! 

How far will you be moving?

There’s a massive difference between moving to a new town a few miles away and moving half-way across the world!

 Moving further away means moving further away from home – which could make keeping contact with friends and relatives harder. There will also be greater cultural changes the further you move away. 

Generally, you shouldn’t move too far away unless you really know a person, which leads to the next point…

How well do you know each other?

You should never relocate far away to be someone you barely know. If you’ve only talked online, go take the step to meet in person first. Ideally for over a month so that you can really get to know them. Wait to get to know your partner better before deciding whether you should relocate for a relationship!

If you’re already in a long and steady relationship and you’re currently living together, relocating together is not so much of a leap. And won’t feel as scary either.

If you know your partner inside-out and feel that this is causing things to get stale, moving away together could in fact be just what is needed to spice things up! It could even be a way of learning more about each other so that you can keep building on your relationship. 

Are there any deal breakers in the relationship?

If you’re making any huge life decision together, you should be at the point in your relationship that there are no deal breakers.

This means that no amount of dirty towels on the floor, messy dishes in the sink, or future fights would be enough to break you up. You’ve seen each other at your worst, yet you still feel fully committed to each other! 

This is why we would recommend living with your partner for a while before relocating with them.

Is it a temporary or permanent move?

You should consider whether it’s likely to be a temporary move or a permanent move. 

If your partner wants to move away for a few months for a work project or to look after a sick relative, you may have the option to stay at home and maintain a long-distance relationship. Alternatively, it could be exciting to move away for a few months without the worry of a permanent move (of course only if you work from home or your boss is okay with it!). 

Are you both in a good financial situation?

This is one of the most important aspects of the topic. Unfortunately money is always a main issue so whether you should relocate for a relationship or not, really does depend if you can afford it.

Strategize your own financial situation, and since moving is expensive, figure out if you can comfortably afford it on your own. You should then have a discussion with your partner about their finances. What if you don’t find a job for six months or even a year, can they cover the whole rent? And what about groceries and so on… 

Would you enjoy living in the city you’re moving to?

Can you see your new town or city as your home?

You should think of all the factors that go into the new place you’ll be living. It’s likely you will be far away from your family and friends. 

Yes, a relationship requires sacrifice at times, but if you are never going to feel completely happy and at home in your new place, then you and your partner should make a compromise to find a city you both can live in.

If things don’t work out, what’s your backup plan?

And finally… the question that you don’t want to think about. What happens if you break up? 

Even if there are no more deal breakers and your relationship is serious, the logical thinker knows there is always the chance it might not work out.

You should always have a backup plan, or at least think about what you would do if you and your partner broke up.

Would you keep the job you get and continue pursuing your career in the city you moved to, or would you quit and move back home? Make sure you have a plan you feel comfortable with before you make the move.

And it’s perfectly okay to change your mind/ back up plan at a later date!

Whether you should relocate for a relationship or not, if completely up to you and whether you feel comfortable doing so. Just make sure to think through our suggestions before taking a massive leap!

Summer Date Ideas in London

Posted on by Unified Dating
London's top rooftop spaces for summer events

It doesn’t matter if you’re meeting someone for the first time or have been married for years, we should all go on more dates, right?! Dating allows you to spend precious time with your other half and get to know someone And while a cosy night on the sofa is perfectly fine some evenings, sometimes we have to get out and try new things. Keep reading for Unified Dating’s top summer date ideas in London!

We all want to show our dates our best side: spontaneous, fun to be with and creative! So why not be the one to come up with a great date idea?

In crazy and hectic city like London, picking the right activity for your date can be daunting. Which is why we have complied out favourite things to do on a date in London. Some are unusual and quirky, and others just romantic classics. Impress your date with your dance moves at the roller disco or escape to fantastic worlds with a VR experience, it’s time to sort the next date night. 

Coronavirus and the lockdown might have kept us inside for longer than some have hoped, but the urge to do things has only gotten stronger. And now with the restrictions all lifted (hopefully permanently!), plus the amazing weather, we all need to make the most out of it and get back in the swing of date nights!

Kayak to CRATE Brewery.

Paddle through London’s oldest canal from Limehouse to Crate Brewery’s bar on the water’s edge in Hackney Wick. A true urban adventure.

Although remember to bring some waterproof clothes for this adventure in case you get splashed along the way!

Go on a Picnic.

Stock a Picnic Basket at one of London’s food markets and then go on a picnic! This is a great opportunity to learn about each other’s food preferences and tastes. And it also offers many of conversation starters when you are strolling around your chosen food market!

Chat over a world-class coffee.

If there’s one thing London knows how to do, it’s a delicious cup of coffee. And having a chilled chat over a latte is a great relaxed option for a first date. Pus, it doesn’t have to be too long. Some of our favourites include Monmouth Coffee Company  and Ozone Coffee.

Soak In Atmospheric, Candlelit Baths.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to bathe the outside of your body in red wine, then we’ve got good news for you.

Because AIRE Ancient Baths has come to London.

Next-Level Gaming Bar.

Platform in Shoreditch is London’s first dedicated video game and e-sports bar and restaurant. It is the perfect spot for a quirky date! Even if you are not a gamer! Promising fun activities, great pizza and a bar loaded with drinks, it’s a sure winner.

Try your hands at a Pottery Class

Now for something completely different. There’s something of a pottery craze sweeping the capital this summer. Perhaps as a push to be more sustainable means we want more handmade, unique, less mass-produced items in our homes. 

But be ready to get a little messy!

Retro Arcading.

Mix up your date night with Queens. Not only can you have a romantic meal of MEATliquor food and coctials, but you can also challenge your date to a game of bowling or an arcade game!

Head to a rooftop venue for the great views.

Nothing says ‘romantic date’ like a rooftop bar or restaurant with sprawling views over the city. Take your pick from the hundreds, probably thousands of rooftop bars in London.

Have some laughs at comedy night.

Laughter is key for a good first date, so why not book in to one of the capital’s excellent comedy nights? 

For example, Comedy Fridays at Boulevard Theatre alternate between female-led improv ‘The Yes Queens’ and ‘unruly mixed bill comedy’ in the Late Night Scene.

Have an unusual film experience at Backyard Cinema.

Backyard Cinema specialises in experiential film screenings in quirky settings. We’re talking about sitting down to watch Romeo and Juliet (1996) in Highbury’s Union Chapel, decorated with neon crucifixes, enjoying its soundtrack backed by a live choir. Perfect, right?!

There are plenty of Summer Date Ideas in London to choose from! Comment below if you have any other recommendations!

Top Tips To Keep The Spark Alive In A Long-Term Relationship

Posted on by Unified Dating
Simple Date Night Ideas for Richmond Couples - Richmond Mom

There is so much focus out there on the magic of new relationships but what is most important is keeping the magic going after being with someone for a while. Here are Unified Dating’s top tips to keep the spark alive in a long-term relationship. 

Remember the butterflies you used to get when you saw their name flash up on your phone or the nerves when you are meeting for a date? Well, it is still possible to continue getting those feelings. Even when you now know all of their annoying habits.

Break the routine

If you find yourselves looking back at your sex life and wondering where it all went wrong, it’s important to get that sorted asap. Just because you have been together for a while, it doesn’t mean your sex life needs to disappear.  Sit down together and ask if there is anything you would like to try in the bedroom, how you are both feeling about your sex life and how you think you can improve it. 

But it’s not just about sex, it’s your everyday routine. This is particularly normal for all of you that work a 9-5. You get home, cook dinner, watch TV, go to sleep, and repeat. 

It’s easy to get into a routine when you have been someone long-term. It’s stress free. But after a while, you will get bored and long for something more. It is important to talk and get these things out in the open. 

Continue the date nights

It’s easy for life can get in the way. And for date nights to be pushed down the priority list. 

Dating is one of the things people most of us miss about first being in a relationship, where you get dressed up and make an effort for one another, heading out for dinner or doing something special. 

Not only do you feel better about yourself, but the effort your partner has put in is also something you will appreciate as well. You will get a chance to spend quality time together and have fun. 

Schedule a day a week or every month dedicated to a date night and make sure you always stick to it. It doesn’t have to be anything special or extravagant. It could be as simple as getting a takeout and watching your favourite film on TV. 

You could even take it in turns to plan something as a surprise! Or decide together if you’re not a fan of surprises! Whichever you choose, you will find it soon becoming the highlight of your schedule. 

Also, you should make a rule to not talk about any negative issues such as money or household chores. Instead focus on positive topics that will take you away from life worries and allow you to have a great time!

Show Your Love and Affection

Love doesn’t exist unless it is treated as a vital and living force between two people. Saying ‘I love you’ holds far less meaning than showing your love to your partner. Show excitement when you see each other. Make time to just talk and chill out. And be sure to make spontaneous affection part of your everyday life. 

Small steps, like holding hands and making eye contact, are easy to overlook in the face of busy schedules and responsibilities, but they can be key to keeping love exciting. And kissing is also super important. It is a simple way of showing your loved one your affection.

Keep your Communication Open

Inviting open communication and being receptive to feedback can help you overcome the real obstacles in relationships. 

Instead of making excuses or counterattacking when your partner gives you feedback, try putting yourself in their shoes and understand where they are coming from. Be compassionate to how they feel. You should seek to be direct and honest with your own feelings!

Yes, those first weeks and months, the excitement and attraction are in full force. But after some time, you settle into a routine, and life’s obligations have a tendency of snuffing out the romance. 

What are your top tips to keep the spark alive in a long-term relationship? Comment below!

How to greet someone on a first date

Posted on by Unified Dating
Photos - Couple greeting each oth... 121699 - YouWorkForThem

When it comes to online dating, everything is a little bit different than during a classic face to face date. Greetings can often lead to feelings of anxiety. With anyone, but it can be particularly unnerving with a date. In this blog, we look into the different ways to greet your date and when you should do each one. Read on to learn how to greet someone of a first date!

First impressions are critical. And first impressions are even more critical when it comes to the first date. And that’s one reason why first dates can be daunting. When you greet someone on your first date, you form an impression that is likely to affect your first date. But more importantly, it is going to affect the relationship that follows.

Depending on how long you’ve been talking to each other, the level of intimacy can be different. Maybe you’ve told each other personal things. Or even exchanged a few intimate messages. That may mean your relationship is already quite close, despite not meeting them in person before.

But as it’s a first date, you probably haven’t known them for long. Is a handshake appropriate in this case? Somehow it feels wrong. However, falling straight into each other’s arms and even kissing? That’s a bit too much!

So how should you best greet your date partner?

The Handshake

There are greetings, which are very common in many countries. For example, a handshake. In fact, it may be appropriate at the first meeting. As long as you do it right. A strong handshake is great. If you are thinking of doing a high-five or even a fist bump, don’t. That would be inappropriate!

A classic handshake is fine. However, if you expect more of the date and have already developed a few feelings when messaging, then a handshake may be a bit too formal.

The Hug

A good alternative is a hug. But it should be a friendly hug first. A short, heartfelt squeeze. And it shows your date partner that you are pleased about the encounter.

Whether a handshake or a hug is appropriate, the answer may be found in the posture of your date. If the person keeps a distance, then a handshake and a friendly “Hello” are your best choice. 

The Kiss on the Cheek

Giving a quick kiss on the cheek is actually very common when meeting someone for the first time. However, if you’re like me, then you may get a little anxious when not knowing how many kisses you should do. Is it both cheeks or just the one? This can depend on what country you are in and what nationality your date is. In the UK, people usually do just the one. If you accidently go for the other cheek, you can make a joke out of it and laugh it off. This can be a great icebreaker!

Despite all these tips, authenticity is the most important thing. Welcome your date the way you feel like. However, always consider your current relationship and the body language and vibe the other person is giving off. It’s vital to get it right. Small details like this really do predetermine the tone of the date.

Our advice would be to use greeting as an opportunity to immediately break the touch barrier and confidently embrace the person. Of course, only if you feel comfortable doing so! This can demonstrate great confidence and can allows you to be flirtier with each other right from the off. Your date may even feel more comfortable around you. 

But the most important tip… Don’t forget to smile! 

Signs that your relationship isn’t working

Posted on by Unified Dating

You may be at a crossroads in your relationship. Perhaps you’ve been together for several years and you’ve began to wonder if you are still in love with them. Maybe you’ve began doubting that they are still ‘the one’. Some doubts are normal, especially after a long-term relationship. But here are some signs that your relationship isn’t working anymore.

You can’t decide whether you still have feelings. 

It’s normal for feelings to be questioned occasionally. But if you’re always wondering whether you still love them or not, then that’s a big red flag that something isn’t quite right. Maybe you’re in a temporary rough patch, or maybe this has been ongoing for months – either way, constant questioning isn’t great. And you need to ask yourself why these thoughts keep popping into your head. 

The little things REALLY bug you.

At the start of a relationship, you are usually so consumed by love and emotions that you don’t notice the little annoying things that you partner may do. As time passes in the relationship, it is normal to begin noticing certain habits and attributes that bug you.

However, if you can’t seem to get past these, then that is a sign that your relationship isn’t working and that you are not happy in the relationship.

When talking to them is too much effort.

You don’t feel excited to talk to them about random things you see throughout your day, this relationship is on the fast path to becoming burdensome.

This includes messaging/ texting. If you were big texters at the start of the relationship, but now only message when only completely necessary, then that is something you need to think about changing, if you’re looking for ways to improve you relationship. 

You’d rather spend time by yourself or with friends.

If you’d rather be doing literally anything else than hanging out with your partner, then something is seriously wrong. You should want to spend time with them. And should feel excited too. If this isn’t the case, then this relationship is probably not for you. You shouldn’t be feeling anxious at the thought of having to make conversation. It’s not a first date! Or even third!

You feel noticeably less interested in sex.

People like to say sex isn’t the be-all and end-all in a relationship, but can be a really important and can serve as a good indicator for other problems you might be having. You should be sexually attracted to your partner, and when sex starts feeling like a burden, then something isn’t right.

Of course, after being together a long time, the amount of sex couples have often significantly decreases. But if you NEVER want to be intimate with your partner or find yourself making excuses every single time they initiate it, then you need to think why that is. 

Does their touch make your skin crawl? While this is only one way to determine if that romantic connection is still there in the relationship, your reaction to your partner’s touch says a lot about how you’re feeling. If it feels foreign or makes you uncomfortable, it’s not a good sign.

Are things fixable, or is it time to move on?

Sometimes people don’t even notice any of these signs that their relationship is not working out. People push any thoughts to the back of their heads. Or simply don’t even know they are there!

Every relationship has its problems. Even the happiest couples will hit a few bumps in the road. But there are some issues that are more like giant summits than small stumbling blocks. 

It hurts when you feel like things have soured in your relationship and it can be difficult to know whether to work it out or call it a day.

You may be scared to be alone after your relationship but here Unified Dating, we are here for you for when you are ready to get back onto the dating pool! Our dating events give you the opportunity to meet other likeminded singles.

When to put a label on it

Posted on by Unified Dating
Top 10 Effective Communication Techniques for Couples - PsychAlive

Labels are all about being clear and honest with each other about how you’re viewing the relationship. Sometimes, even the most casual, uncommitted, purely sexual relationships need labels so that all those terms are clearly spelled out and both parties are on the same page. When to put a label on it is a question we’ve all thought or asked at some point or another. Here are Unified Dating’s tips for when you get to this point.

Do labels matter in a relationship?

‘Labelling’ a relationship is defining where each person is in the relationship, their expectations, and desires. It can be a really helpful way for people to clarify, change or negotiate the terms of their relationship. However, if you end up negotiating, ensure that you are not compromising your values. 

It can be as simple as discussing whether you are just friends, friends with romantic intentions to move forward, or in a committed dating relationship. It is superimportant to be clear from the beginning to avoid heartbreak and negative feelings. And to protect the nature of the relationship as you both most likely came together because you liked each other.

It’s about being kind to each other and protecting both of your feelings. Misunderstandings hurt. And communication is really the only way to avoid them.

A relationship without labels.

Of course, there are situations when a relationship without labels might make sense. Oftentimes, a person who says they ‘don’t do labels’ is using that to say they don’t want to be tied to certain relationship expectations or commitments. But what’s important to understand about relationship labels is that they’re not necessarily about making a relationship more committed, more serious, or exclusive. 

Not talking about the terms of your relationship does not mean you don’t have one. Some people prefer to be more relaxed and not put any pressure on their partner. Even though they are looking for a serious relationship. However, we do recommend talking and being completely honest about what you are both looking for. 

Transparency is key. Talking about label-related topics like commitment and fidelity is a great opportunity to establish realistic expectations within the relations. You can build trust and security. 

Even if labels aren’t your thing, practicing open communication and sensitivity to how each of you feel is key to keeping it healthy for both parties. Throughout the whole relationship.

How to bring up the conversation.

Yes, bringing up the conversation initially can be awkward. The one in which you find out whether you and your partner are on the same page romantically. 

It’s the conversation everyone dreads. But it really doesn’t have to be! 

  • Make sure the time is right

No matter your timeline or where your needs lie in this conversation, how you approach it is vital for its successful execution. Make sure you fully understand what you want to get out of the conversation. 

Location is also important. Don’t just suddenly blurt out the question in a public setting! Make sure your both in a private place, feeling comfortable and are both in the right mindset to discuss it maturely. 

  • Avoid ultimatums

One of the biggest mistakes you can make from the situation is making it an all or nothing situation. If you’re giving an ultimatum, chances are, it’s because you already know that you and your partner want different things and you’re trying to force his or her hand. I think that deep down you know the truth and if that’s the case, maybe things aren’t working out. 

  • Be gentle, open-minded, and honest. 

Try being gentle, open-minded, and honest in your approach. This will make your partner feel at ease and feel like they can be truthful too. Even if the answer is not what you want. It’s better to both be completely transparent. 

Try something like, “I really like you and would love to know where you think this is going. Make it a more open conversation, rather than one demanding question.

Be brave and go for it. Approaching the particular conversation can require some skill and finesse. Figuring out how to start is always hard, and so is mentally preparing yourself for not liking how the conversation ends. 

But it provides a sense of clarity that can be necessary for a relationship to continue.

Fear of Falling in Love

Posted on by Unified Dating

And How To Work Through It.

Why Falling in Love Can Be So Scary | Psychology Today

Falling in love with someone can be exciting and thrilling, but for many people, it’s also scary. After all, trusting someone with your heart is no simple task. What if they break it? If you’re afraid of love, it may even stem from deeper fears of vulnerability, getting hurt or the relationship failing. Have you got a fear of falling in love?

Read on to learn Unified Dating’s tips on getting past your fear of falling in love and how to move forward with your best life!

Falling in love is an amazing feeling but does the thought of make you scared? Are you someone who avoids relationships, commitments, and/or intimacy? If your fear is beyond the initial apprehensiveness, then there is an issue. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be permanent: There are several ways to get past your phobia and anxieties, and allow yourself to experience joy with someone you care about.

A new relationship is new territory, and most of us have natural fears of the unknown. Letting yourself fall in love means taking a risk. You are placing a great amount of trust in another person, which can make you feel exposed and vulnerable. Real love makes you feel vulnerable and that’s okay, as long as you feel safe. 

If you’re able to work through your emotions, then you can better understand your feelings or concerns with falling in love! Identifying the route of your fear is the first step in overcoming it. Know that you are good enough. That love does not always end in pain and that being in love can make you grow as a person. 

Here is a step to step to follow in your journey of overcoming your fear of love.

Name your fear

Be Honest With Yourself About Why You’re Afraid.

You need to ask yourself why you are avoiding romantic relationships. Why you’re afraid of falling in love. Are your previous experiences stopping you from getting serious with someone again? Are you of the opinion that dating is unnecessary pressure, or do you think that you will never find someone who complements your personality? Whatever your reason, it is important to first identify it so you can take steps to move past these hurdles

Be honest with your answers: This is about making your life better, so avoiding the tough parts can only hurt yourself. It’s likely that you’re not afraid of love itself, but more so have internalized fears of loss or emotional pain.

 Replace the lies with the truth.

You may always have the thought at the back of your mind that ‘I’m not enough’. But that is simply your thought and no one else’s. Once you’re aware of this, the healing work becomes replacing it with the truth, which is, that you really are enough. And you are loved.

You are not without flaws, but your self-worth is not dependent on being flawless. You are worthy of love because you exist. Knowing this in your head and knowing this in your cells are two different experiences, however. So be patient with yourself as you ferret out the causes and ramifications of believing that you’re not enough and find ways of replacing that lie with the truth.

Make peace with the risk of loss.

You need to ask yourself; do you fear love or heartbreak?

Loss always hurts no matter what. So you may as well love fully while you have the chance, and trust that you WILL recover from the shattering heartbreak of loss.

Healing a broken heart often takes time. But there are things you can do to support yourself through the healing process and protect your emotional wellbeing. 

Unified Dating’s events are a fun, yet safe experience designed to make you feel comfortable with other singles. We’ve all been through heartbreak, and often others will be able to relate and help you through it!

SINGLE PARENT DATING ADVICE

Posted on by Unified Dating
4 Reasons Dating with Kids Is Actually Pretty Great

Are you a single parent ready to get back into the dating pool?

Being a single parent is one of the hardest jobs on the planet, right? Not only do we have to bear the burden of normal adult responsibilities such paying the bills, cooking, as well as juggling work and a social life, you also have to do your best raising a child. One who is healthy and happy without the daily support of two parents. Keep reading to find out Single parent dating advice !

SINGLE PARENT DATING TIP #1: USE ONLINE DATING!

There are hundreds of different dating apps to choose from. From over 50’s dating to gay apps, as well as specific niches such as farm dating. Here at Unified Dating, we offer online and offline dating events in a variety of locations. Our hosts are passionate about bringing people together and highly social. They will effortlessly welcome you to the events and introduce you to the other attendees.

SINGLE PARENT DATING TIP #2: BE CONFIDENT

Confidence is always important when you are single and looking to meet someone. However, it can be easy to worry too much about what other people think. This can happen when you are not sure if your child is going to accept your new partner. Or even the fact that you are back in the dating pool. 

If you have older children, it is important to keep an open dialogue with them. They may not understand your need for adult companionship, but that is fine. Usually the level of acceptance depends on when your previous relationship ended and the situation.

As a parent, you just have to assure your child/children that they will always be your first priority.

SINGLE PARENT DATING TIP #3: TAKE YOUR TIME

You may want to jump straight in, but we recommend to take your time. You want to feel completely ready that you are ready to date someone new. Take things nice and slow. It may take your children time to be ready for a new person around the house. Your first responsibility is to your kids. You want to wait before making introductions. 

You may also want to make sure that things are good with your past partner which can take time. You are simply looking for someone who is going to accentuate your life!

SINGLE PARENT DATING TIP #4: BE COMPLETELY HONEST (FULL DISCLOSURE)

If you are dating online, you are likely going to face the decision of disclosure regarding your children. Many single parents choose to put that in their profile as it means they will only attract people who are accepting of this. Others do not as they do not want people to rule them out. It is ultimately your decision when you want to tell someone about your children. 

You want to go with what feels natural or let it come up in conversation on its own. You want to tell someone before you meet up though. Give them the choice to proceed so you do not have to worry about how you will bring it up during your date.

SINGLE PARENT DATING TIP #5: TRY TO BE FLEXIBLE

 As a single parent, it is not always easy to be flexible. You often have to schedule dates around when your children will not be around or when you arrange someone to look after them. There are a few ways you can date and still be with your children. One suggestion is having an initial Skype date. This gives the two of you the chance to talk, without the need for a babysitter. If all goes well you can commit to something longer next time.

SINGLE PARENT DATING TIP #6: INVOLVE YOUR CHILDREN 

You could try planning your dates around your children by including them. Meet your date at the park while your children are playing. Go for ice cream or go to the beach. 

There are many places you can bring your children and your date! If you do make introductions, you can just introduce the person as a friend. This gets rid of some of the pressure off you and your date and can make thins way more comfortable! 

Single parent dating advice will usually depend on your personal situation. Be confident, be accepting and make sure you feel completely comfortable.

Is Music a Dealbreaker?

Posted on by Unified Dating
Couples That Listen To Music Together Have More Sex - EDMTunes

When it comes to dating, there are plenty of factors affecting compatibility. We scrutinise potential romantic partners on multiple things, especially when you first meet your partner. On how they dress, what movies they like, and of course, their Spotify playlists! So, is music a dealbreaker for you?

Finding someone with your musical taste can be an essential part of how two people come together. 

Music can be a great icebreaker. It’s an interest that many daters share and look forward to discussing. According to OkCupid, 85% of daters say music has a big influence on their lives.

In fact, music is the most popular response. Above movies, books, and sports to the question ‘Which would you prefer your ideal match to be more into?’ with 37% of respondents selecting music. In addition, a third of singles believe a person’s musical preference is a good indicator of their intelligence level. 

Why music shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

Not everyone agrees that music, or any taste-based preference, should be weighted so heavily. Natalie Lue, relationship expert and creator of the podcast The Baggage Reclaim Sessions with Natalie Lue, says people often mistake taste with values.

“People think taste is shorthand for an expression,” she says. “It’s a trap that we all fall into as humans, where we imagine that the reason we’re really into a particular type of music is because it says something about our character and what type of person we are.”

Lue also believes that as a society, we’ve been socialized into believing that we can tell a lot about how compatible we are with somebody by the crossover of interests. This can include horoscopes, similarities in upbringings and childhoods and even past traumas.  

How the importance changes at different stages.

Even though musical taste can play a role in relationship formation, it drops off in importance as relationships progress. When you are truly in love, little things like music don’t seem to matter so much.  

However, in a distressed marriage, minor differences seem to take on greater importance. Couples mistakenly use those differences as evidence that they really shouldn’t be with each other.  In other words, if a couple is getting along, they will tolerate differences in music and entertainment choices. But if they feel constantly distressed, those differences will become symbolic of the distress. And they will feel more unmanageable. 

So, can two people who have different tastes in music still be in a happy relationship?

For sure! Reassess the situation and think, is this a big enough deal breaker to not give this person a chance? It is completely possible to find genres that you both enjoy. Or why not mix up your playlists at home?! 

It doesn’t mean you’re not going to get along in a relationship and have chemistry or love!

Unified Dating offers experiences in which you can make real connections with likeminded people. Check out our dating events today!