Fear of Falling in Love

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

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?

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!

THE EVOLUTION OF DATING

The history of dating- and secrets to find The One | Express.co.uk

Online dating is now a billion dollar industry, but how did the online dating world actually come about? Let’s have a look at the evolution of dating.

Online dating has transformed from a last-ditch effort for the desperate to a serious contender in the search for love. I think we can all name a couple who met on a website or app.

In this blog we look through the evolution of dating through to the digital era…

1600s

Personal advertisements began to appear in newspapers in the 17th century, melding matchmaking with media for the first time. These ads were often for single men who were of the appropriate years for bachelorhood.

1700s

Matrimonial agencies and ads remained big business in Britain into the 18th century. Newspaper’s were also one of the only ways for gay men and women to meet discreetly and safely when homosexuality was illegal.

1800s

Personal ads got their first taste of mainstream success in the 1800s, when Europe’s aristocrats used them to engage in scandalous romantic entanglements. The rest of the public caught on by the mid-1800s. By the end of the century, con artists realised they had perfect victims in vulnerable singles searching for love. The dating scam was born.

1900s

In the fall of 1965,  2 Harvard students used an IBM 1401 computer to create the very first computer-based matchmaking service in the United States.

Inspired by the paltry dating scene of post-war academia, the men built a 75 question survey for love-hungry applicants to fill out. Singles would mail in their questionnaires and receive a list of computer-generated matches in return.

By 1966, Operation Match claimed to have 90,000 people using their services!

Dating sites were officially invented in 1995 by Andrew Conru. He enabled people to find and introduce themselves to prospective links over the internet. The site allowed you to become a member by creating a profile and uploading personal information such as age, gender, location, and sex.

2000s

We have now got to the point of having niche dating sites, such as farmers only sites. It caters to rural dwellers, particularly farmers. The majority of people using this app tend to marry within their professions as from its name, such as oagricultural owners, livestock owners, and ranchers.

In 2013, Tinder revolutionised the online dating industry with a simple system, swipe right if interested, left if not. Instead of having a matchmaker rifle through thousands of profiles to find someone unique, users could decide whether they liked someone based off a few photos. 

In comparison to the services which had come before, Tinder made dating simple, but it also, as studies have found, made it less about lasting connections and relationships and more about casual hook-ups and cheesy openers. 

What does the future have in store for tech-savvy singles? Revenue in the Online Dating segment is projected to reach US$3,241m in 2021.

Experts predict it could be video, or virtual reality, or artificial intelligence, or DNA matching. Whatever it is, two things are certain: it’s bound to be big business, and there’s no tool humans won’t try if it means finding the connection we crave deeply!

Try out Unified Dating’s dating events today!

The Future of Dating Post Pandemic

Spring is here, vaccines are making their way into people’s immune systems, and singles are beginning to go out on dates! However, what will the future of dating post pandemic look like?

While the prospect of dating like “normal” is exciting, it can also result in FODA, or fear of dating again.

One of the biggest shifts, we’ve seen over the last year is how we work. We’ve gone completely remote, meetings have moved online and we are now used to working from our home office’s… or bed!

Socialising and, more specifically, dating have also gone though quite a transformation over the last year. The way we have been able to connect has completely changed. I mean, how can you meaningfully date when you’re stuck indoors during a pandemic?

Back in March 2020, when lockdown first hit and we found ourselves inhabiting a strange, new way of existing, we might have assumed that the pandemic would put dating on hold. That was not the case.

With an increase in use of dating apps and dating event companies like Unified Dating, people have still made the effort to connect with other like-minded singles. In April 2020, messaging on Tinder increased globally by 52% since the start of March. UK Hinge also reported that almost half of their users had been on a video date since the new function launched last summer.

Even people that did not consider themselves to be ‘tech-savvy’, increasing become more active online and interested in online dating. Those who adopted digital-first mindsets throughout the pandemic were eager to find love in new ways.

Dating during the pandemic has soared!

So what, does the future of online dating look like now?

While the use of online dating has endured, the real growth is yet to come. As dating hotspots open their doors once more, meetups will be the first priority, giving opportunity for brands to promote businesses and activities for couples.

It seems likely that many people will continue to choose online dating, rather than face to face. In particular, young people that have not yet had the vaccine. 

But for those who will choose to meet up in person, being able to trust your date now underpins everything.

When you’re dating, it’s always important to work out your boundaries and dealbreakers and let your date know what these are, as you need to. It has been very important to set boundaries for your dates since the first. 

These boundaries may have rolled back or pushed forward depending on infection rates, Tier systems etc. but they should always be there.

Here are some boundaries you may want to talk to your date about before meeting up:

taking regular Covid-tests (especially before meeting)

  • agreeing to be physically exclusive with your date after a certain period of time
  • a period of quarantining before forming a ‘social bubble’
  • choosing to social distance on dates or to spend all of your time outdoors.
  • wearing a mask at times… yes you can still date whilst wearing a mask!

Researchers found that those who had indicated they felt more vulnerable to disease consistently displayed much lower levels of interest in their prospective dates, but it is still possible to date in the post-pandemic world! 

Unified Dating offer online and offline events so you can choose whichever makes you feel more comfortable. 

Great Zoom Date Ideas

How to Date Online During Coronavirus & Social Distancing | GQ

Even though life is now becoming more of a normality, many people will still feel uncomfortable to meet up and go on dates in person. If you are unsure about face-to-face contact, this blog is for you! Keep reading for Great Zoom Date Ideas!

Dating over Zoom is a much more relaxed environment to get to know someone.  Whereas dates normally included travel, negotiation over meeting place, hesitancy over whether the location would have great lighting, the right kind of wine menu, or whether you will be able to hear your date over the din. All of this is removed when you are able to date successfully from the comfort of your own home!

When our lives are hectic, filled with work, friends, events, conferences, and parties, there is often no time to contemplate our “singleness”.  Finding ourselves in isolation, there is far more time to focus on ourselves, whether through personal development, or choosing to explore a new relationship.

If you’re just single and want some ideas on what to do when you have a first date online… get ready! Here are some great Zoom ideas to help you make a success of your dates!

Have a location-based date!

The world of dating over Zoom has opened up the potential to not only date someone based anywhere in the world, but to also date anywhere in the world… With Zoom you can upload any type of picture or video as a backdrop, without even needing a green screen! Yes, it can occasionally look slightly glitchy – (no-one is really going to think you are sitting on a beach in the Caribbean!) it still looks pretty good – and adds to the fun of an early date. Possibly one of our faves from this Great Zoom Date Ideas list!

You can cook a meal in advance of the date that fits with the theme of the location, as well as picking music from the region. This is one of our favourite date ideas as there are so many conversation starters, for example you can choose a location that you have visited and speak about past holidays. You could even take it in turns to play different songs and discuss why they like or dislike that particular piece! If you drink alcohol, you can also pick a wine from the region.

Netflix party

A new way to watch TV together! Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) is a new way to watch TV with your friends online. Teleparty synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to Netflix, Disney, Hulu and HBO.

If you aren’t the most chatty person and would prefer to text for the first day, Teleparty is a great way to have a conversation about what you are watching!

Draw or Paint one another

This idea seems a bit crazy, but we swear it’s super fun… even if you are bad at drawing!

The idea of a painting one another is to enjoy an evening of painting, have a favourite drink on hand and, most of all, enjoy the great company!  Painting together is a unique bonding experience – perfect for date night! 

Escape Room

If you love puzzles and a challenge, room escapes made for a super fun date night back when in-person contact was safe. The good news is that these fun activities have gone virtual and can make for a great date night over Zoom. Just choose your theme and a live guide acts as your avatar as you solve the mysteries in real time.

Virtual game night

There’s nothing like a little healthy competition to spice up a Zoom date night. If you’re a board game lover, you can play just about any game out there with Tabletop Simulator. Though might need to turn off “flip the table” if you or your partner have an especially competitive streak. For something light and silly, give Jackbox a try. These casual games of wit can show off your date’s sense of humour. 

These are truly strange times for romance, and the need for virtual date ideas doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

It may seem weird to have a date over the internet, but with more and more people meeting online in different locations, or just separated by work and family commitments or emergency situations, it’s becoming an accepted practice. Don’t let the initial strangeness get to you – come up with creative ideas to get to know your date better and look for things that you have in common to come up with more fun date ideas online. There are plenty of other Great Zoom Date Ideas on the internet!

The best UK weekend breaks for a post-lockdown getaway!

Ten things to do for a UNIQUE weekend away | Activity Holidays | Travel |  Express.co.uk

Spoil your loved one with a romantic weekend away! England really is full of fairy-tale castles and tranquil beaches; the perfect backdrops to a romantic getaway. It boasts rolling countryside, fish and chips by the sea and abundance of pasties… and most hotels, holiday cottages and campsites are taking bookings. Find the best UK weekend breaks for a post-lockdown getaway.

Climb to the top of a historical cathedral and propose, or punt your special someone down the serene River Cam; there are a plethora of romantic break ideas to choose from. Discover hot-tubs hiding in forests, suites in castles with four-poster beds and an array of Michelin-starred romantic restaurants and vineyards. 

Here are Unified Dating’s favourite UK locations for your post-lockdown romantic getaway! 

Cornwall

The surf, the amazing seafood and the long, sandy beaches – Cornwall is perfect for a summer getaway. We particularly love St Ives and Padstow!

Devon

Why go? For the beautiful beaches, to get lost in hedge-lined lanes, for the vibrant cities and for the beautifully wild moors. But mostly for the beautiful beaches.

Oxford

Oxford is a top-class destination for culture and charm. Frequented for its book shops, punting, pubs and colleges, it is easily explored in a day making it the perfect weekend break if you live in London. The surrounding countryside is great if you want to get out of the bustling city. 

Dorset

Swimming, kayaking, hiking and cycling… there’s so many fun activities you can do with your loved one! And let’s not forget the Jurassic Coast – a World Heritage Site complete with beautiful beaches, award-winning fish and chips and sea-carved bays.

Edinburgh

Hike up Arthur’s Seat, visit the castle, eat at all manner of fabulous restaurants and explore the cute little nooks and crannies that are hiding at every turn. Such a magical place to be with your partner. 

Norfolk

Best weekend break in the UK for its leisurely strolls along the windswept, marsh-studded coastline followed by a well-earned local ale in one of the region’s countless pubs.

Brighton

Brighton is easily reached from London and is the perfect spot for people watching. Granted, Brighton Beach doesn’t make social distancing the *easiest* of pursuits, but the city’s bohemian and hippy vibe kinda makes the bustle worth it. There are so many bars and restaurants to choose from!

New Forest

Why go? Designated a national park in 2005, the New Forest is charming and a joy to explore – scattered with cycle tracks, deer and quaint little villages. And it’s not too far from London.

Northumberland

The beaches in Northumberland – whatever the season – are pure magic. The coastline is filled with ancient castles, hidden gardens, sandy beaches for windy walks, rolling hills, rugged moorland and friendly little villages/pubs/tea rooms. It’s a dream.

So, if you’ve got annual leave to use up or you simply fancy a weekend break after the lockdown, it’s worth turning your attentions to the humble British holiday!

Overcome Dating Anxiety

Dating Anxiety in the Age of Tinder

Getting back into dating in midlife can be terrifying. But don’t worry! If you’re scared, Unified Dating is here to help! Through our blogs and dating tips to our fun events – we share all of our inside knowledge on how to overcome dating anxiety!

Feeling out of your comfort zone with the thought of dating? In fact, so far out of your comfort zone that you can no longer see it? We know what that feels like, and many midlife daters also feel exactly the same. 

Dating is typically a situation where people feel scrutinized, have to meet new people, and may fear they’ll do something embarrassing. In this way, dating only adds fuel to the anxiety fire.  A lot of people get nervous before they go on dates, but, for some of us, it goes way beyond that… we experience genuine fear and get very anxious and upset when it comes to dating and relationships.

The emotional intensity we feel around dating really can create such vulnerability and discomfort that it seems ominous (or at least like something we want to avoid).

But why?! 

The benefit of being in our 40s, 50s, and 60s is our clarity about what we want and our ability to overcome obstacles to get it; our wisdom and fortitude. 

So, here are Unified Dating’s top tips for embracing where you are now and dealing with your fear of dating!

Ease yourself into it!

You don’t need to sign up to every dating app and plan a new date every evening!

You can start small and ease yourself into dating – or back into it if you’ve taken some time off. Take things slow and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. And remember it’s only a bit of fun! 

Don’t talk yourself out of it

You’re bound to try and talk yourself out of it, especially if you’ve secured a date with someone and you’re getting pre-date nerves. Stop – you not only deserve this, but you know want it deep down.

We all experience moments of rejection, confusion, self-doubt, and fears of all kinds when we actively pursue love. Okay, fine. But you can use self-talk to deal with that, so you don’t let it stop you.

Remember that others are feeling scared too

You’re not alone in feeling scared. Your date is most likely feeling the exact same emotions as you! If you trust the person you have met, be honest with how you feel, and they should reassure you that everything is going well. Knowing that they are in the same boat, will help you overcome dating anxiety.  

This is all new and you aren’t expected to know what it’s going to be like. But remember; change only happens when you’re prepared to take a chance on doing something different.

Acceptance

There is an alternative to being guarded. By focusing on one’s sense of self-acceptance and self-worth, it feels less intimidating to share with others. When a person feels good about who they are, their values and what they have to offer, and sees their own experience in a compassionate way, it bolsters them against judgment. 

If nothing else, it’s about learning and growing

There are very few experiences that warrant a decision to stop looking for love. Every conversation, email, or date you have will be able to teach you something new about yourself. Like anything else you do, the more you learn, the better you get. In the worst case, you may not find your lifetime partner, but you’ll have a lovely and fun time looking!

Keep your eyes on the prize

Whether your goal is to find everlasting love or to simply enjoy dating and find a companion, keep focused, and try to shut out all the other noise.

Like anything that is truly precious and meaningful in your life, you can reach your goal with a little work and some courage!

Improve your profile

Make things easy for yourself by starting off with a great dating profile and photos that are going to give you the best possible chance of being successful. It’s not difficult to make an effort and stand out from the crowd. Unified Dating’s events give you the opportunity to show others your personality and characteristics easily.

Know what’s important to you

What are your values? It’s so much easier, and you’ll be less scared, if you know what you want in a relationship and that comes from your values – those things that are really important to you!

Remember these tips to help overcome dating anxiety. Dating doesn’t have to be serious if you don’t want it to be… go and have fun!

Finding Love after Divorce

6 Truths About Teens and Dating

Finding The Time

Life can be busy and trying to fit dating into a packed schedule of careers, children and social lives can be very difficult. Online dating solves this problem. It makes finding that special someone so much easier. Especially for people looking to meet a new partner later in life.

The thought of finding love again after a divorce is the dream of many who experience the breakup of a marriage. Some quick jump back into the dating pool. But others are a bit more cautious, for fear of being hurt again. But know, whatever you are currently feeling is completely normal! 

The ink may be dry on your divorce papers, but that doesn’t mean you have to move on until you are ready.

You may need more time to process your feelings before getting back into dating. Let’s be honest, if you can’t stop talking or thinking about your ex, your date is probably won’t be very impressed! 

We also recommend ensuring that your divorce or separation is completely finalised before you start dating. You don’t want to have any complications! Getting back into the dating pool is a big step. Whether you are looking for fun or looking to get into a serious relationship again. You should make sure you are 100% ready for it! Chances are you have been with your ex for many years, so it will most likely feel strange sharing your life with someone new. One tip is to be completely honest about your past!

Online Dating can be intimidating but if successful, it can lead to a loving relationship. And that’s something that everyone wants, isn’t it?! It’s definitely worth trying. People who sign up for online dating are naturally more open to meeting new people. It’s not like meeting someone at a bar or club. People who join an online dating service may be more serious about finding love and are also more likely to meet people they’re more compatible with from the start.

Dating is hard in your 20’s and 30’s but it can be even more difficult to meet the right person as you get older, especially if you’ve been burnt by a divorce or just find it that much harder to put yourself out there. But don’t give up hope! 

If you are looking at getting back out there, then our online dating events are just for you! Finding love after divorce is possible!

How to Boost your Dating Confidence

Men and Women: Want to up your dating game in 2020? Don't start chats with  'hey', go for long walks on the beach - The Economic Times

The most classic, useless dating advice of all time — which you’ve undoubtedly heard countless times is to just ‘be yourself’. This advice simply doesn’t work in the real world. In the cut-throat world of dating, you’ve got to generate an appealing prospect of yourself and create a powerful first impression. This can be hard if you don’t have any self-confidence or if you are new to the dating scene. But don’t worry, Unified Dating is here to help you shine! Read below for our tips on how to boost your dating confidence!

Push yourself 

The quickest road to growing in confidence is to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Life is nice and easy when you don’t push yourself, but it doesn’t give you that incredible buzz that you get when you do! Pushing yourself when it comes to dating will be scary, yes, but when you begin to feel confidence during your date, you will begin to realise it’s all worth it! This tip is not just for dating, you should try and commit to doing something once a day that is out of your comfort zone. In time you will find your confidence will soar and you will thoroughly enjoy doing new and exciting things.

Fake it till you make it!

Any blog on boosting confidence for dating, will most likely mention this little gem – fake it till you make it. You don’t need to be at the top of your game before you go on a date, you can just give the illusion that you are. You may as well make sure you’re projecting the best version of you, whether it’s real or not. And the secret is, if you do it enough times, it becomes real, and you really do start to believe it yourself!

Let bad experiences go

Have you had bad dating experiences in the past? To be honest, most people probably have. But it’s what you do next that counts. You can either let those bad dating experiences go on to define your dating journey or you can shrug them off, put them behind you and move on! Learn from those bad experiences and keep a positive mindset that you will, before you know it, meet your match.

Listen

Are you someone that doesn’t stop talking? Well, this one’s for you! While your date may love to listen to you nattering on about your life, there’s a good chance they may be put off if you come across self-centred and a gossip. This may not be you at all, but sometimes in nerve-wracking situations, you may find yourself talking more than you normally do. Remember, that they are also in the same situation and they probably feel just as nervous as you!

Ask Questions

Asking questions is a big part of coming across confident. Confident people know the right questions to ask to allow the person they are talking to, to blossom and feel heard. A confident person knows it’s not about them, they can give the other person the floor and talk about themselves or whatever the topic of conversation is. 

Practice 

Like everything, practise makes perfect! The only way to improve your dating skills and become more confident on dates, is simply to go out on dates. Keep putting yourself out there and don’t give up – your prince charming could be just around the corner! As you go on more dates, you’ll find you start to take it in your stride, you’ll become an old-hand at it. Your confidence will start to soar.

If you are looking to get some dating practise and learn how to boost your confidence when meeting new people, Unified Dating’s speed dating events may be just for you! Our online events are designed to make you feel relaxed and safe, at the comfort of your home. Speed dating is a great way to meet lots of different people, in a short but intimate setting. If you don’t connect with someone, you simply move on to the next person and you don’t need to worry about seeing them again! Or if you have embarrassed yourself!