10 Things You Need To Know Before You Start Dating

Dating is complicated, especially when you’ve never done it before. There’s a reason it’s the number one thing people write about and give advice about in magazines, on websites, and even in TV shows and movies. Everyone is always up for more love advice!

Before you start dating, you’ll probably feel very overwhelmed, like you don’t even know where to start. When you get a rush of strong feelings towards someone, all common sense can go out the window, which can lead to disastrous consequences. That’s why there are some things you absolutely need to know before you consider getting into a relationship. Here are 10 things you need to know before you start dating:

Everyone Gets Insecure

Guys are just as insecure as girls. Yup, guys sometimes seem invincible, but they’re not. Dudes can get just as insecure as girls tend to do.

Everything Is Not Super Exciting and Romantic

Yup. Don’t expect too many big romantic gestures from a normal guy/girl. Also, don’t expect every hangout sesh to be off-the-charts amazing and exciting.

You Don’t Need To Text 24/7

I say this all the time, but seriously: you shouldn’t be texting your boo every minute that you’re not together. And trust is one of the most important elements of any relationship!

There’s A Good Chance Things Will End

This is just why many people will rather not advise teenagers to be involved in dating. Teens are still very inexperienced and unable to cope with the complexities that are associated with dating. Going into a relationship, you need to accept the fact that things may not work out – and that’s okay.

Things Won’t Be Exciting Forever

After you’ve been dating someone for a while, things start to get, well… boring. You might feel like something is wrong, but you shouldn’t because it’s normal. Unless you’re very unhappy, you’re okay! The person should still make you smile, but you’re not always going to feel those butterflies you felt in the beginning.

Fighting Shouldn’t Involve Being Mean

Communication: learn it.

Be Realistic

This is so true. When you have a crush on someone, your mind goes a little crazy and you start thinking that person is the greatest person in the world – basically, they can do no wrong. But don’t come up with a fairy-tale image of someone you don’t know very well yet. What you want that person to be is probably completely different than how they will actually be. Not being realistic leads to disappointment.

Have Your Own Life

I LOVE this. It’s perfect and so true. Don’t lose yourself for someone else.

First Relationships Don’t Determine Your Whole Love Life

Don’t compare people or relationships!

Demand Respect

Don’t date someone who makes you feel badly about yourself. Your significant other should be someone who lifts you up and supports you, not someone who makes fun of you or picks on your weaknesses.