relationships/dating- everything you need to know!

Now, I feel like I should preface this with saying- I am not at all an expert. I have been in only two serious relationships in my 17 years of living, & I still have so much to experience & learn, but there is a lot I have discovered about dating & myself along the way.

Be yourself.

Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Be authentic to who you are so there’s zero confusion about who you are as a person. You want someone to date you because they like your true personality. Don't go looking for it, the right person will come to you :)

Set boundaries.

You never have to do anything you feel weird about/are uncomfortable with. Stand up for what you want in the relationship. If they are right for you, they will gladly follow those boundaries if they are reasonable. You get to decide the pace that works for you, so don’t ever let anyone pressure you into doing something you’re not ok with.

Stay away from drama.

No one wants to be caught in the middle of a stressful, dramatic situation, so keep things open and honest. Try not to bring other people into any drama in your relationship. It is between you and your partner to figure out, not anyone else.

Communicate.

Say what you mean and mean what you say so that everyone’s always on the same page. Because relationships are always a work in progress, so you need to keep the lines of communication open. Never assume you know what your partner is thinking. Ask for yourself so there’s no confusion.

Don't give up your independence/compromise who you are.

Make sure you’re as good being on your own as you are being together. Your partner should bring out the best in you, not the worst.

Show gratitude.

Be thankful for all of the little things your partner does for you. If you do not show you're grateful for an act of kindness, your partner will feel discouraged from doing it again.

Never settle for less than you deserve.

Relationships work in two directions, so if you’re not getting back some version of what you’re putting in, then it’s time to move on.

Have fun!

Relationships can be so much fun. You share a lot of memorable experiences together. So make the most of it! Try not to get too caught up about what may happen in the future- make the most of the here & now. And go on adventures! Movies nights are great, don't get me wrong, but it is also great to get dressed up for a sushi date here and then. ;)

And if you get your heart broken, I have been there. Remember, pain is temporary. And while it may take a while for the hurt to fade, time really does heal most wounds of the heart. You will emerge from it better than ever!

xo, emma :)