Each couple has its own way. However, there are some dating stages everybody goes through. Let’s review them.
Stage 1. Search
The first stage is a search. Obviously, before you proceed you have to define your needs. You must realize who exactly you are looking for. Try to imagine what the person should look like, his / her hobbies, values and interests. This will certainly narrow down your search. You will have a better idea where to look for a date and what you should say.
So if your top priority is a sporty girl you need to look for her in a gym or possibly on Instagram. Here is the nice tutorial from BestDate how to pick up a girl at a gym.
If you look for a smart intelligent girl you may want to look in a library, theater or college.
You get the point, right? Try to understand who you are looking for and check in the places where she may show up. And yes, it’s not creepy. Though, if you may look weird if you stare at passers-by.
Stage 2. Asking out
The second important stage of any relationship is asking the person out on a date. For some people (especially guys) it is rather hard to do. Some men are extremely afraid of failure or rejection. This stops them from even trying to ask the girl out.
It is super important to overcome this barrier. Luckily in the 21st century it is easy to find people online (in social media or on a dating site) and do this via the Internet. I think most of us agree that texting over the phone is easier than approaching somebody in a cafe or restaurant.
Just like a couple of posts, leave some comments and in several days you are no longer a stranger. Then just offer to grab a cup of coffee some time or walk your dogs in the morning (if you both have them). Your goal is not to impress the person, but to get him / her on a date. These are 2 different things, right?
Stage 3. First Dates
It is not a secret that the first three dates are extremely important. You definitely want to make a positive first impression. That is the thing you will never change.
So you need to prepare for your date carefully. Here is the post with super useful tips: how to prepare for a date. It helps men and women prepare for their date and make a nice impression.
Your first date has to be informal. Actually don’t even call it a date. Try to make it casual and behave more like a friend rather than a potential life partner. This way you will liberate your partner and yourself. You both will be more open and it will be easier to share and determine whether you fit each other.
Don’t hurry up with the second date, but don’t delay it as well. Make sure you pick the right timing. Here is the wonderful research on how long you should wait between the first and the second date in different cases.
The second date should be friendly and here you have to do your best to open your partner. Statistically the first kiss happens on the second date, so try to make it a bit romantic. Maybe watch some nice movie or visit some beautiful place.
The third date is the decisive one. After the third date it is highly recommended to make your final decision about the future of your relationship. Check this article: Third date: tips, advice and expectations. It helps to understand what you must do on your 3rd date and how you should behave.
Stage 4. Serious Relationship
If you passed the third date phase, you had your first kiss and even sex you need to be ready for serious relationship. Of course, if you are ready for them.
Psychologists distinguish 5 stages of a serious relationship: Here is the nice article: 5 Dating Bases and how to determine the stage of your relationship. It helps to determine how far you are in your relations and what you should do on each stage.
And yes, the serious relationship may end up with either marriage or break up. If you like what is going on between you two and you are completely satisfied with it you should forward towards marriage. Although, if you are not satisfied just talk to your partner. If the issues are crucial and cannot be resolved it is better to break up sooner than later.
Wrap Up
These are some common stages that every couple faces. We all search, try to ask the person out on a date, then go through first dates and try to impress him / her. After that it turns in something serious (possibly love).
What are your thoughts about this? Are there any other common stages?