Dating can be stressful, sure, but you can’t let it get to you. It’s easy to get hung up on the idea of finding love, but fixating on finding a guy to be your boyfriend will only backfire and make him run for the hills in the long run. So how do you know whether you’re in dangerous territory and need to chill out? Here are 10 signs you’re doing too much and taking dating way too seriously.
- You read into texts too much. Instead of just being happy getting to know someone, you ruin things by trying to figure out what it all means. Relax and try to enjoy things for what they are. If you want to see someone again, then just say so, and trust that if he’s into it, he’ll make it known.
- You think every guy you meet is Mr. Right. By date number three, you’re already thinking about introducing him to your family. Slow down if you find yourself falling fast for just anyone — this could be a sign that you hate being single, and you definitely need to be happy with yourself first before getting into a relationship.
- Your list of dealbreakers is as long as your arm. People often ruin their own chances at happiness because they have super high and frankly unrealistic expectations. Stop putting everyone on the chopping block and give more them a chance. Things will be a lot less depressing when you realize everyone is human, and can’t live up to Prince Charming standards.
- Dates give you anxiety and aren’t fun. If you’re normally not an anxious person but often feel dread rather than excitement when going on a date, that’s bad. Dates are meant to be fun, so you should go in with that mentality. What’s the worst thing that can happen? If you find out you aren’t compatible, then you keep it moving.
- You gave yourself a strict deadline. As if dating wasn’t already stressing you out, you gave yourself an unnecessary timeline to be in a relationship and maybe get married. This could be setting yourself up for failure since most people aren’t going to meet this timeline. Lift the weight off your shoulders and ditch this ASAP. You’re taking dating way too seriously and need to relax.
- Dating casually is not your strong suit. Part of having fun with dating is dating multiple people. That way, you aren’t putting all of your eggs in one basket. If you tend to forsake all others after just one date, then you’re more likely going to drive yourself nuts just thinking about one person.
- Every weekend is spent dating like it’s your job. You should go on a date when you actually want to, but many stick to a strict dating schedule because they think the more they date, the closer they’ll be to finding The One. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a break if you’re feeling burned out. It’ll actually make you enjoy yourself more when you’re ready.
- You’re very aware of how long you’ve been single. You also count the days since your last relationship as if you’re doing time in prison. Stop this counting and start living life. After all, there’s no problem with taking some time to yourself after a breakup. There is a lot wrong with jumping from relationship to relationship.
- Every type of dating app is downloaded to your phone. In fear of missing out on a certain dating pool, you’ve decided to use all of the dating apps you can. But instead of helping, it could be overwhelming you and ruining the experience. It shows that you’re probably too focused on dating, so start cutting the number of apps you use down.
- You gripe about being single rather than just enjoying it. Sure, being single can have its downsides, but so does being in a relationship. Instead of just enjoying your friends and your single freedom, you’re wasting it on complaining about not being in a relationship. Change your way of thinking and stop taking dating so seriously. You might find that you’re much happier if you learn to live in the moment.