Do Add Variety to Your Dates
Don't Blow Up Their Phone
If they get used to you being the one doing all of the planning and reaching out, they'll stop making an effort because they knows you will.
Don't Skip the Sexual Health Conversation
If you aren't comfortable asking them about STDs and STIs or telling them about your own sexual health, it's not yet the time to have sex. Wait until you're both comfortable having an honest conversation about health before becoming intimate. That way, you'll be able to enjoy it more and have a bit more confidence in the relationship.
You also shouldn't feel shame talking about sex outside of health. Tell your partner what you like, what you don't like, and what you'd want to try.
Do Watch Out for Red Flags
Campbell says that ignoring red flags only prolongs the inevitable demise of the relationship. If, say, your new love criticizes you, makes plans, and repeatedly cancels, you catch them in a lie, or you see them treating others poorly, they're probably not worth investing in for the long-term. Trust us, it's easy to throw on a pair of rose-colored glasses when you really like someone because you want to see the best in them, but it's important to see all of someone, not just the good things.
Do Respect Yourself
Treating yourself well sets an example of how your partner should treat you, and it signifies what you will and will not tolerate. There's nothing wrong with being principled, knowing yourself, and being yourself. "Do things for yourself, too." If he calls you with an impromptu date invitation, but you need a self-care night to put on a face mask and snuggle with your furry friend, suggest a different day for date night.
Don't Denigrate Yourself
If you have things in your past that you consider less than ideal—for example, if you just got fired or your previous partner cheated on you—then find a way to discuss or disclose these things in a positive light. Keeping these things secret because you want her to see you a certain way is never a good idea.
Being vulnerable is part of dating, especially in the early stages of a new relationship, so you shouldn't feel any shame in sharing about past relationships (or anything else, for that matter). No one expects perfection, so hiding experiences that shape you into who you currently are isn't necessary.
Don't Have Sex Too Soon
We live in a time of sex-positivity, meaning we don't believe that you should wait until a certain amount of time goes by before having sex with your new partner for the first time. The amount of time to wait before having sex differs for every couple; there is no such thing as too soon or too long. The right time is when both people are 100% ready.
The worst thing you can do in a new relationship is to have sex before you feel ready because you're worried they'll lose interest in you if you wait.
Do Communicate Often and Well
Say what you mean and mean what you say, be direct and considerate, choose battles wisely, treat your partner well, and avoid destructive things like yelling, insulting, and judging. You may notice that you feel like you can read your childhood friends' minds because you know them so well, but that kind of closeness comes with time and, unfortunately, years together is the one thing you and your new partner don't have. You can't expect them to be able to guess what you're thinking, so be as communicative as you possibly can.
Courtesy of; Kelly Dawson & Dr. Kelly Campbell PhD
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