How to Overcome a Fear of Dating
Let’s face it: dating can be a little scary. You never know how a relationship will turn out. And if you really like someone, you might be terrified of messing things up.
Just about everyone experiences these feelings about dating and relationships, so you don’t have to feel bad if you find yourself in this situation. What you can do instead is find ways of overcoming your fear of dating so you can open yourself up to the possibility of finding an incredible love.
Use a Dating App to Get to Know People
If you are the type of person who doesn’t really thrive in social environments where a lot of people are gathered, or you tend to communicate better in writing than when you’re speaking, consider using a dating app or website. Just be sure to do your research into the different types of dating apps that are out there, and go with one that has the features you like most.
The best app will help you connect with like-minded people in your area, and it will be easy to use. You can start chatting with people virtually, and you can eventually graduate to phone calls and video calls when you’re ready. This can help reduce fear because it gives you the chance to gradually move from one type of communication to another.
Go on Group Dates
Another way to overcome your fear of going on a date is by making it a gathering of friends instead of a one-on-one date—that is, until you get to know the person better and gain the confidence to go on a date on your own.
Consider setting up a date with singles you know so you can plan for a fun daytime date or evening get-together that’s casual, relaxed, and fun.
Enjoy a Quiet Date at Home
Another way to defeat your anxiety about dating is by setting up a date at home. You can get ready and set everything up for your date in an environment that you feel totally comfortable in because you are in complete control.
For those with social anxiety, this can be a smart way to avoid unnerving situations. You can get to know your date and make the best impression on them too. Plus, because you’ll already be home, you might even be ready to take things to the next level. Just keep in mind that 40% of people have done this during sex, so love hurts sometimes.
Become Friends with Someone First
When you meet someone new, you might feel more comfortable becoming friends with them before embarking on a romantic journey with them. For a lot of people, transitioning a relationship from friendship to romance is a good way to ease into things and overcome fear and anxiety surrounding dating. So, if you think that this is a path that you would like to take, just be sure you tell the other person that you want to take things slowly, especially if they are ready to move forward before you are.
Overall, with the right approach, you can overcome your fear of dating, even if you haven’t done a lot of dating in the past. Once you get the hang of things, remember to maintain a positive attitude. Make it a point to put yourself out there in search of love, as you never know who you’ll meet!
