There are different stages that we go through in dating and each one is perfectly normal, even though at the time it may feel anything but normal! Each stage is necessary to move on to the next one, and if you skip one then you can feel as though your relationship is not progressing smoothly.

Of course these stages can happen in a very quick time period or in a longer time period. It all depends on the two people as well as many other factors that affect the progress of a relationship including insecurities, past experiences, and expectations.

The Stages of Dating

Stage One: I Want YOU!

This is the attraction stage. This is when we see the person we are interested in and seem to lose our brain cells when it comes to pretty much everything we do. This is when our flirting skills come in and we try our best to pick up the person of our attraction.

Stage Two: This Might Not Work Out.

This is the stage that appeals to our fears, insecurities, and even our rationalization. We wonder if this person is really someone we want to date or whether there is someone better out there for us.

This is the time that pulling back from our partner may happen. We may not want to give all of ourselves until we are sure this is something that we really want.

This is the also the time that people stop calling suddenly for no reason, decide that they are not ready for a relationship, and just generally move on from the person they were dating.

Stage Three: Lets Do This!

If you make it through stage two then you enter into the exciting stage three. This is the period where our uncertainties and fears go away and we decide that we want to be exclusive with this person. We officially give ourselves the title of boyfriend and girlfriend and we start to notify anyone that will listen about our new titles.

Stage Four: A Real Connection Emerges.

This stage is when we start to really feel connected to our partner. This is often the stage when we feel free to be ourselves in any situation with our partner and grow into the comfortable twosome that tackles the world together.

Stage Five: Complete Commitment

This is the stage that we realize we want to be together forever. Many people end up getting engaged at this stage, but many others just commit to a life with other person without the need for marriage. Either way this is the stage when you realize that the person you are with is the one you want to grow old with.

Dating to many people is about the other person and how that person perceives of you. No wonder it is always advisable that we known are strong and weak points, and the qualities that we possess, both the good and the bad so we can know how to go about this whole dating thing and emerge successfully. The following are the leading dating pitfalls you are supposed to avoid so you can end up with that dream date.

1. Never leave everything to your partnerner

While it is always good to sometimes leave decision making to your partner when it comes to deciding where to go while on a date and what to do while there, sometimes it can become too burdensome for your spouse. It can be distasteful and boring to always be the one making decisions and besides, while you might end up enjoying yourself since the decision and idea was all yours in the first place, your partner may find you boring yet they are the one who left the decision making entirely up to you.

2. Never talk too much about yourself

While it is true we go on a date, especially a first date so we can learn more about the other person and hopefully forge a long-lasting relationship, talking non-stop about yourself can be a real turn-off, especially on a first date. You should measure your words and give your date some time to digest what you are saying and respond accordingly. Give them enough time to also talk about themselves so you get an opportunity to learn more about who they really are.

Try to ensure there is a back-and-forth type of communication between you two especially during the first dates as it will reflect the kind of communication you both shall have should the date materialize into a real relationship. Good and effective communication from both parties is the way to keep a romantic affair alive.

The best course of action is to share responsibilities of this nature and actually discuss on what is good for both of you. Take a back-and-forth discussion so you can both end up enjoying. If you find that you seem not to find something that both of you like in common, you can always take

turns. Today you can decide to follow the idea of one person and the next time you go on a date you follow that of the other person. Getting exposed to new ideas is one of the greatest parts of dating isn’t it?

3. Don’t have expectations

While it is human nature to have high expectations, when it comes to dating, ensure you don’t have inappropriate expectations as you might end up disappointing yourself. Agreeing to go on a date with someone doesn’t mean it is agreeing to have sex. By the same token, just because someone says they like you doesn’t mean they want to start an exclusive and serious relationship with you. Ensure you communicate your heart desires to even out any misunderstandings. Expecting exclusivity or sex when the other party is not ready could end up sabotaging the relationship even before it starts.