Common Fears of Dating
List one common fear of dating
EX:
Heartbreak
Being taken advantage of
What are some nonverbal cues of attraction?
Eyes
Longer than normal eye contact
Looking away and back quickly
Proximity
Reciprocated and comfortably close
Leaning toward you
Arms open and welcoming
etc...
What are some methods of asking for a date?
In person
On the phone
Online
Through a friend
According to the unit, who typically pays for the first date?
Whoever asked for the date traditionally pays (unless previously discussed and agreed upon)
How can fear impact dating?
Dating fears can sometimes cause a person to avoid dating, which may lead to fewer opportunities for relationships
What are some verbal cues of attraction?
Asking questions
Giving compliments
Laughing with you, not at you
In order to increase chances for a yes, what days are best to ask someone on a first date?
Weekdays, especially Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
What are two signs of a good first date?
- If there is talk of a second date
- If all parties are having a good time
- If there is good conversation
- etc.
What is the importance of having self-confidence?
When someone is confident, they act with self-assurance and trust and move forward without fear.
Know what you want and don’t want from dating
What would be the proper steps to do if cues are initiated by one person and not reciprocated by others?
We should pause to consider if there is true mutual attraction. Failure to do this could result in
- moving forward too quickly,
- making someone else feel uncomfortable
What is important to remember when asking for a date through a friend?
Make sure a friend communicates a clear message to the person on your behalf since asking for a date through a third party can cause miscommunication.
What are two signs of a bad first date?
- If there is little to no conversation
- If they are rude
- If they are not respecting boundaries
- etc.
What are some coping strategies that may help with common dating fears?
Deep breathing
Meditation
Yoga
Meeting with a professional therapist
etc.
What are some ways to respond if the answer is "No, not now"?
Ask for another day or time.
Ask for a preferred timeframe.
Give someone space by not asking again for awhile.
What are details you should think of ahead of time when asking someone out on a date?
Specific details
Include date, time, activity, transportation, etc.
Name three ways to keep things comfortable on a first date?
- Showing respect
- Ask about interest
- Not asking intense/weird questions
Name two ways to overcome fear related to dating.
Analyze what you are afraid of and how the fear developed.
What are some ways to deal with rejection?
Resist the urge to overreact or lash out.
Accepting rejection and moving on can increase your confidence and personal insights.
Focus on other areas of your life.
Provide an example of how someone could ask for a first date
...
What are 3 steps for planning a first date
- Asking for prefered date/time
- Asking for activity preferance
- Asking for contact information
- Asking them out