Scenarios
You're on a second date, and you bring up with a relationship possibility with the person you're seeing. They laugh. Do you take them on a third date?
I wouldn't because they laughed at you
Come up with a cool outdoor date night idea on the fly
Literally anything as long as its good
What is a common misunderstanding about discussing feelings in a relationship?
What type of listening involves not just hearing words, but also understanding emotions and context?
Active listening
You're on a first date and your date speaks politely about past relationships
Green flag
First date! When a person shares their goals and dreams on a date and the other responds with “That’s cool,” what might this indicate?
This could be perceived as disinterest in your goals aka not good
One person wants to go out for a date, the other wants to stay in. How do we compromise here?
Set up a two in one date that meets both peoples' wants
You think your partner is upset, you ask if they're ok, they say "I'm fine". What are you saying next?
Politely express your concern that they're not actually ok, and that you're open to listening if they want to talk about anything
Your partner wants to talk about something, but you're really busy.. what do you do
Convey that they are still a priority for you and set a time to talk
They had to cancel a date with you because they had to help a friend in crisis
Green flag, as long as it don't happen often
The person you're talking to makes plans with you often but also cancels them a lot. Are they actually committed?
Meh. I doubt it.
It's your first date! You're going out to dinner. Who pays?
Discuss it beforehand it do whatever is best for both peoples' finances
What is a common misinterpretation of texting habits in the early stages of dating?
Assuming a lack of response means disinterest, when it could be due to busy schedules or personal issues
You keep hinting to someone that you like them, but they don't seem to pick up on it. What do you do
Actually explain how you feel. It ain't easy but you only live once
Red flag
You've been talking to someone and they only ever text you at night and don't really talk to you in person. What does this mean?
They may not have the best intent for an actual relationship my guy
You've been on five dates with a person... they haven't brought up a relationship status. Seems they've been avoiding it for some reason. How do you bring it up?
In private and in person, share your feelings.
Is the sentence " I need space" a rejection?
Not inherently, could be they need alone time to process thoughts
Your partner feels that you joke too much about serious topics regarding your relationship. What do you respond?
Listen to their feelings, apologize, come to an understanding of how to avoid this conflict together
You've been talking for a few weeks, their friends don't know about you
RED FLAG
You're on a first date and the other person only talks about themselves. You can barely get a word in. What does this mean?
Debatable - they're either a narcissist or just really excited
During a double date, if one couple starts arguing, what do you not do?
Get into the argument. Don't recommend
Why might someone say “I don’t want to rush into anything” and still be seen as not interested?
It can seem like they are trying to let you down easy or show lack of commitment instead of just being concerned about the pacing of the relationship
How can stress affect your communication with a partner?
Stress can occupy the brain and make someone non-receptive to a conversation
Being straightforward and honest about how you feel about someone
Green flag