Three Principles for Healthy Dating

Dating, like many aspects of life, has the potential to either help you grow and feel fulfilled or cause hurt and bring about challenges. How you approach it really matters. By being mindful of how you handle relationships, you can build something meaningful and avoid unnecessary struggles. Here are three ideas that can help you grow personally and create healthier, more positive dating experiences.

Steps to Healthy Dating

1. Be The Real You

People often hide who they really are for different reasons. For example, some people are so afraid of being alone that they'll mask their true selves just to keep a relationship going. In the end, that strategy never really works.

Eventually, your true self is bound to come out, and that can catch your partner off guard and even shake their trust. You can't build a genuine relationship if you're not being authentic. When you embrace who you really are, you'll naturally attract someone who truly fits with you.

2. Stop Relationship Jumping

People often jump from one relationship to the next when they're afraid of being alone or need a distraction from the pain of a breakup. But hopping from one relationship to another doesn't give you the time to heal, reflect, and learn. You end up carrying the baggage from your previous relationship into the next one.

When you keep jumping from one relationship to the next, you're just repeating the same patterns with different people. Take some time to heal and grow after a breakup—being alone doesn't have to mean feeling lonely.

3. Look for Character

Although the Beatles made a hit with "All You Need Is Love," that's not exactly the best approach to dating. Real, lasting relationships come together when two mature, emotionally healthy people share similar values, goals, beliefs, and outlooks on life.

Mature, emotionally healthy people tend to share a few key traits. They're all about personal growth, aren’t afraid to admit their shortcomings, and treat others with respect and empathy. They're reliable, flexible, and capable of standing on their own both emotionally and financially, while also maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends. These qualities make it easier for two people to navigate life's ups and downs together and build a truly meaningful relationship.

Your Relationship Prescription

If you're ready to have a healthier dating experience, start by being your true, authentic self. Take the time to heal and grow before jumping into the next relationship, and make sure you’re looking for someone who shares your values and emotional maturity.

Stay focused on building a connection that’s grounded in respect, communication, and shared goals. Avoid rushing the process—let things unfold naturally and enjoy the journey of getting to know each other. By taking these actions, you’re setting yourself up for a meaningful and lasting relationship.