Rushing into things
The moment you meet someone that’s even remotely interested in you, your imagination is quick to shuffle the two of you together in a blissful and sometimes unrealistic relationship. Don’t get me wrong, reaching milestones in relationships is exciting, but making quick decisions about your future with your partner is never advisable. Although you may be eager to put on labels, move in together, get married, etc, ask yourself if you really know this person and vice versa. Make sure that the person is someone who you really want to be with, and not just someone to fill your relationship void.
You limit your options
In the quest to find the “perfect” guy or gal, you end up really restricting your dating pool. It’s important to acknowledge that no person nor relationship is perfect. You may compare yourself to happy couples on social media who magically share all the same passions, same workout routine and same “zest” for life. You may feel that you need to strive to a level of romantic perfection, but here’s the thing: cutesy photos don’t show you the arguments, the jealousy or the loneliness. All relationships have ups and downs, and that’s what makes them even more meaningful in the long term. So experiment a little! If you have a “type,” try to deviate from it to see what happens or ask a trusted friend to set you up with someone. You never know who you could meet if you change your “perfect partner” mindset.
Self-fulfilling prophecy
Have you ever heard the fun fact that smiling can actually make you feel happier? Now apply this to your dating life. If you keep giving yourself negative feedback like, “I’ll be alone forever,” “I’ll never find the one” or “True love isn’t for me,” then your odds of finding the love of your life will significantly diminish. Nobody likes a negative Nancy, and desperation isn’t very attractive either.
You’re looking too hard
Who hasn’t heard a story from some happy couple about how they “never expected” to meet one another? But there’s actually validity to this. It may be hard to believe, but stay with me for a moment: your true soulmate will love you for who you are. The reason why so many couples were surprised by their futures with their soulmates because when they met them, they were just being themselves with no added airs. Instead of looking for a soulmate, be your own soulmate, and when you meet your other half, it’ll feel beautifully natural.
Not making moves
OK, I know I said that you shouldn’t look too hard, but you shouldn’t stay home all day either! Put yourself in comfortable social situations were you can meet new people; friends of friends, clubs, etc. And if you happen to meet someone you think is cool, ask them to hang out, or if you’re feeling bold, go out. Getting out and having a good time is a great first step to meeting potential loves because you’ll be in a relaxed mindset: the perfect one for meeting your soulmate.
