A 2019 Pew Research Center survey revealed that 15% of American adults who are single and seeking casual dates or committed relationships are discontent with their dating lives and struggling to find people to date. It is no secret that dating, in general, is not easy for most people. However, in your case, you may be repeating mistakes that are holding you back from finding and keeping love. It is critical to identify and break these bad dating patterns to increase your chances of dating success in the future. Here are some effective tips for breaking your bad dating patterns.
Keep A Journal Of What You Want From Dating
Therapists typically recommend journaling because it forces you to address negative emotions logically. The brain gets the chance to process things twice when written: once when writing them down and again when looking at what has been written. Therefore, journaling is one of the best ways to break your bad dating patterns. You can write down the fine details of the exact kind of relationship you want, from the qualities you wish for in a partner to how you want the relationship to feel. Writing this down can make you aware of how far you have strayed from your ideals and force you to reconsider your habits. As such, you may take practical steps like giving new people a chance or putting yourself out there to boost your chances of finding and keeping a partner.
Hire A Dating Coach
Dating coaches help men and women alike navigate the complex task of finding love, so it is no surprise that they are popular among singles. You can hire a dating coach to help restore your confidence, sharpen your dating profile, and develop your communication skills. In addition, a great dating coach for men can help you break the bad dating patterns that keep you from finding love. Perhaps you are drawn to dysfunctional people, bail anytime things get serious, or repeatedly display jealous behaviors that push partners away. A dating coach will listen to your unique history and readily point out your weaknesses. Additionally, they will offer advice on selecting a more compatible date and showing your affection in better ways. Finally, they will hold you accountable to ensure that you don't repeat bad dating behaviors in the future.
Check In With Yourself Throughout Your Relationships
The idea that humans can make successful decisions without intentional analytical thought has intrigued scientists and philosophers alike for centuries. You may often ignore your intuition, but a study published in Psychological Science suggests that using it as a guide during decision-making can be beneficial. Therefore, it is no coincidence that you can likely recall at least one time in your active dating life when ignoring your intuition brought nothing but regret. Dating is filled with several emotions, especially in the initial stages, so it is best to check in with yourself from time to time. Consequently, be honest about red flags that pop up, re-evaluate whether your partner is a great match, and don't shy away from spending time with friends or pursuing hobbies outside dating. This way, you can always be conscious of yourself and effectively break bad dating patterns.
Stay Away From Excessive Alcohol and Substance Usage.
When people are under alcohol or other addictive substances, their judgment and decision-making abilities are impaired. This can lead to problems in relationships, including communication difficulties, financial stress, and even violence.
Substance abuse can also lead to neglect of essential responsibilities, such as child care or work. This can put a strain on the relationship and cause tension and conflict. In some cases, substance abuse can even be a factor in domestic violence. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it's crucial to get help. There are many resources available to support recovery and healing. It is possible to overcome substance abuse and build healthy, happy relationships with treatment and support.
