If you’ve been dating for a while, chances are you have noticed that everyone suddenly seems to be an expert on the matter.  Your friends and family will want to give you advice to help you meet someone and while their intentions are probably good, some advice can be seriously misguided!

Here are our top pieces of dating advice you should definitely ignore!

“Don’t Order a Big Meal”

Why You Should Ignore It:
We no longer live in a world where women are expected to eat salad and watch the man devour an 18 ounce steak or where women sip on a glass of water while the man chugs down pints of lager like it’s going out of fashion.

The reason you’re on a date is to enjoy yourself and to meet someone that may become a special part of your life.  You need that person to see the real you, not a quiet, reserved version of yourself.  Want the steak?  Eat the steak!

“The man should pay for the first date”

Why You Should Ignore It:
This may have been “the norm” 30 years ago but in this day and age it is not the case.  It’s romantic to think of a candle-lit dinner and champagne, paid for by the man but while most men will offer to pay you shouldn’t assume they will.  If they offer to pay, accept graciously and offer to pay next time.

No matter where you stand on this, it is important you have the same values and opinions or the relationship won’t work.  If you feel uncomfortable letting the man pay, or if you’re a man and you feel uncomfortable being expected to pay, make sure you discuss it before organising a second date.

“Compliments make you look desperate”

Why You Should Ignore It:
Different people respond to compliments differently.  For some people, it can be a confidence boost that will bring them out of their shell and turn the date into something magical.  Others  will turn bright red, sink into their chair and pray for the ground to open up and swallow them whole.  The most important thing to remember is to judge the situation and act accordingly.

If things are going well, telling your date that you like their fashion sense or their hairstyle is likely to be met with a positive response.  If things aren’t going so well, telling them how gorgeous they are will probably create a slightly uncomfortable atmosphere.

Just remember, if your compliment is genuine and the mood feels right, don’t hold back!  You will only look desperate if the compliment feels forced.

Until next time,

The Just Singles Team