How to Stay True to Yourself in a World Full of Expectations
Modern dating is tough! Everywhere you turn, people are talking about relationships and setting goals for who you should date, how you should act, and what love is supposed to look like.
From your friends to social media, it feels like everyone has an opinion but here’s the question, How can you stay true to who you are when the world seems to have so much to say about your love life?
The pressure to date a certain type of person or follow a certain timeline can make anyone feel uneasy. People will tell you that you should be looking for a partner who ticks all the right boxes.
They’ll say things like, He’s got to have a good job or She has to be well-established in her career. But what happens if you don’t fit into these boxes? Or what if the person you like doesn’t meet all these expectations? Does that mean you’re doing it wrong?
You don’t have to follow the crowd. When it comes to dating, staying true to yourself is what really matters. It’s tempting to listen to the voices around you, but at the end of the day, you have to be honest about what you really want.
Maybe you’re not looking for a fancy dinner date right now. Maybe you just want someone who can have a deep conversation with you, or maybe you just want to enjoy being single for a while.
Why does modern dating feel so hard?
Dating often comes with a lot of expectations, everyone seems to have an idea of what the perfect relationship should look like but, in trying to meet those standards, it’s easy to forget what you actually want.
It’s okay not to have it all figured out. It’s okay to take your time. Dating isn’t a race.
How can you stay true to yourself in modern dating?
First, recognize your worth. You don’t need to fit anyone’s idea of perfect. Your values, goals, and emotions matter more than the surface-level stuff people talk about.
Second, be open with your intentions. If you’re not ready for a serious relationship, let the other person know.
Being upfront about what you want will save both of you time and heartache in the long run.
