Thought Catalog Agency

Indecision Is A Decision (And Other Hard Truths About Dating You Need To Know)

Dating is hard. There’s no doubt about that. But when you start getting honest with yourself, even when it hurts, dating can actually become a lot easier to navigate. As such, here are six hard pills to swallow about dating that you need to accept if you want to find love.

1. If they wanted to, they would.

If they wanted to treat you right, they would. If they wanted to text you back, they would. If they wanted to see you, they would. If they wanted to be with you, they would. The way someone behaves towards you is a reflection of how they feel about you. Pay attention.

2. You cannot convince someone to want something they do not.

So, if someone says they aren’t ready for a relationship, please believe them.

3. You’re going to get hurt.

Unfortunately, pain is unavoidable in life and dating is no exception to this fact. You’re going to get ghosted, stood up, and rejected. You’re going to be disappointed and let down. But you’re also going to meet wonderful people and learn a lot about yourself and love along the way. Besides, every heartbreak brings you closer to the person you’re meant to be with. Trust the process, stay patient, and be open.

4. Indecision is a decision.

If someone says they want to go with the flow before committing to you, trust that they already know they don’t see you as someone they want to date seriously. Don’t be their convenience. Walk away.

5. Sorry, but love doesn’t happen when you ✨ least expect it. ✨

In other words, you need to make a damn effort. So, respond to your Hinge matches’ messages. Go on dates. Leave your house. Smile at the cute stranger at the bar. Put yourself out there. Eventually, it will pay off.

6. There will never be a perfect partner.

There is never going to be a person out there who is without flaws, hangups, and quirks. But there will be a real person with flaws, hangups, and quirks who is perfect for you. This doesn’t mean you need to settle or sacrifice your non-negotiables. Rather, it means you need to be realistic when looking for a relationship and stop expecting perfection. Otherwise, you’ll always be alone.