Thought Catalog Agency

If You Want To Find True Love, Stop Using These 5 Excuses While Dating

Dating can be a thrilling journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of true love. For some, it’s an exciting chapter of life filled with new experiences, beautiful memories, and a ton of personal growth. However, some of us find ourselves held back by a series of excuses that prevent us from diving headfirst into the dating pool, which prevents us from meeting the person who can leave a lasting impact. By shining a light on these common excuses, we can collectively be aware of how we’re thinking, feeling, and living, ultimately letting go of these hindrances and embracing the possibilities of romance.

1. “I’m too busy.”

One of the most common excuses for avoiding dating is a hectic schedule. While our jobs, working out, family time, resting and other responsibilities are important, it’s crucial to also make time for your personal and love life. Love is what we were all born to feel and experience, therefore it is worth the time, energy and effort. By making dating a priority, you’re allowing yourself to gain access towards fulfilling connections and a more balanced life.

2. “I’m not ready.”

The reality is, there will never be a moment where you wake up and think to yourself, “This is the day! I’m finally ready!” Unfortunately, the idea of “readiness” comes subtly over time, but often fear of commitment or past heartbreaks can lead people to believe they are not emotionally ready for a relationship. It’s important to remember that healing and growth are ongoing processes, a journey you will forever be on. By acknowledging your readiness and taking small steps, you can open yourself up to new opportunities for love…and who knows, maybe it’s through a new connection that you realize, “Wait a minute, I actually do have the capacity to give and receive love.”

3. “I’m not good enough.”

Low self-esteem and a lack of confidence can sabotage your dating life. Remember that everyone has their insecurities, but it’s essential to recognize your worth and believe in your ability to be a great partner and lover. Find ways to embrace self-love, do things that make you feel good, keep the promises you make for yourself to build confidence, and over time, you’ll attract people who appreciate you for who you are.

4. “I can’t find the right person.”

The quest for the “perfect” partner can lead to missed opportunities. Instead of holding out for an idealized image (which likely will never come in the way you imagine), focus on simply meeting people, having fresh conversations, and discovering genuine connections. We also often don’t give ourselves the moment to even determine what the “right person” is—therefore, to figure out what you want, you need to date around to figure out what you don’t want! Remember that love often blossoms in unexpected places and with people who may not fit your preconceived notions. 

5. “Online dating isn’t for me.”

We’ve all been there—going back and forth whether we want to use dating apps, deleting and redownloading as the months go by. Some of us dismiss it, citing reasons like “it’s not authentic” or “it’s not for me” or “I’m big on energy.” However, online dating platforms offer diverse opportunities to connect with people you might not encounter otherwise, while also showing you the potential of what is out there! Even if you don’t meet your soulmate, dating apps are cool because you have the opportunity for diverse conversations and you can learn about someone which always leaves some impact. 

True love often requires stepping out of your comfort zone, taking risks, and facing your fears. So, stop using these excuses, put yourself out there, and embark on the journey of dating with an open heart. Remember, love is waiting for those who are willing to seek it and embrace it when it comes their way.