Dating a Party Boy

If you date a party boy, be clear about what you expect from him.
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Dating a boy who is the life of the party may improve your social life but may also lead to issues between the two of you. You love meeting new people at parties as he entertains guests with his silly antics. Even so, his party nights may mean drinking with his buddies and acting in a way that displeases you. With communication and understanding, you have the ability to successfully date a party boy or, if this doesn't work, decide the party life isn't for you.

1 Be Realistic

Set realistic expectations if the man you date is a party animal. His love of partying means he will spend weekends attending parties, big or small. For some of these gatherings, he may invite you. He may choose to attend other parties alone. At those parties, he will interact with men and women. Don't spend those nights alone worrying about what your boyfriend is doing. If you can't accept his socializing, ask yourself if this is the guy for you.

2 Setting Expectations

Communicate your feelings about his behavior. Tell him how his choices affect you, both positively and negatively. In the article, "Romance woes? Talk it Out," The Mayo Clinic suggests consulting a counselor who specializes in relationships to help you. If you expect that he will come home by a certain time or only party one night per week, state this in a clear and concise manner so there is no room for misinterpretation.

3 Find Quality Time

It is important to set aside time to do something you both enjoy. In her article, "Four Ways To Keep Your Relationship Alive," published on the Psychology Today website, psychologist Amie Gordon suggests choosing an activity that keeps both of you laughing, like watching a comedy. Laughter can bring you closer, which is important when your time together may be brief. Regardless of the activity, agree upon at least one or two nights a week to spend together outside of the party scene.

4 Additional Considerations

If you do not feel happy dating a party boy, consider ending the relationship. Be honest with him and seek the support of friends and family as you transition through the difficult process. Whether you decide to stay or go, look for signs of destructive behavior your man may exhibit. A study published in the Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education found that people who participated in binge drinking were more likely to engage in other problematic behaviors like excessive gambling. Seek the help of a professional counselor if his behavior is out of control.

Based in Texas, Lucie Westminster has been a writer and researcher since 1975. Her work has been published in journals such as "Psychological Reports" and "Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior." Westminster's interests include developmental psychology, children, pets and crafting. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology from Miami University.

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