How to Undo Dating Mistakes

Focus on enjoying yourself and having fun when out on a date.
... Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images

If it seems like your dates never develop into a relationship, you might be making some common dating mistakes that are pushing your love interests away. It is easy to make the wrong impression during the early stages of a relationship, when you are getting to know each other and assessing your compatibility. The good news is that it's never too late to work on fixing these mistakes with the hope of improving your love life.

1 Moving Too Fast

Its easy to want to take your relationship to the next level when you really like someone. It can become a problem when the other person is not ready for that or you both need more time to get to know each other. If you're guilty of moving too fast, the best way to fix the situation is to talk about it with the person you're dating. Apologize if you made him feel pressured or if you overstepped boundaries. Agree to take it slow and at a pace that works for both of you. Continue with your own plans, daily life and social circle as you slowly transition to a more formal relationship.

2 Deconstructing Every Detail

The early stages of dating can be extremely stressful and filled with anxiety. You worry if she hasn't called, and when she does, you overanalyze her every word. When you are worrying excessively, you cannot be your normal enjoyable self around the other person, and that might push her away. "Being anxious is a mood killer and will not make you attractive to a potential mate," notes psychologist Allison Conner in her Psychology Today article "Top 10 Dating Mistakes." Try to tap into your self-confidence and trust that if the relationship is meant to work out, it will. Instead of fixating on details, focus on the chemistry and connection between the two of you. Enjoy the moment when you are spending time together or talking to her instead of trying to find hidden intent behind her words and actions.

3 Ignoring Red Flags

People often want a relationship so badly that they ignore red flags during the early stages of dating. Intuition often warns you that the person whom you're dating is not very interested in you, is dating other people or has anger or jealousy issues that can become a problem in the future. If you find yourself making excuses for the person you're dating or you feel deep in your gut that there is a problem, it's time to sit down and analyze your concerns. If you think the red flags are real, distance yourself before it becomes too late. It's okay to take things slow until you figure out if the other person is really worth it.

4 Being Too Available

If you find yourself constantly changing your plans or doing things you don't like just to please the other person, you might be too available. Being overly available can make you seem uninteresting and too eager to please to the other person. A study published in the "Journal of Experimental Psychology" found that playing hard to get increases romantic attraction in the other person if that person has an interest in developing a relationship with you. Show your date that you have your own life by declining invitations and keeping your own plans when you're not given sufficient notice. Stay in touch with friends and family and make it a point to continue spending time with them.

Lauri Revilla has been writing articles on mental health, wellness, relationships and lifestyle for more than six years. She moved to San Antonio, Texas, from Mexico in 2006. She holds a Master of Science in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University.

×