Ring in this New Year with these 9 new dating rules

If dating new people or finding someone special is one of your New Year resolutions, looking back at your previous relationships can be a big help to correct your not-so-good habits that might have stood as a hurdle in your love life. Also, learning about new dating trends might be a good idea. Here are some tips (rather etiquettes and expectations) to deal with your love life in a better way and improving your dating game.

Whether it is your first, third or 100th date, it is always a good idea to split the bill. We are ‘millennials’ and no one likes to go on a date with someone who is still adhering to age-old gender roles, right?

You do not need to go an extra mile to dress up just to impress your date, flaunt your annual package, professional achievements or be afraid to speak your mind. Be yourself and talk about your likes, dislikes, preferences and life experiences without any inhibitions. It would only help your date to understand you better as a person and like you for the way you are!

Many of us get uncomfortable when our crush brings up the topic of our past love life and we often end up lying about it. Instead of saying, ‘I have never dated someone else’ or anything that is not true, it is better to be honest about it. Because why not? We are not living in stone age and having a past is not a crime!

Being on time for a date is a basic etiquette and is a clear sign that you respect someone else’s time, energy and efforts. Making someone wait for you, asking you to pick up from your place or requesting to drop back, until and unless the other person offers, is a strict no. We do not need to explain why!

It is very important to set the right expectation level with your crush or date from your very first meeting. Whether you are interested in a fling, serious relationship or just friendship, be clear about what you are looking for and proceed ahead only when you both are on the same page.

Will he or she text back? Should I ask for another date? Was I talking too much? Should I call or wait for some time? Let’s stop brooding and fretting about how the date went, and not feel embarrassed to be the first one to text or call. If you liked the date, say it. And if you did not, you can say that too!

There is nothing wrong in online dating but being a little cautious is always helpful. Whenever you go on a date with someone you have met on a dating app or site, do a background check by going through their social media accounts and at least inform one friend about your whereabouts.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas recently tied the knot and proved that age is no bar when it comes to love. It’s about developing a rapport and finding the right person.

In case your date does not proceed as expected and you do not want to take the matter forward, be polite and let that person know. Do not ignore their messages or calls, never make excuses to turn down their requests to meet or act coy. End the date with a smile, tell them what is on your mind and part your ways in an amicable manner.

(All images used here are representational)