Navigating the dating world can be tricky, and looking back with a sense of ‘what if’ is easy. “7 Dating Mistakes I Wish I Had Avoided in My 20s and 30s” is a candid reflection on the common pitfalls one might encounter while searching for love. From ignoring red flags to sacrificing personal growth for a relationship, this insightful piece explores the dating mistakes that can detour your journey to finding a compatible partner. It’s a must-read for anyone wanting to learn from the past to improve their future dating experiences.
You know those moments when you look back and think, “I wish I'd known back then what I know now”? Well, in today's new video, I share the seven things I wish I had known when I was dating. Hopefully, you can learn from my mistakes during my 20s and 30s to save yourself extra time (and heartache)!
If you've ever found yourself giving more than what the other person does in your relationship, felt heartbroken because someone doesn't reciprocate your feelings, or pursued the wrong person, you can't miss this! Watch this video.
Dating mistakes in your 20s and 30s and seven rules to avoid
Reflecting on my experiences and insights from Matthew Hussey, I realize that dating and relationships can be complex and often frustrating. However, by embracing authenticity and letting go of certain misconceptions, we can increase our chances of finding meaningful connections and happiness. Here are 7 rules reminders to keep in mind:

Rule 1: You Are Not for Everyone, and That's Okay
It's easy to take rejection personally and question our worth when someone we're interested in doesn't feel the same way. But the truth is, being authentic to ourselves means we won't appeal to everyone. This has nothing to do with our value or attractiveness but individual tastes and preferences. Remember, you can't make everyone happy; you're not pizza! Be someone's uni – unique and special to them.
Rule 2: Distinguishing Between Wants and Needs
We often get attracted to qualities like status, looks, or charm, but these traits don't necessarily translate to a fulfilling relationship. It's essential to differentiate between what we want and what we need. Instead of chasing after superficial qualities, focus on what makes you happy in a relationship. Question your desires and get in touch with your actual needs.
Understanding Red Flags: Recognizing Warning Signs in Relationships
Rule 3: “Hard to Get” Doesn't Mean “Great to Keep”
There's a common misconception that if someone is scarce or hard to get, they must be more valuable. However, this isn't always the case. Scarcity doesn't necessarily equal value. Someone's unavailability might be due to various reasons, and it's crucial to distinguish between the two. Don't attach undue value to someone simply because they're challenging to get. Instead, focus on the people genuinely interested in you and willing to nurture a healthy relationship.
Stay tuned for the fourth reminder, which will help you further navigate the world of dating and relationships.
Rule 4: Intention is Everything
- It's not enough for someone to “like” you or give you attention occasionally.
- It truly matters whether they want the same things as you – a committed relationship.
- Don't get caught up in deciphering if they “like” you. Focus on whether their intentions align with yours.
- Having mutual desires and compatible visions for the future is crucial
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Rule 5: Get Out of the Middle
- Avoid getting stuck in an indecisive middle ground in relationships
- Overthinking can lead to commitment issues and an inability to invest fully
- Staying in limbo prevents the relationship from progressing and reaching its full potential
- It's better to either end things definitively or fully commit rather than stringing someone along
- Living in uncertainty breeds insecurity and doesn't allow vulnerability and emotional intimacy to develop
- Make a clear choice to pursue the relationship wholeheartedly or walk away
Rule 4 emphasizes ensuring aligned relationship goals and intentions from the start. Rule 5 advises against languishing in an uncertain in-between state, as it ultimately serves no one well. The key is decisive action – powerfully committing or moving on with clarity.
Rule 6: Never Abandon Yourself for Someone You Want
- Neglecting your needs, interests, and identity to satisfy someone else is not advisable.
- Sacrificing aspects of who you are to make a partner happy can lead to unhealthy dynamics over time.
- A fulfilling relationship should allow you to be ultimately yourself, blending your lives without losing individual identities.
- Be cautious of relationships where compromise is onesided, with you being the only one making sacrifices.
Rule 7: Just Because It's Right Doesn't Mean It Will Be Easy
- The idea that “if it's right, it will be easy” is an oversimplification
- Even healthy relationships will have hard moments, tensions, and activations of insecurities
- Discomfort doesn't necessarily mean it's the wrong relationship
- The key is being able to work through the hard times together compassionately
- Initially difficult situations can lead to deeper healing and safety if resolved well
- Don't bail at the first sign of struggle – some productive discomfort is normal
- But prolonged, unresolved hardship is a red flag
These rules emphasize the importance of maintaining one's sense of self within a relationship, recognizing that challenges can present growth opportunities when handled correctly, and understanding the need to acknowledge one's boundaries when faced with continuous issues.