Contributed by: Jet on Saturday, November 26 2011 @ 09:19 am
Last modified on
It’s not uncommon to hear that dating becomes more difficult as you get older. When you’re a kid, in school, you’re thrust into a group of mostly-single peers with similar backgrounds and shared experiences; finding someone you at least have something in common with is relatively less difficult. As an adult, you might be a few decades younger or older than your co-workers, and they might not be the gender you’re looking for; finding someone compatible isn’t as easy. However, that doesn’t mean you should despair after age 21! In fact, there are a few ways in which dating as an adult is actually easier.
First of all, there’s considerably less game-playing. Remember the days when you were told that child at school was mean because they secretly liked you? How about the phrase “hard-to-get”? Thankfully, most adults have moved past head games and just want to find a friend. Most of the remaining ambiguity comes from different factors: maybe they don’t realize they have feelings yet, or they’re dealing with baggage. While that can be frustrating too, at least most adults aren’t being obtuse because they feel like they should be.
Next, you’re probably in better shape, either mentally, physically or both. Teenagers are full of hormones, angst, and insecurity. They probably haven’t discovered the most flattering clothes and haircuts for their bodies. Some people might peak in high school, but most find they generally like themselves more at some later point - and that added confidence can do wonders for a relationship.
Finally, with maturity comes better perspective. An adult knows that there’s more to a good relationship than the latest hairstyle or a good car. All those “nice person” characteristics like stability, kindness, and honesty are now even more appreciated. Another adult may more easily spot your good qualities - and you can better identify theirs, as well.
If you find yourself in the dating world as an adult, don’t fret; it might be more difficult to find someone compatible at the mall, but once you find the right person, there are far more benefits to being a “grown-up.”