New Years Dating Resolutions

Are you starting a new diet or exercise regime in the New Year? Do you want to break an old bad habit, like perpetually running late or chewing your nails? There are an endless number of noble pursuits when it comes to resolutions - big or small - and now is the perfect time to make these changes for the better. But what about your old habits when it comes to dating? Should they change, too?

Many people continue dating exactly like they always have, blaming their unexciting love lives on the limited choice of available men and women. How often do you say, "he's not my type" after a date? How often do you feel that online dating has become a ho-hum experience? Maybe there's another way of looking at things to increase opportunities for excitement and passion - even lasting love.

Instead of blaming the things outside of your control (where you live, the type of people you're meeting, the lack of available single men or women), try changing the things that are under your control. For instance:

Loosen your list. Maybe you prefer to date academics or musicians, but why not try lawyers or entrepreneurs instead? In other words, don't limit your choices before you've really started exploring what's out there. Don't feel comfortable dating an older woman, or maybe a younger man? Then try it! Push past those limits you've placed and see who you might meet.

Keep an open mind. Instead of deciding within ten minutes of meeting someone whether or not you have chemistry and if it's worth your time, put off all your judgments. Think of your date as a developing friendship, rather than a chemistry test. If you enjoy someone's company, go out again. There's no reason to cut things off just because you don't have that surge of passion from the start. The best relationships grow from two people really getting to know each other first - rather than heavy chemistry followed by disappointment because you didn't see who they really were.

Take some risks. It takes a considerable amount of courage to date. You're putting yourself out there and making yourself vulnerable to someone else in order to be intimate. So, have some respect for your dates, even if they don't go so well. Try new places, and make a better attempt at introducing yourself around and engaging in conversation with people you've just met. The more you take risks to find love, the better you're able to navigate the waters and the more likely you'll find someone special.

Make some dating resolutions. Just like a new exercise regime, when you keep at it, you'll see results.

Happy New Year!