Discover Your Dating Intentions: A Simple Guide
Ever feel confused about what you really want in a relationship? You’re not alone. The gals at Learn To Date With us have had to do some SERIOUS exploring about what our intentions are in dating. Figuring out your dating intentions can be the key to clearer communication and more fulfilling connections. Let’s break it down and help you discover exactly what you’re looking for.
If you’re neurodivergent, it can be even more helpful to have a clear idea of your goals so you can communicate them better. This blog post will break down what intentions are, how to figure them out, and why they matter when you’re dating.
What Are Intentions in Dating?
Intentions are your reasons for dating—what you want or hope to get out of it. They’re like your goals or plans. Knowing your intentions helps you feel more confident and can prevent misunderstandings with the people you date.
For example:
Are you looking for a serious relationship?
Are you just exploring and seeing how things go?
Are you trying to make new friends or build connections?
When you know your intentions, it’s easier to communicate them to the people you date.
How to Discover Your Dating Intentions
Here are some simple steps to help you figure out your intentions in dating:
1. Self-Reflection: Think About What You Want
Spend some time thinking about what you really want. Ask yourself:
Do I want a long-term relationship or something more casual?
What kind of person am I looking for?
Do I want to date to build a connection, or am I more focused on having fun?
This is your chance to be honest with yourself. There are no wrong answers!
2. Define Your Non-Negotiables
Non-negotiables are things that are really important to you and that you don’t want to compromise on. For example:
Maybe you need someone who respects your sensory needs or boundaries.
Maybe you value honesty and direct communication.
Make a list of your non-negotiables so you can stay clear on what’s important to you when dating.
3. Be Ready to Talk About Your Intentions
Once you know what you want, practice how you’ll communicate it to someone else. You could say something like:
“I’m looking for a long-term relationship.”
“I’m just dating for fun right now and want to meet new people.”
Being clear from the start will help you find someone whose goals match yours.
Why Knowing Your Intentions Matters
When you know what you want, you:
Feel more confident: You won’t second-guess yourself because you’re clear on your goals.
Avoid confusion: You’ll prevent misunderstandings with your date by being upfront.
Build healthier relationships: People who share similar intentions are more likely to connect in a meaningful way.
Examples of Dating Intentions
Here are some common examples of intentions people might have in dating:
Looking for a serious relationship: You want to find a partner for the long term and are willing to invest in getting to know someone deeply.
Exploring without pressure: You might be open to a relationship, but for now, you’re just enjoying getting to know new people.
Building friendships: You might not be looking for a romantic partner right now but want to make new friends or connections.
Be True to Yourself
Knowing your intentions in dating is all about understanding yourself and what you want. It helps you make better decisions and communicate more clearly with others. Don’t feel pressured to follow what others are doing—focus on what feels right for you.
As always, STAY TRUE, BE YOU.
Love,
Jackie, Briana, and Kotatti🩷
