99 - Dating as a Problem to Solve

Last episode we covered what to do when you’re experiencing dating burnout. I offered several strategies for what to do when you’re frustrated to the point of not feeling inspired at all to continue pursuits to find your person. Today, I want to offer you some tactical strategies to try if you’re saying, yes, I’m frustrated, but I’m still all in, I want to figure this out. Approaching dating with problem-solving skills can be a practical and thoughtful way to navigate the complexities of building relationships. Self-awareness: Start by understanding yourself and what you're looking for in a relationship. Identify your values, interests, and long-term goals. This self-awareness will help you make more informed decisions about potential partners.  Define the problem: Approach dating as a series of challenges or problems to solve. Clearly define what you're seeking in a partner, what kind of relationship you want, and any potential obstacles you might face. Research and gather information: Just as you would research a problem in other contexts, gather information about potential partners. This includes getting to know their values, interests, goals, and background. You can use dating apps, social media, and mutual connections to gather relevant information. Analyze options: Consider your potential partners' qualities and compatibility with your goals and values. Think critically about whether the individual aligns with what you're looking for in a relationship.  Set criteria: Create a list of criteria that a potential partner should meet. These could be related to personality traits, values, interests, or life goals. Use these criteria to evaluate your dating prospects objectively.  Develop a strategy: Just as you would formulate a plan to tackle a problem, develop a dating strategy. This might involve choosing the right places to meet people, creating an appealing online profile, and being proactive in initiating conversations. 123 plan Evaluate and iterate: Treat each date or interaction as a learning opportunity. After a date, assess how well it went, what you liked or didn't like, and how it aligned with your criteria. Adjust your approach based on your reflections. Resources Download the Relationship Vision guide Check out our Dating Memberships:Dating Made Easier (for all people wanting to date) - is a monthly membership for anyone (with or without disabilities) who wants support and guidance in dating skills and getting the RESULTS you want in dating and relationships. Click here to learn more. Supporting Dating and Relationships membership (for special educators and professionals in disability services) - is for professionals in the disability field who are looking for training and resources to effectively help students/people with disabilities in developing dating and relationship skills. Click here to learn more. Music by Successful Motivation Artwork photo by Elevate