Dating is near impossible when you first come out of the closet. Most of your peers already went through their awkward dating stage in middle school. Now you’re well into your adult life, and LGBT dating gives you pre-date jitters like a teenager.
While we at Mingle2 can’t solve all your problems, we do have a few things for you to keep in mind while browsing your free dating websites that might make your experience a little more enjoyable.
01. You Need to Be Clear About Your Intentions
It’s easy to give in to your awkwardness. There are hundreds of movies and TV shows that are based around these tropes, where the love interest is asked out but doesn’t actually know he or she is on a date.
It’s a lot less funny when it actually happens to you. If you want to ask someone out on a romantic date, make sure it’s clear what you’re asking. It’s also important to let them know this is a no-pressure offer, and they can turn you down with no hard feelings.
02. You Need to Be Clear About What You’re Looking For
While there’s nothing wrong with polyamory or non-monogamous relationships in hetero or LGBT dating, it’s important that everyone is on the same page about the actual structure of your relationship.
In order to achieve this, have upfront and honest conversations about the type of relationship you’re looking for. If you don’t have the time to focus on a partner in a monogamous relationship, be upfront about it.
Misunderstandings and dishonesty in situations like this can lead to hurt feelings that could have easily been avoided from the beginning.
03. You Don’t Need to Have a Type
The LGBT dating community loves to put themselves into boxes when it comes to who they’re attracted to. Stop doing this!
If you’re browsing the free dating websites and keep matching with people who look and present themselves the same way, it’s going to be difficult for you to know what you actually like. If you only try vanilla, how will you ever find out that strawberry is your favorite flavor?
While there’s nothing wrong with being attracted to folks that look and act a certain way, it’s a good idea to leave your comfort zone and give yourself options.
04. Not All Dating Sites Are Created Equal
While the internet might be the future of dating, not all free dating websites are the same. There are exceptions to every rule, but some free dating websites and apps definitely have a reputation for having more of a hookup culture than others.
If you’re looking for casual encounters, then these are perfect for you. However, if you’re on the hunt for a serious relationship, plan your free dating websites and apps accordingly so you’re not surprised when miscommunication happens between you and your upcoming date.
(Check out: Best dating app for Gay – Meet Market and Fem – Lesbian Dating, Lesbian Singles)
05. It’s OK to Take a Break
You don’t need to constantly be dating. In fact, it’s probably better for your mental health to take frequent breaks from dating.
First (and second, and sometimes third) dates are emotionally exhausting, especially if you’re a naturally introverted personality, like many folks in the LGBT dating scene are.
It’s OK to want to take a break and decompress for a couple of days, or weeks, or however long you need. The LGBT dating scene will still be there when you’re ready to come back.
