Dating is all about meeting new people, getting to know them, and hopefully finding a person to be that “special one” in your life. It’s a long process in most cases, filled with plenty of dates and opportunities to spend time with potential partners. The fairy tale side of dating is all about meeting the perfect person the first time around and living happily ever after; the reality of dating is, unfortunately, quite a bit different.

The vast majority of people have a few “false starts” along the way toward finding that special person; it’s almost inevitable, really. But how, exactly, are you supposed to handle those situations when you’ve dated someone once, twice, or even a few times, and you just don’t feel that “spark” of wanting to spend time with them anymore?

This is a big challenge because let’s face it, having to tell someone they’re “not your type” or letting them know you don’t want to continue dating is very, very hard. It’s tough to give that kind of honest feedback to another person and it’s tough to hear that kind of honest feedback from someone else. It might be tempting to avoid having that kind of straightforward conversation, but have it you must. It’s the only way to end the situation with dignity, respect, and integrity.

Here are some quick “do’s” and “don’ts” to help you through the process:

Don’t

• Lie about your reasons
• Break up via text message, Twitter, or Facebook
• Blame yourself for everything
• Get angry, defensive, or emotional

Do

• Be respectful and honest
• Be gentle with the other person’s feelings
• Explain your reasons clearly and succinctly

Do your best to part on reasonably good terms

When you don’t feel that spark for another person, remember it’s perfectly okay. Just deal with the situation honestly and then focus your attention on other opportunities to meet new people.

Rejection Breaking Up, Emotions, Lies, Social Networking

If you’re new to the dating scene after being in a relationship, you might be worried about coming on too strong – and that’s good.

By taking the time to realize that it’s not just about you – it shows that you’re ready to begin dating again.

But what do you do?

If there was a commandments of dating, everyone would be in a healthy and happy relationships, but there just aren’t. Until now, that is.

Without any burning tree, here are some dating commandments that you should keep in mind:

• Start slowly, get to know each other as friends first
• Be clear about who you are
• Be clear about what you want
• Ask about the other’s needs
• Talk about what you didn’t like in previous relationships
• Treat each other with respect

It’s always best to proceed slower than you think is necessary – physically and emotionally. This allows you to maintain each other’s space until someone decides that they have to say something.

And then you can move onto the next level.

Easy enough, right?

What about getting, ahem, physically close? This is a little touchier. Studies show that more than a third of new daters are willing to swing around the bases within the first few dates, but you might want to realize that it isn’t necessary.

In fact, sometimes waiting is the best love potion.

If you do think that you’re ready, talk with your partner first, get protected, and have fun. If you’re happy and healthy, that’s really all that matters.

Relationships Closeness, Emotions, Fun, Needs, Relationship, Respect, Slow