Dating is an activity that’s full of hope, excitement, and fun. But it can also be clouded by disappointment, frustration, rejection, or boredom. Whether you’re looking for love, a long-term commitment, or a casual fling, the dating world can be really tough.
Dating apps have made finding potential romance much easier. Still, finding a person you connect with can be an elusive challenge. Yes, some lucky people go on a few dates and seem to magically meet “the one.” However, that’s not the case for many of us. It can take a lot of looking and heartache to find Mr. or Ms. Right.
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Having an open mind and simply enjoying meeting new people without an agenda, while also sticking with your goals and aspirations can make the dating world feel a little less brutal. It also helps to find humor in the process.
Seeking solidarity and wisdom from other daters can be beneficial, too. When you’re feeling discouraged or overwhelmed by your dating life it can really help to know you’re not the only one! Read on for 11 of the best quotes on dating to help you recharge—and get excited about your next date. Dating can take a lot of stamina. Get inspired and refuel your dating mojo by taking in these awesome quotes about finding love.
“You always find the wrong person when you go looking.” - Rihanna
“I’m waiting for the man who’s courageous enough to deal with me. I’m going to wait though. You always find the wrong person when you go looking.” - Rihanna
Patience and knowing what you want are key elements in dating. Pop/R&B superstar Rihanna hits the nail on the head with this quote. Looking for love can backfire, especially if you are so eager to find someone that you settle for anyone. Instead, says the multitalented powerhouse, don’t rush it.
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Open your heart and wait for love to come to you. And make sure the person is what you are looking for, don't just worry about making them happy. Yes, make sure they’re all in for dating you, but also that they’re everything you want and more.
“Dating has taught me what I want...” - Jennifer Love Hewitt
“Dating has taught me what I want and don’t want, who I am, and who I want to be.” - Jennifer Love Hewitt
Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt looks at dating as an exercise in self-discovery—and so can you. Instead of always thinking about what the other person wants or if you like them, focus on what you want. Use dating to learn more about yourself and become the best person you can be. Then, even if the date doesn’t work out, you’ve still gained valuable insights.
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If your date fits in with your goals and dreams, then all the better.
“You gotta kiss some toads.” - Foxy Brown
For most people, it takes meeting many potential dates before you find your soulmate. Rapper Foxy Brown reiterates this wisdom in this quote. Let go of the assumption that each date may be “the one.” With expectations that high, you’re bound to be disappointed—or even overlook a wonderful potential partner. Instead, aim to approach each date as simply what it is: an opportunity to meet someone new, who you may or may not click with.
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Look for common ground, traits you value (such as kindness, smarts, or sense of humor), and mutual attraction. If you do feel some chemistry, you can decide to explore that via more meet-ups—and maybe some kisses.
“A kiss that is never tasted...” - Billie Holiday
“A kiss that is never tasted, is forever and ever wasted”. -Billie Holiday
In this quote, music legend Billie Holiday reminds you to go for it. Put yourself out there and the fun back into dating. Go ahead and lean in for that kiss. In other words, you’re more likely to regret not kissing someone than to wish you hadn’t shared that smooch. Of course, this doesn’t mean going around kissing anyone and everyone—unless you want to. But if you’re tempted and/or wondering if the other person is interested in you, there are few better (or potentially, more enjoyable) ways to find out than kissing.
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If they pull away, you quickly know to move on to someone else. If they lean in, too, well, you get a first kiss. And it just might be a great one. Or even, lead to the love of your life.
“Date to be known, not to be liked.” – Dr. Chris Donaghue
Renowned sex and relationship therapist Dr. Chris Donaghue reminds us that the goal of dating is not to get the other person to like you, but rather for them to get to know you. So, let them see all the various sides to your personality, not just a primped, sanitized, curated version of you. In other words, don’t change yourself to try to get them to like you more.
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Instead, make sure they know the real you. And if you’re not their cup of tea, so be it. As pop star Ariana Grande wisely put it in her hit song, “Thank you, next.” You are great as you are, so instead of trying to be something you’re not, find someone to date who likes you just as you are.
“You dated him because you wanted him for the way he was.” -Jean Oram
“You didn't date someone to change him. You dated him because you wanted him for the way he was. Flaws and fears and all.” - Jean Oram
Be sure that you are happy with (and not nitpicking) everything the person you’re dating brings to the table. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to change the person you’re dating rather than seeing—and appreciating—them for who they are. Bestselling author Jean Oram reminds us to really see the other person. Decide if you like them as is, with all their various foibles.
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The truth is that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Rather than hoping to “fix” or ignore any drawbacks a person might have (in your eyes) seek to accept them as is—or simply walk away.
“Stop expecting people to be perfect.” - Donald Miller
“When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.” – Donald Miller
While you certainly don’t want to feel like you are “settling,” dating becomes a doomed exercise if you are only willing to accept “perfection. Public speaker and marketing executive Donald Miller reminds us that no one is perfect—or perfect for you. Really, you just want the good to far outweigh the bad. Maybe they don’t share your passion for biking or kayaking, they don’t love sushi, or they don’t have rock-hard abs. But do you have fun with them? Are they kind?
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Once you can start accepting that perfect isn’t possible, or even necessarily ideal, you can embrace the humanity and quirky awesomeness of life—and the person you’re dating.
“What we wait around a lifetime for...” – Stephanie Klein
“What we wait around a lifetime for with one person, we can find in a moment with someone else.” – Stephanie Klein
Popular blogger, author, and weight loss strategist Stephanie Klein shares the truth that not every relationship is worth keeping—or pursuing. Sticking it out, while noble, isn’t always the wisest course and doesn’t guarantee future happiness. If you’ve given a romance a chance but it’s not working for you, give yourself permission to jump ship.
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The problem may not be with how much effort you’re putting in, but rather that you’re trying to make it work with the wrong person. So, let go of relationships that aren’t making you happy—and find one that does.
“Love is like a virus.” - Maya Angelou
“Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.” - Maya Angelou
Esteemed writer Maya Angelou aptly describes the way love can sneak up on you and take hold in the most beautiful and unexpected ways. Dating can be very disheartening sometimes, but it can also spark real love. Do your best to remember that right around every corner—or on your very next first date—you just might find love.
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