How to date smarter – now!

Dating is a complicated business – whether you are newly single, have just got back into the dating game after a self-imposed hiatus, or if you are a dating professional on a quest to find that perfect person.

We want to make it easier for you, so we’ve compiled a list of things to think about that will hopefully give you the knowledge you need to date smarter.

Know what you are looking for: If you don’t know what you are looking for, how will you find it? Having said that, many people don’t actually want what they thing they do. This is where friends and family come into their own. Talk to them about the sort of person they think you should be dating.

Don’t settle: It’s easy to think that you will never meet “the one” – and that everyone around you is loved up, moving in, getting married and having sprogs. Never stay in a relationship that isn’t right just because you don’t want to be on your own.

Be fearless: Putting yourself out on the dating circuit is a scary prospect but in order to meet the person of your dreams, you need to be brave. Ask yourself what’s the worst that can happen? If you don’t like them, there are many other single people out there.

Rule out ‘types’: Don’t do blondes/geeks/artists? Step out of your comfort zone and try one out for size. You never know…

Have more fun: Try not to take your dating journey too seriously. The more fun you have on dates, the better the experience will be overall.

Take a break: If you have dating fatigue and going out with a new person no longer excites or interests you, take a break and start again with a clear head and more positive attitude a few weeks or months down the line.

Don’t put pressure on yourself: Yes we all want to meet that person who rocks our world but sometimes it doesn’t happen when you want it too. As soon as you stop putting pressure on yourself, it will be much easier – and fun-filled!

Finally, just say yes: We set you a challenge to say yes to everyone who asks you on a date in the next fortnight. There is no quicker way to get yourself out there. (Well maybe not EVERY one).

Any other dating smarter tips you can think of? Tell us @lovestruck