As 2012 approaches, you’re likely doing a lot of thinking about how this past year went, especially in your love life. There’s always things we wish we could have done differently. Personally, there’s someone I wouldn’t have gotten involved with and someone I wish I would have, but this past year I can actually say there’s very few things I would have changed if I could have. While you’re thinking about what changes to make in 2012, consider making the following New Year’s dating resolutions.
Listen to words, but focus more on actions
Words are so easy to believe because they usually sound that good. There are those who mean what they say and follow those words up with actions, then there are those who speak empty words. In 2012, make a promise to yourself to listen to the words but not get wrapped up in them; focus more on the actions instead. For example, if he says he really wants to take you out, take it only as words until he actually shows up for your date.
Improve for yourself, not for him
He doesn’t like your hair? Too bad. Thinks you should lose 20 pounds? Good for him! If you’re going to improve for anyone, let it be yourself. A guy should love you for who you are, and if he doesn’t, it’s his problem and not yours. There are plenty of men who are going to want you just the way you are. As long as you’re happy with yourself, that’s all that matters.
Let go of the dead weight
As a new year approaches, many of us say “Out with the old, in with the new,” but not many of us follow through when it comes to dating. Start out the new year by kicking the guys out of your life you know deep down shouldn’t be there. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but once you get past the initial upset, you’ll feel like a giant weight was removed from your life; you’ll also be making room for better guys.
Open up more
I’m the first to admit I hate opening up to new guys. It’s one of my flaws I’ve become more aware of this past year and something I’m looking forward to continuing to change in 2012. Many guys actually want to know about certain things from your past and present – they want to know what makes you, you. If you’re like me and have a problem opening up about a lot of things, think of something small that you’re willing to reveal. As you start to feel more comfortable with him, start letting go of more tidbits of info.
Pay attention to your intuition
Some have a problem with over-thinking and talking themselves out of doing something worthwhile, then there are those who have the opposite problem – they’ll do something first without thinking. I’m a firm believer that there are times when you need to just go for it and tell your brain to shut up, but for the most part, I find that thinking first helps prevent a lot of issues later on. Before you jump full-force into a particular situation, take a few seconds to at least think about whether it’s a good idea. Your intuition is pretty smart – if it’s screaming not to do it, put on the brakes.
Take a risk
You didn’t approach the hot guy at the bar and give him your number, you got scared and lied to some guy about not being into him, or you decided not to kiss your guy friend you’ve had a crush on for years – stop talking yourself out of potential greatness. Take a risk and make a move. Of course there’s a chance things might not work, but there’s been many times when I threw that fear aside and went for it and it was totally worth it.
Make 2012 your year to get your love life where you want it to be. There’s negative aspects about dating, but it’s supposed to be fun; it’s actually supposed to be a great experience. As part of your New Year’s resolutions, make a conscious decision to make it much more positive than negative in 2012.
More from Lauren R:
5 Ways Yoga Helps Improve Your Sex Life
He doesn’t want to get fully naked during sex
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