In any case, you’re ready to begin the jigsaw puzzle of finding love. To aid your cause, I’ve compiled a list of 11 useful, actionable dating recommendations for rookies that I wish someone had written for me:

1. Dating is a tricky game – both online and face-to-face

I’ve always been a klutz and have no idea when I’m being hit on till some handsome guy approaches me and says, “I like you.” Let’s get a drink together so I can continue to flirt with you.”

Dating is going to be a ten-mile hike up a hill on a rainy day for me and for those who are new to dating.

After a mile-long trek, you’ll want to give up, but after you get beyond the rain and taste your blood, the view from the summit is well worth the effort.

It’s how to date 101 to recognize that dating is a complicated business and to prepare oneself for many failed attempts and uncomfortable dates, as well as to meet a variety of people and females before hitting the jackpot.

Also, online dating is a whole other ballgame these days. It’s not the same as talking over the phone and then meeting in person. Here are some online dating guidelines for beginners: first, check out your online date before agreeing to a first date.

2. Get to know the person

If I had to give one piece of essential dating advise to newbies, it would be to get to know the person rather than relying on their dating profile to help you.

Consider how much you’ve bluffed on your own. It is something that everyone does. So, how can you come to know someone who is virtually unknown to you?

Certainly not by following them around. We are fortunate to live in the age of social media, and a quick search on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook will provide you with enough information about the person behind that dating profile. However, keep stalking to a minimum.

Keep your interest to yourself if you want to know about your date’s relationship with their first cousin based on their Instagram page.

You’ll scare them out six ways to Sunday if you ask them a random question about their family history and happen to know the name of their great-great-grandfather. The goal is to let them know you’re interested in their lives without coming across as stalker-like.

3. Meet in a public place

This crucial – nearly non-negotiable – piece of advice would be missing from any beginners handbook on dating. Meeting for the first time in an intimate situation – or even on a second or third date – could be too near for comfort.

Furthermore, if sexual tensions are high, you can act rashly and push things to the next level before you’re ready.

The most basic dating advice we can give to newcomers is to avoid ending the first date in your apartment or his studio. It’s possible that you’ll come to regret it later. Before you take it to the next level, get to know your date better.

4. Drink responsibly is a crucial dating tip for beginners

I’m going to give some dating advice for newbies, even if it makes me sound sanctimonious. If you enjoy drinking, don’t overdo it. Yes, I know, drink works wonders for loosening you up, and God knows you’ll need it to break up those awkward silences on your first few dates.

You lose control of the situation and place yourself in a vulnerable position when the drinks start flowing in. In addition, I’ve had dates who couldn’t stop drinking.

You wouldn’t want to spend an evening conversing with someone who can barely keep their eyes open or has slurred speech. Or, even worse, someone who needs to dash to the bathroom to puke. Yikes! You don’t want to be that person, do you?

5. Be yourself

It’s a lot like sneaking back home after a late night without waking up your folks. Finding that delicate balance between being yourself but not too much is one of the best dating tips for beginners.

For the first few dates, follow the golden rule of putting your best foot forward and waiting until you’ve formed a connection with the other person before divulging your deepest, darkest secrets. This is an important early dating guideline to remember.

If someone actually appreciates you, they will take the time to gently and methodically learn about you. If you give everything away on the first date, there will be no room for discourse on subsequent occasions. Furthermore, you may frighten them and send them fleeing.

6. Compliments go a long way

Who doesn’t enjoy receiving compliments? To help your date feel good about themselves and set the tone for your time together, tap into that basic human instinct. They, too, have put forth a lot of work to look good for the date, just as you have.

Validating their choices by complimenting their scent, hairstyle, clothes, or anything else that appeals to you is a great approach to start a conversation. But don’t go overboard.

Our dating advise to singles is to stay inside the lines and avoid becoming overly intimate. This does not imply that you have a proper sense of decorum.

7. Make it a two-way conversation

I’ve been on dates where I felt destined to be the listener, as my date chatted on and on about his profession and family, pausing only to sip his drink before continuing.

They didn’t seem particularly interested in what I had to say. That’s a major turnoff. When you first start dating, remember that a conversation is a two-way street.

Allow the other person to express themselves by talking about themselves and asking questions about them.

8. No ex talk, please

This dating 101 guide is designed for folks who have been out of the dating scene for a long period. If this is the case, a long-term, committed relationship might not have worked out as planned.

It’s because you’re ready to move on that you’ve returned to the dating scene. Right? So, no matter how important your ex was in your life, let the past bury its dead. Mentioning your ex on the first few dates is always a turn-off, since it might be interpreted as a hint that you’re still bitter about the past, which can destroy a potentially promising relationship.

9. Discuss what you want from dating

Let’s imagine dating is a path that leads to a long, meaningful relationship someday, somewhere down the road for you, but your date is more of a here-and-now kind of person who just wants to have a good time right now. Alternatively, vice versa.

Now, if you get along with this person without realizing that you both want different things out of the encounter, it can lead to a lot of messy feelings and pain.

10. Practice safe sex is among the most valuable dating tips for beginners

If the date goes well and you’re thinking about having sex afterward, go ahead and do it. But only if you’re completely certain in your decision.

If you promised to return to their home but subsequently change your mind, be sure to inform them in writing. Don’t be concerned with how you’ll be seen. This is one of the most crucial early dating advice we can provide.

Make sure you have protection if you decide to go all the way. This is one of the most important dating advice for newbies. Don’t put your trust in your partner to handle things. And don’t do it unless you’re well-protected. There is no amount of pleasure worth risking STDs or an unplanned pregnancy for.

When you’re out on a date, strive to have a good time and make sure the other person is having a good time as well. If your date is an annoying bore, feel free to ditch them without feeling guilty or remorse.