Dating. We can’t live with it, we can’t live without it (even if it’s not us actually doing the dating). Whether you’re single, in a couple, in an open relationship, married or not dating at all (but listening to countless tales from countless friends of their dating escapades), dating and romance are just juicy facts of life.

 

When we asked you guys on Instagram last week whether you are currently dating, and whether you have any top tips on dating, the responses came flooding in. Clearly, it's a topic on all our minds.

 

So, we put together a list of our top 20 tips from you, our brilliant readers, that can help you hack your dating game, whoever you are and whatever your situation.

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1. Tell the truth. Don’t try to be who you think the person you’re dating wants you to be.

2. Don’t be afraid to have a silly kind of fun together. It doesn’t always have to be serious.

3. If you see someone you fancy, go up to them and ask them out. It feels good to take control.

4. If you’re in a long-term relationship, take time to go out on dates like you used to when you first met. Why should the old you get to have all the fun.

5. Be honest with your friend when they’re stressing over someone who’s not treating them right. Sometimes a good old dose of the cold hard truth is what’s best. Cliched, sure, but "they’re just not that into you" is often the kindest thing you can say.

6. Try not to be too fussy over whether someone is your type or not your type. Just meet people and have fun. 

7. I have actually ended up in two really good relationships through Tinder. If you write an honest bio that reflects who you really are it’s possible. Tinder love stories do happen.

8. Find someone hot at work. (We’re not too sure about this one - don’t shit where you eat, or at least think carefully before doing so).

9. Meet people online, in bookstores, at the gym. Sometimes a convo is all you need to make a connection.

10. If you have a single parent for whatever reason, let them move on. Make sure they know they have your blessing as soon as possible. And try to be happy for them. Everyone deserves a second chance.

11. Go on holiday with a single friend and stay in hostels. Meet people from around the world who are like-minded and interesting. Even if it’s just a holiday fling, those romances can be the ones that shape us most, and the ones we look back on with a smile.

12. As long as you’re safe, you can sleep with whoever and however many people you want. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

13. Don’t go on a first, second or third date to the cinema. You can’t talk, it’s awkward, it’s really just a bit of a waste of time.

14. Think carefully before you date a friend.

15. Manage your expectations. Especially with a first dating app date. It’s not going to be magical and fireworks and chemistry instantly necessarily. It might be awkward. Don’t write it off.

16. Dating can feel stressful. Don’t force yourself to go on dates if you don’t want to.

17. Host a dinner party with a range of your friends and ask everyone to bring a friend.

18. Enjoy the process of dating. Don’t just be looking desperately for something.

19. Be fully honest with yourself and the person you’re dating.

20. Take every romcom you’ve ever seen or book you’ve ever read with a massive pinch of salt. There’s no "perfect" relationship or "ideal" romance. Just because yours doesn’t resemble the ones you’ve heard or read about or seen up in lights, doesn’t mean it’s any less special, romantic, or worthy of a slap-up meal in a fancy restaurant.

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Image from unknown Pinterest artist.

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