After months or years of swiping, you’ve finally found a guy or gal worth keeping around for a while. While the early part of a new relationship is fun and exciting, those first few weeks will also help determine whether the relationship moves forward or not.
So, not to freak you out or anything, but it’s crucial to pay attention to what goes on during that rose-colored glasses honeymoon phase. Below are 17 of the most common mistakes made early on in relationships, according to experts. Heed their warnings, or you could be back on that dating app sooner than expected.
Falling Too Fast
You’re one week in and tell yourself, he/she is “the one.” These days, many people aren’t in any hurry to commit seriously. There may be chemistry and a connection, but your new partner may just see you as a short-term fling. Avoid falling too fast until you’re sure your partner views the relationship with the same level of seriousness as you do.
Revealing Emotions Too Soon
When it comes to passionate exclamations like, “I think I’m falling in love with you,” think it, don’t say it. The early stages of a relationship usually seem so promising and even if you feel deeply comfortable, your emotions may be more advanced than theirs. “Share with your partner as much as they share with you and only if it feels right,” advises relationship expert Margaux Cassuto.
Tolerating Bad Behavior
From showing up late, to being glued to a phone, if you don’t speak up early, bad behaviors will continue, explains couples therapist Karol Ward. “You don’t have to be overly demanding; just set out simple boundaries and expectations, like, ‘Being late doesn’t work for me,’ or, ‘I prefer our dates to be just you and me.’
Blowing Them Up Constantly
It’s 2017, and texting all day long is the new normal. And when you like someone, of course, you want to talk and hear from them all the time. But compulsive texting can be a huge turnoff early in dating, as it is smothering and can show neediness and a lack of self-control. Try to match your partner’s texting frequency (unless they’re the ones overdoing it). Maintaining a bit of mystery isn’t the same thing as playing games, people.
Getting Physical Too Fast
By all means have sex when you want, but know that sometimes when sex enters a relationship early, it can hijack your emotions and cloud your judgment, explains relationship expert LaVonya Reeves. “I think a lot of people experience this. You start dating someone and begin a relationship that’s also sexual. But, if you’re not really connected beyond the sex, it can complicate the relationship too soon.”
Getting Nosy About $$$
It’s OK to ask what he or she does for a living and how they like their job, but don’t go much beyond that. When you start asking questions like, “Do you rent or own?,” “What kind of car do you drive?,” or, “Do you invest in the market?” they’re going to know you’re digging for financial info—which is something some people are private about and prefer to save for later.
Faking Interest in Their Hobbies
“You may be able to tolerate one concert, fishing trip, or ‘Ballers’ episode, but if you pretend it’s fantastic, you’re going to be stuck with it for awhile. Be politely honest and, after all, being interested in different things keeps relationships interesting,” says Ward.
Getting Too Clingy
Some people become smothering quickly in the beginning of a relationship, which often backfires and makes the other person eventually withdrawal. “People need space,” says Reeves. “You definitely have to give your partner their private time… without you.”
Ignoring Red Flags
It’s tempting to overlook less-than-ideal personality traits in the beginning of a relationship, either because you’re smitten, or because you really want things to work out (or both). But don’t overlook lying, name-calling, aggression, verbalized jealousy, or an overindulgence in substances—as these can all be warning signs of a future toxic relationship.
READ ALSO: How to know when your relationship is over
Acting Too Permissive
Laughing off something like an overly close relationship between your partner and his/her ex in the early stages in an attempt to come off as cool may come back to bite you later on, and your partner may not understand why it suddenly irks you, says Cassuto. Be sure to express your true feelings (within reason).
Trying to Predict Their Feelings
Countless conversations and texts with your friends trying to analyze and predict how into you they are can lead you down the wrong path, says life coach Georgina Taee. “Instead, focus on what you’re thinking and feeling. So many of us waste the early days of a new relationship focusing singularly on the other person.” Think of it like a job interview: You’re not just trying to sell yourself to the company—you’re also trying to find out if it’s the right place for you, too.
Badmouthing Your Exes
It doesn’t matter how much you hated your ex—nobody wants to hear you go on and on about the last person you were with. And, if you vent about how bad and crazy they were, your new flame may start to wonder what’s wrong with you for dating someone like that. Avoid!
Pinning Stereotypes on Them
When we first start seeing someone, we’re hyper-alert about little things we might not otherwise notice. You’re in the discovery phase and it’s easy to make stereotypical judgments. For example: He lives at home? Conclusion: He must be broke. “Stop and open your mind to the possibility that you don’t truly know who the person is and use this an opportunity to find out,” says Taee.
Keeping Online Dating Profiles Active
It’s pretty common for mutual friends to be on dating apps, and it’s a huge red flag when your S.O.’s friend spots you on a dating app. Deactivate as soon as you both agree to be exclusive.
Spilling Your Guts Too Soon
While you may want to be “known” by this person you’re really excited about, it might not be a good idea to go into too many details about your past relationships, toxic family, or seasonal depression, explains Anza Goodbar, an empowerment coach. “Focus on the positives and save your deep dark secrets for a time when you have built a foundation.”
Social Media Stalking
Liking and commenting on every Instagram and tweet, stalking their every move and going back years to see who they were dating… Sure, we’re all a little guilty of this, but too much of it can come off as creepy and needy (even if you’re lucky enough not to have them ever find out via an accidental “like”). “Give your partner some space online or you’ll come across as insecure. Don’t tag your significant other in all of your posts or update your relationship status without them knowing,” says Goodbar.
Trying Too Hard to Impress
Wearing clothes you feel uncomfortable in, spending lavishly on accessories you can’t afford… You’re just going to make them fall for someone who isn’t the real you. “Don’t try to be the person you think your date wants you to be. Be confident in what you bring to the relationship. Being authentic is the best bet for building a solid foundation,” says Goodbar.
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