Note: I am not claiming to be a relationship expert; everything I say comes from personal experience.

Relationships can be the best thing in the world, but sometimes they can be the worst. No matter the outcome, all relationships start with dating.

If it is “real love”, the whole relationship should always be exciting. But, if I’m being honest, the early dating stages are usually the most exciting part of being with someone.

For some reason, getting to know and exploring each other for the first time is such a rush. To know that this person is interested in you is astounding as well as flattering. However, there are some things both parties need to understand when first dating.

First off, though it sounds completely vain, there has to be some sort of personality and physical compatibility between two people. Personally, the latter does not matter to me as much as the first. Whether we like to admit it or not, even with going to dating, most people have a preconceived idea of what they are looking for.

Second, to build a long lasting and healthy relationship, there needs to be a strong foundation (i.e. dating).  I’ve been in a relationship for over two years now, and among other things I think honesty is an important key in early dating.

Notice how I did not say trust. Though trust is crucial in any bond, trust takes time to establish and is more intimate, whereas honesty is common courtesy. Though the truth may not be what someone wants to hear, I can guarantee that when dating, the other person will at least appreciate honesty.

Also, one needs to learn how to establish and respect boundaries. If someone is not comfortable with certain things, I think the other person needs to learn to respect their wishes. If this complicates things between you, then you either work it out with yourself or move on.

Boundaries are usually only temporary and natural, and if they are respected and taken seriously, they tend to disappear with time.

Lastly, I think the most important thing to know in the early dating stages, is to just have fun. Relationships should never be forced. If two people are compatible there should be no problem with just being yourself and having fun with one another.

Again, dating is usually the most fun and exciting part of relationships. So I would recommend that when dating, people should try absolutely new things. Someone once told me that dating is a gamble. It may not work out in the end, but why miss out on something that could be great?

So do not miss out on anything, for “it is better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all”.