"I'll call you this week". "Yes, I'd love to see you again". "I had a great
time". "I'm not interested in dating anyone else". "I think I'm falling in
love with you."
These are a few of the phrases passed between singles as they move through
the stages of meeting and dating. At the time, they are uttered with what
feels like true emotion and honesty. No wonder the person they are directed
to is so confused when the call never comes, the person becomes unavailable,
or it soon becomes evident that the speaker is dating or deeply involved
with someone else. Can we ever believe what we see or hear? How can we be
sure?
Dating is a process of getting to know someone. It begins with an
attraction, which is formed by that first impression. Often, this first
meeting occurs by chance at a social gathering, at work or in the course of
one's daily life. More and more, it happens through a response to a personal
ad and the emailing and phone calls that follow. Both in-person and email or
voice contact give us a sense of the other individual- but this is only a
brief snapshot of who they may be. It takes real time together to create a
larger and clearer picture of this other person and their rightness or
wrongness for us. During this time we assess for friendship, attraction,
shared interests and values, and a willingness and ability on the part of
both individuals to move forward in a relationship.
Given that this is a process, it has stages. A first date helps the couple
to learn more. It is a fact-finding experience, which involves not only the
information the other provides, but our feelings and reactions to it and to
them as a potential partner. We show our best selves and attempt to make an
appropriate connection with someone we find desirable. In the best scenario,
everything clicks for both people and conversation is natural and easy. More
often, there may be questions, doubts, and/or mixed feelings. Seeing each
other again is often suggested by one or both people and is a good way to
learn more about each other and resolve any questions. But the doubts and
negative feelings go unstated in a desire to either give the other person a
chance or to let them down easily. It's also an easy way out for someone who
is uncomfortable with this level of emotional honesty.
So, how do we know what the other person is truly feeling? You have several
options for getting this information.
* You take them at their word and wait to see if they follow through with
what they have said they would do. Nothing speaks louder than behavior. This
option is the most common choice and can leave you in that all too familiar
holding and wondering pattern.
|
Toni Coleman
Helping Singles Create Lasting Love
www.consum-mate.com
Toni@consum-mate.com
|
* You
attempt to address the situation openly and candidly. This one
requires a bit of courage and an ability to be vulnerable. State how
you are feeling in a thoughtful but honest way. Ask them to do the
same for you. Let them know that you want to hear their honest
thoughts about how the date went and if they would like to get
together again.
* The third option should be used regardless of what you do with the
other two. Pay attention to their non-verbal communication. How do
they look at you? What quiet responses do you get after you have
shared something about yourself? What do you see in their facial
reaction, posture and eyes? Do you FEEL interest or just politeness?
Are they really WITH you, or somewhere else? If you learn to listen
to the non-verbal language, you will HEAR much more than what their
words have to say.
Listening to the whole person applies throughout the stages of
dating and relationships. It is also important during this time to
pay attention to their behavior and note inconsistencies or mixed
messages. Too often people don't and are stunned when a relationship
"suddenly" ends or they find out they are seeing someone who was not
the person they thought they were. Trust your instincts and listen
"with a third ear".
Remember also that the responsibility for honesty is also on you.
Don't say what you think the other person wants to hear because you
don't want to be impolite or hurt their feelings. If you really
think about it, it is more hurtful and in poor taste to be dishonest
with someone who has a true interest and is trying to learn yours.
Article by
Toni Coleman
Helping Singles Create Lasting Love
www.consum-mate.com
Toni@consum-mate.com
This work is copyrighted by the author. No
unauthorized duplication or presentation allowed. Copyright © 2004-2007 Toni
Coleman All Rights Reserved Reprinted With Permission
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