For most of us, beginning internet dating means we're looking to start a relationship and build a future with somebody. It means we're looking seriously for that special somebody, that one person out there who will be able to make us happy. "The One." But unless you get unbelievably lucky, you'll have to date a lot of "Not the Ones" before you meet the man or woman of your dreams.
When you start dating somebody you know is inappropriate for you, and that you may not want to settle down with in the long run, the general tendency will be to get out of the relationship right away. You don't have time to waste on people who don't seem like good prospects. You're out looking for Mr. or Ms. Right, after all!
But if you like him or her, there are actually some good reasons to keep dating Mr. or Ms. Inappropriate. Read on for six smart reasons to keep dating somebody you like, but can't see yourself settling down with.
1. It's good practice.
Dating and having successful relationships isn't something people are born knowing how to do. It's a skill. The more relationships you have, the better you'll become at having them. Even if the few dates you have with Mr. or Ms. Inappropriate don't turn into a real relationship, going on those dates will help you be a better dater when Mr. or Ms. Right does come along. You never know... without the extra practice, you may not be able to snag the right person at all.
2. Learning what you like.
When you're dating somebody, you develop a good idea of who that person is-- and in which ways he or she is compatible with you. Even if you don't plan to make the relationship a serious one, the things you learn about your partner/date and what you like and dislike about them will give you a ton of insight into what you want in a relationship. And what you absolutely don't want in a relationship.
If you keep dating Mr. or Ms. Inappropriate, try to look at your relationships objectively. Why is it you don't see this person as long-term relationship material? And why is it you like them enough to keep dating them? If you really want to get down to the meat of it, get a pen and a piece of paper and dissect your feelings for this person. It may tell you some surprising things about what you want from a potential long-term partner.
3. Perspective.
When you don't date much, every single mini-relationship you have seems to take on mammoth proportions-- you're putting "all your eggs in one basket," so to speak. When you give more importance to each person you date than you ought to, it's hard to have a healthy perspective on what you want and what the possibilities are for a partner.
Most successful dates (and most successful relationships, at least at the beginning) are about having fun. If you put too much pressure on a relationship to be something significant before it's ready, chances are you'll kill it before it ever gets started. The more you date, the less likely this is to happen.
4. It increases your confidence.
Even if you don't see yourself settling down with somebody you're dating, you have to admit... the fact that they like you makes you feel pretty good. If you need a little boost of dating confidence, dating that inappropriate guy or girl you met on an internet dating site is a great option. You don't have to make any commitment, you can keep looking for that perfect person, and you get a little ego boost all at the same time. How can that be a bad thing?
5. It helps you compare.
One of the best parts of internet dating is the ability to date more than one person at a time. Even if one of the people you're dating isn't somebody you think you could have a future with, he or she will make for a great comparison when you're dating somebody else at the same time. Keeping him or her on the back burner while dating other people can really help you build a standard for comparison.
6. It's a ton of fun.
Hey, the whole point of dating in the first place is to have fun! Why take dating so seriously? It's not rocket science or brain surgery... it's just dating. Not every attempt at it needs to be 100% successful, and not every relationship you begin has to be with the perfect person. Relax, get to know people, and have a good time. Dating shouldn't feel like work.
