More often than not, we meet our potential partners online. The point is, technology is our friend when it comes to making new connections, particularly when we consider inclusive and open relationship dating. But equally, technology can be our foe as it offers consistent distractions. Embracing mindfulness in our relationships is an essential way forward for achieving happy experiences.
Today, we’ll discuss making mindful connections.
The Challenges in Modern Dating
A fast-paced society and rapid technological advancements lead the way when it comes to dating challenges.
For starters, technology such as our smart phones trains our brains to expect instant gratification. Unfortunately, real life isn’t anything like this. In the real world, particularly in dating, gratification is an earned process.
This effect lends itself to an inability to focus on our date’s conversations. We’re constantly fidgeting to check our phones, or worse, we are checking our phones. n fact, there’s a lot of science emerging that links smartphone use to ADHD, stress, and interpersonal problems.
Mindfulness in dating encourages focus on the person we’re with and the place that we are.
So what is mindfulness?
Mindfulness and Dating: Can It Help?
The term “mindfulness’ gives rise to pictures of buddhist in sandles walking up a mountain trail. But in reality, this is only one vision of what mindfulness is.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, without being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
Mindfulness has roots in meditation, but it isn’t exactly meditation. It’s not limited to a seated practice.
Mindfulness can transform the dating experience by helping individuals become more present during dates. This leads to deeper, more profound conversations and exchanges. Mindfulness helps us recognize and appreciate the qualities of a potential partner. It helps cut out our preconceived notions or distractions by peripheral issues.
The Benefits of Mindful Dating
Deeper Connections
Mindfulness fosters a genuine connection. When both individuals are fully present, they engage more deeply and listen and respond in more meaningful ways.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Many people experience anxiety when dating. It’s totally normal. Mindfulness can help manage these feelings by focusing on what’s here and now. If you’ve ever meditated, you understand how this concept plays out. When you focus on what is here and now, you clear your head.
Improved Communications
When you aren’t distracted by your phone, or stressful thoughts, or work, and you’re fully engaged with your partner – you’re communicating at a high level. You’re active listening and crafting thoughtful responses.
Increased Self-Awareness
Mindful dating can lead to a greater self-awareness. It allows individuals to understand their own needs, desires, and emotions more clearly. This is a crucial aspect in the process of building a healthy relationship.
Tips for Achieving Mindfulness in Dating
So what can you do to help increase your chances at building deeply connected relationships that are less drama and more happiness?
Well, mindful dating doesn’t require a special skill. Actually, that’s true for mindful anything. It’s a way of life.
Get Centered
Before your date, take a few moments and center yourself. Take deep breaths, clear out the stress. You need to go into the date with reduced anxiety and an intent to focus on your date and the experience. You’ll be surprised by how much this mindset shift helps.
Actively Listen
We discuss this in every dating blog we craft that’s offering tips or help. Being fully focused on your date when they speak is crucial in this process. When you find yourself thinking about your response, refocus on your partner’s words. Building this habit in all areas of your life can help you forge success even beyond dating.
Be Present
Keep your thoughts on the present moment. When the stressful drifts happen, reel yourself in to what’s going on here and now. It’s natural to drift. The more you pull yourself back to the present, the less you’ll drift. Practice makes perfect.
Don’t Judge
Observe your thoughts and feelings, don’t judge. If you find yourself making snap judgments about your date or even yourself, let those thoughts go. Focus on the experience.
Communication Mindfully
Ensure your words are considerate and reflective of your true intentions. Avoid dominating the conversation. Give space to your partner to speak.
Hide your Device
We get it, smartphones are a part of our lives. They can even help us navigate emergencies. Either hide your phone during the date, or use Focus modes that ensure only critical messages make it through.
Embrace Silence
Stop considering silent moments as failures. No relationship makes it if partners can’t embrace silence. Comfortable, thoughtful pauses can be a part of meaningful conversations and can give both of you time to process and reflect.
Practice Gratitude
Regardless of the date’s outcome, find something positive about the experience and focus on that. This can help you avoid becoming bitter over dates that don’t get exactly the way you hope. It can help you move forward.
Conclusion
Mindful dating is a mindset more than an art. It’s a throwback to days without technology, but also an improvement in the way that it helps foster an environment of authentic listening and communications. Mindful dating also helps us see the good in all of our dates, which leads to more positivity in future dating.