Dating in the post-education world is an entirely different experience for most people. If you’re reading this it means that you probably didn’t marry your high school or college sweetheart and you’re looking to make the most out of your early twenties. There are a few things that you need to know in order to navigate this new social reality and effectively date those that you find interesting and attractive.
The difficult truth is that you are going to have to put in a lot more effort than you did when you were in school, especially if you just graduated from University. Meeting eligible singles of the opposite sex was as simple as going to class or heading down to the cafeteria on campus. This is no longer the case. You will need to actively create time and money in order to put yourself in situations where there may be other singles looking to meet you. This can be social groups, charity work, sports leagues, or anything else that interests you, but you will have to make time for it around your work schedule and other responsibilities that are now a major part of your life. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is a stark contrast from the past. It is best to embrace it instead of bemoaning your new situation.
Post-educational dates are also different. Being a student made it very easy to see your romantic interest in a casual way on a regular basis. You often lived within walking distance of the person you were dating and could easily get together for a quick “study date” without making plans in advance. Dating in the real world will need to involve actual planning, not only to make sure that both of your schedules are open, but also to make the most of the time that you spend together. The beauty of adult dating is that you often have more resources at your disposal than you did in the past. More elaborate romantic situations can be planned for you and your partner to enjoy. This can be a lot of fun once you make the mental shift into your new reality.
For those that spent their entire educational experience with a few partners, this can be a great opportunity to date around and really get a feel for what you are looking for in a long term partner. In an educational environment it could have been the case that everyone knew each other in one way or another which could inhibit your ability to date freely for fear of building a certain reputation. Adult life is filled with a much larger dating pool and you have the ability to meet and date any of them. The world is your oyster and with the right mindset you can make the most of the new romantic options available to you.
There are thousands of books on dating. Here are three that are considered leading in the field.
Cupid’s Playbook
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex
How to Date in a Post-Dating World
