7 Signs You Go on Too Many Dates
Like many other single 20-somethings, I’m no stranger to the online dating world. It’s super convenient (I like to think of it as a virtual supermarket full of men), and it’s kind of awesome, really – you can browse dating sites in the comfort of your own home while wearing pajamas. And eating ice cream. With your cat in your lap. No? Just me? Okay, then.
Anyway, as I returned home from yet another awful first date, I looked at my calendar, and realized that I had three more first dates coming up in the next week. Three. In one week. It was then that I realized that maybe, just maybe, I’m going on a few too many dates. Is anyone else guilty of this? Here are 7 signs that you’re in the same boat as me.
1. Dating feels like a chore.
If your schedule is anything like mine, it’s already full of work obligations, social outings, volunteer work, and if you’re lucky, a little bit of down time. If scheduling outings with your potential mate feels more like coordinating a work function (can I squeeze this date in between happy hour and my evening yoga class? Or maybe he’d be okay with a lunch date?) you should probably think about cutting back.
2. You’ve told the same story at least a dozen times.
Somehow, it seems like every guy I date is subjected to the same old story. There was one instance where I was on a second date with a guy, and I started to dive into my favorite tale of “how I came up with my cat’s name” and he (politely!) interrupted me to remind me that I had just told him that story on our previous date. I guess I was so used to sharing that anecdote that I just went into autopilot. Speaking of my cat, maybe my next article should be “topics not to discuss on first dates.”
3. You don’t feel nervous anymore.
I remember when the excitement of a first date used to give me butterflies, and I would feel nervous with anticipation. Actually…no I don’t. I can’t remember the last time the idea of going on a date made me feel nervous.
4. You’ve lost count of how many dates you’ve gone on in the past 6 months.
Quick: tell me three interesting tidbits about the last few people you went out on a date with. Now tell me how many dates you’ve gone on in the past 6 months, and the first name of each of those people. If you’re drawing a blank (I know I am!), you probably go on too many dates.
5. You’re slowly becoming a regular at all of your neighborhood bars and restaurants.
Whenever the guy that I’m currently dating asks me to choose the location for our outings, I always choose the same spots: the sweet pinball bar in my neighborhood, the amazing pizza place downtown, or the incredible wine bar in my favorite trendy area. I’m sure the employees at these locales wonder why I’m with a different guy every time they see me. Embarrassing!
6. You don’t seem to have time to do anything else.
Sometimes I feel like all I do is go to work and go on dates. It’s rare that I have a night to myself, and there have been too many times where I’ve had to turn down invitations from my friends because I already had date plans that night. Maybe it’s time for me to rethink my priorities!
7. You no longer get excited about going on dates.
If dating no longer feels fun to you, and it begins to feel like just another thing to do, that’s probably a sign that you should slow down. Your friends, family, and your sanity will thank you for it.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not check out another post by Stephanie about 5 Struggles Only Single People Will Understand, or visit her food blog at Off The Eaten Path STL. (And don’t forget to share it on Facebook!)
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB is a free dating service that helps members make meaningful connections. It’s designed for busy singles who want to find something real with little or no effort.