7 Important Lessons I Learned About Love and Dating in My 20s

Below I'm sharing seven lessons I learned about love and dating in my 20s. Now that I'm in my 30s, I'm happy that I learned these lessons sooner rather than later. The 20s is a period of coming into your own and figuring out how to do this thing called "adulting." With matters of the heart, you begin to figure out what you want your life to look like and how your partner or potential partner fits into that picture. Enjoy!!!

1. You cannot convince anyone to love you. It is a pointless goal. Someone loves you or doesn’t. Do not waste your time or our life bargaining for someone’s love or approval. Over time you will only chip away at your self-worth. This is the hardest but most important lesson I learned in my 20s.

2.   Heartbreak is difficult, crushing and painful, but you will come out at the other side of it wiser than before. No matter how painful it is today, you will be o.k. Believe me.  

3.    Life will repeat the lessons you need to learn. If there is a particular lesson that keeps on popping up, pay attention. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Learn the lessons life seeks to teach you. Better yet, APPLY them.

4.     Listen to your intuition. If someone or something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. 

5.    Be open and honest about your desires and intentions. Practice having direct and honest conversations with the people you care about and don’t be afraid to say “no” to something that doesn’t align with your needs, desires, and values.

6.     Talk about your life goals and ensure they align with the people you consider dating seriously. Similar values and goals are key to the longevity of any relationship. 

7.     Get out of a relationship as soon as you know it’s not the right fit. As the saying goes, "wasted time is worse than wasted money." Don't waste your time and/or resources on something that doesn't quite fit. 

What are some lessons that you learned or are learning about love and/or dating?

Cheers,
~Nika