The holiday season is a busy time for everyone whether you are single, married or in a relationship. Perhaps you are young, free and single? Recently divorced, or separated from a long-time partner, and a holiday romance feels like the perfect way to dip your toes back in the area of romance. But beware, sun, sand and sangria can wreak havoc with our common sense. If you are concerned that you might make a faux pas or two, have no fear, here are some rules to help you make it through the season.
So here’s some holiday dating rules to bear in mind:
Rule #1 Take your time
Everything is on fast forward on holiday; from the moment you arrive it feels like you are on a countdown to leaving. So finding a romantic mate ASAP can feel essential, but take your time, decide in the cold light of day if they are someone you would be attracted to at home? If you are travelling in a group or on a cruise, this is more important – you don’t want to hook up with someone only to have to be avoiding them for the rest of your trip. If you are single during the holidays, keep in mind that this is an excellent time to meet someone. During this time of year, everyone is out and being social, so there are lots of opportunities to meet someone new. Plus, as the holidays approach people tend to take stock of their lives and become more interested in sharing with someone and coupling off.
Rule #2 Ensure Every Date is Fun
Not only does trying to make your date happy make you feel good, but it is also one of the first signs of attraction. And studies have shown that when taking someone out on a date, the primary way your date will determine the success of the event is how much fun was had.
Rule #3 All may not be as it seems
When we are on holiday, we tend to be the best version of ourselves – funny, relaxed, outgoing etc. The people we meet, especially the locals who are used to tourists will be doing the same thing – putting out their best characteristics. Keep things in perspective, and accept that some of what they tell you might just be a line…
Rule #4 Focus on your holiday
Remember why you wanted to go on holiday in the first place – relax, get away from work and schedules, spend quality time with your friend, get some culture, sunbathe etc. Don’t let an obsession with meeting someone and having a holiday fling ruin your holiday or why you went in the first place.
Rule #5 What stays on holiday…
Once upon a time it used to be ‘What happened in Vegas, stayed in Vegas’, but with the advent of social networking, cameras on every device this is no longer the case. It is impossible to have a healthy relationship without strong communication. In essence, communication is the bridge that forms between partners, helping them create a sacred space in the middle ground where they meet in order to foster love and intimacy. Without clear communication, two people who seem like they are connected romantically to outsiders truly aren’t; instead they just going through the motions, lacking the intimacy they require to move forward, together. So, don’t do anything that you wouldn’t want to find on Facebook!
Rule #6 Be realistic
This final rule is probably the most important, most holiday romances are going to be just that, live in and enjoy the moment, but accept it for what it is. Try not to get emotionally attached and realise that at the end of the holiday the chances are your relationship will not continue. When communication alone isn’t enough to weather a relationship through stormy times, negotiation skills come into play. In order to work through the issues that arise in these kinds of circumstances, both partners must be able and willing to negotiate. When done with respect and awareness, negotiation can be the key to unlock a shared bright future.
Wherever you go, stay safe, don’t take risks and have fun!