Dating is, and can be, such a fun experience! However, there are times when it’s hard, confusing, and just plain boring. Why is this? My theory is that we’ve been doing it all wrong. Why do I say that? Because I’ve heard quite a bit of horror stories of people’s dating experiences and my aim is to clear up a few misconceptions. So, read below to understand how dating is like a job interview:
1. A Date is an Event, Not a Commitment.
Have you ever felt pressured by someone, making you feel like you owe them something just because you went out on a date with them? Please, let go of the pressure because I promise it’s unwarranted. A date, just like an interview, is a moment in time where you, or an employer, chose to sit down for an interview to see if the person interviewing would make a good candidate for the job. You are NOT required to commit to someone just because you decided to go out with them, just like interviewing for a position doesn’t mean you automatically have it.
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2. Qualifications Matter!
What makes the person you’re sitting across from qualified to be there? Just like a job interview, employers have certain qualifications that they’re looking for in a candidate. That’s the purpose of a date, to see if the person that you find yourself interested in has the qualifications to continue seeing you and if they would potentially make a good, long-term partner. Knowing what you want in a partner makes it very easy to see if a person is an immediate no, or if they deserve a second interview.
3. Don’t Just Interview Once!
Most people are aware that to get the good, high paying jobs, you might go on multiple interviews for the employer to make sure you meet their exact standards. Try to envision your heart like a high paying job (I know it’s weird, work with me!). If you know that it’s going to take a special candidate to not only get your attention but to keep it, you must value yourself so much that you don’t just let anyone have easy access to your heart. It’s okay to interview a person more than once before you decide whether to commit.
4. Make Your Intentions Known!
When entering any kind of job interview, the intention is to check to see if the person has the qualities that would make a good, potential employee. Notice that word “potential,” if you don’t see potential then don’t agree to the date. However, if you do see something in them, make your intentions known. It’s okay to say, “This date doesn’t equal commitment, I just want to know if you could be a good fit for me.” Letting a person know your intentions up front means that you save yourself and your date from disappointment down the road. Also, making your intentions clear early on could open the door for your date to share where they’re coming from as well.