More Than 1:
Humans are quite complex and when we meet someone it is as if we have simply touched the tip of an iceberg. Think about the various established relationships in your life, the moment when you two first met and the relationship up to today. How has it changed? How have you changed? We learn more about each other through time and experiences and through both we establish trust, feel safe to be emotionally vulnerable, grow, co-create communication norms, memories, etc. Imagine how different your life would be if this relationship was not a part of your life.
There is a saying, ‘You only have one chance to make a 1st impression’ however, this becomes problematic when dealing with humans because of the many variables which may influence the way an individual shows up and this is particularly true for 1st dates (and/or Meet and Greets).
For some people meeting someone new, especially someone they are interested in getting to know can result in feeling nervous which may manifest as: excessive chatting, awkward silence, disclosing too much information, being rigid or any other number of behaviors. It is quite possible Nervous Dater vs. Confident Dater are two very different individuals but you would not know this if you make your assessment based on the initial meeting.
Of course there are some traits, characteristics which allow you to know relatively quickly that you two are not a match and that is okay. At Love Grows we are staunch advocates of trusting and honoring your intuition. This is why self-work is key, because it is only as you become a connoisseur of ‘you’ will you KNOW which qualities and characteristics compliment and constrict you. By using your past dating experiences as case studies, you are able to identify lessons, tools, areas where you can and need to grow, etc. which allow you to become more authentically you hence allowing you to ‘show up’ fully.
Love Grows Dating Recommendation: If none of your deal breakers were revealed during the initial meet and greet, have another date. There is no harm in going out again. You ALWAYS have the autonomy to respectfully part ways. If a love connection is not made, it is possible a great friendship results. Love presents in many different forms. – Misha N. Granado, MPH, MS