Hi, all, finally picking up the series again. When I left off, you were implementing your post-date self-care plan and getting ready to process your date.
So, you came home from your date and to the best of your ability you were really on that date, just being present, so now you get to process.
Here are some things that might be helpful after a first date and subsequent dates:
-a brain dump in your journal
-a debriefing with your dating coach/mentor
-a good night’s sleep before either of the above
-mindfulness and grounding exercises – it’s okay not to know and to just stay with today
I often find that sleeping on it before giving an answer is helpful. The dating gurus typically advise going out again if you’re not sure. I would add that before any subsequent date, it would be really helpful to your future self if you give yourself permission to be disappointed, to be confused, or to be surprised after the next date. Sometimes (often) we pressure ourselves to have clarity quickly and know where something is going so it’s important to give ourselves permission over and over to take it one date at a time.
I’ll add here that I recently heard a class by Mrs. Rochel Goldbaum (a dating coach) and she has a few questions you should be able to answer in the affirmative by about a third date in order to continue dating someone. Since it’s her work I won’t share details but I’ll link to an audio of her class for purchase.
I hope this is helpful! Feel free to share what works for you for processing dates!
