Chance, risk...

If you're dating, unless you're 8-10 yrs. old and even then you can have baggage. But I think a lot of what keeps true experience from comencing is resistance.

Not doing things out of the ordinary or worse becoming isolated in a past experience can be some of the things that really keep us from finding a happiness that we want to share with someone else.

What do you think?

Your authentic self?

You're funny Sandy. I was going to say the same.

I agree, I find this the hardest part actually, taking risks. You just have this set of beliefs in your head and it's hard to let go.

Yourself for sure -- if you can't be yourself when you're just dating, what are the chances of it going any farther and being enjoyable if it does?

I've always been afraid (too lazy?) to present other than the real me. What if he falls for the phony me and I'd have to be somebody else as long as he's in my life - yikes!!

(Does this explain why I've always been single???)

I think the best *effort* to put into dating before you even begin is to know exactly what you want before you get out there - then you can be your authentic self because you're confident in what you want.

Well, this is certainly a good forum to come to if you're looking for solid individuals!

I agree...Don't go into a date being something you're not. So much of that happens on-line. Life is complicated, but pretending or lieing just isn't the way to go. Either you'll get exhausted and crushed or you'll end up taking someone who is genuinely looking for someone to share their life with in a direction that usually ends up hurting in the end.

I look at dating like good food. Quality ingredients deliver the best dining experiences

"I look at dating like good food. Quality ingredients deliver the best dining experiences."

Very well said, Elleise. And so true.

[quote=Dina - Women's Fashion]I agree, I find this the hardest part actually, taking risks. You just have this set of beliefs in your head and it's hard to let go. [/quote] yup, that the hardest part!