We are diving into a very important topic today: authenticity. Not pretending you’re someone you’re not. What does it mean to be authentic while dating? Let’s get into it.
What Does It Mean to Be Authentic While Dating?
When you’re authentic, you are unapologetically yourself. You don’t change your likes, dislikes, values, or beliefs to get someone to like you more. Sure, it’s great when you match with someone on a dating app and instantly have a ton in common, but it’s also okay if you don’t.
In fact, it can (arguably) be even more fun when you like different things. If you love hiking and your date loves reading, you can show them the fun of exploring nature while they can share their favorite books with you. This way, you both get to try new things.
Of course, there are some things you want to be on the same page about (like faith), but who you are at your core shouldn’t change. It’s important not to lose yourself in an attempt to make yourself more desirable to someone.
How To Stay Authentic To Yourself While Dating
Are you ready to dive into the dating pool without losing yourself in the process? Here are some tips to help you stay true to who you are while finding your perfect match.
1. Root Your Identity in Christ
Remember that your true identity comes from being a child of God. Spend time in prayer and read the Bible to stay grounded in your faith. When you know who you are in Christ, it becomes easier to be genuine with others because you are confident in who He created you to be.
2. Don’t Be Ashamed
You want your future partner to love you for you. And what better way for people to get to know you while dating than for you to share about yourself? Sure, maybe your taste in music is a little different than most people's, or maybe you have a unique hobby like collecting comic books or knitting. These are the things that make you special! Being proud of who you are will not only help you feel more confident but also attract someone who appreciates you just the way you are.
3. Listen to Your Feelings
Pay attention to how you feel when you're talking to or hanging out with someone. If you feel happy and relaxed, that's a good sign you're being yourself. If you feel stressed or like you need to act differently, take a step back and think about why. It’s important to feel comfortable in your own skin.
How Can You Tell If Someone Is Authentic?
You don’t want to start dating someone only to find out they misrepresented themselves, right? Authenticity is attractive! Here are a few tips to help make sure other people are being real with you.
Consistency: Check if their actions match their words. Authentic people will do what they say and say what they mean.
Honesty: Notice if they are open and truthful about their feelings and experiences, even if it's not always perfect.
Comfort Level: See if they are comfortable being themselves around you. Do they talk freely about their hobbies, interests, and beliefs without trying to impress?
Respect for Differences: Watch how they react to your opinions and differences. Authentic people will respect you, even if they disagree.
Genuine Interest: Observe if they show real interest in getting to know you. Are they asking questions and listening attentively?
Being authentically yourself while dating is not only helpful for creating genuine connections but also aligns with Biblical wisdom. Romans 12:9 encourages, "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." Let this scripture guide you in your relationships, reminding you to embrace authenticity and uphold your values — and keep an eye out for people who are authentically themselves, too!
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