| How to Get over the Awkward Stage in a Relationship Posted: 12 Oct 2021 05:00 PM PDT The early stages of a relationship are super exciting, but they can also be a little awkward. You're still getting to know the person, so that means unexpected surprises and some awkward firsts. These things don't have to be negative, though, and they can even be opportunities to get closer. Here are some tips for navigating this mildly uncomfortable but totally normal stage of building a relationship. [Edit]Be your authentic self. - It can be tempting to pretend to be someone you're not in this stage. Though you of course want to make your new partner like you, the best way to do that is to ultimately be yourself.[1] Relax and be open about your passions, interests, and hobbies in life (even if you worry about what they'll think of them). Dating someone new involves discovering each other's unique quirks.[2]
- If you're comfortable being yourself, the person you're seeing will start to feel more comfortable as well.
- Make sure you don't hide parts of yourself out of insecurity or fear your partner won't like it.
[Edit]Get comfortable with physical touch. - Things like cuddling and holding hands can bring you closer. A study conducted by Oxford University's Department of Experimental Psychology found that physical touch is a huge component to building trust and connection in a relationship.[3] Hug your partner when you greet them on a date, give them a kiss on the cheek, and even just give them an affectionate touch on the shoulder. It'll help you get past the awkwardness in no time.
- If PDA isn't your thing or you need some time before you feel like being physically affectionate, that's totally alright. There are so many ways to get closer to a new partner. Only do what makes you feel comfortable.
[Edit]Make time for intimacy. - Even if you have great chemistry, sex can be a little awkward in this stage. Talk to your partner about what you like, and ask them about their desires, too. Bring up things like contraception and STI testing to make sure that you're practicing safe sex. Try new things as you get to know each other, and take things at a pace that makes you both comfortable.[4]
- If you're worried about being vulnerable, bring up the subject when you're not currently getting intimate. This can help take the pressure off and make you feel a little more comfortable.
[Edit]Stay focused on your interests outside of the relationship. - This helps you avoid putting too much pressure on the relationship. Keep up with your hobbies and remain invested in your passions, like your work or the classes you love. Don't change your interests to accommodate your partner or cancel plans to spend all your time with them.[5]
- Only focusing on the relationship early on can make it fizzle out fast. If you want your relationship to make it past the awkward stage, make sure you've got a life outside of it.[6]
- Keep making plans with your friends and family, too.
[Edit]Define the relationship when you're ready. - The amount of time before this discussion varies among couples. Wait at least a few weeks to figure out what you want. If after some time you realize you want a serious relationship, share that with your partner and ask what they want, too. Before committing to a serious relationship, talk about your values, life goals, and definitions of monogamy (or non-monogamy) so that you both understand where the other is coming from. [7]
- Be direct and say something like, "I've really enjoyed getting to spend time with you the past few months. I'd love to see where this goes on a more serious level."
- You could also ask what they want. Try something like, "I like you and could see this really going somewhere. What are you looking for in a relationship?
[Edit]Address conflict directly. - Don't hide your feelings or expect them to read your mind. If your partner does something that upsets you or hurts your feelings, tell them how you feel. Give your partner a chance to share their perspective, and try to come up with a mutual solution together. Addressing the first conflict can be uncomfortable, but staying calm and respectful can help you get through it even stronger than before.[8]
- Let's say your partner teased you about something that's important to you. Even if it was a joke, if it offended you, say something. Try, "I know you didn't mean anything by it, but that comment kind of hurt my feelings."
- Your partner may be really sorry and will now know not to tease you. If they don't respond well or continue to do it, think about if you two are a good match.
[Edit]Meet each other's friends and family. - Relax and don't rush this part of the awkward stage. Once you're meeting the parents for the first time, ask your partner some background information, like if they're close with their family or if their parents are divorced, so you feel more prepared.[9] Talk to your partner about your relationship with your family before introducing them. When you hang out with your your partner's friends, try your best to be friendly and relaxed.
- When you meet your partner's parents, dress nice and consider bringing a gift to make a good first impression.
- Ask your partner if they have any fun facts about their family. These can be good conversation starters if you want to get to know their parents better.
- Give your partner's friends and family your full attention. Avoid being on your phone and focusing too much on just your partner when you meet. Ask questions, participate in the conversation, and try to have fun.
[Edit]Ask questions to get to know them better. - Be curious about your new partner's life. Part of the awkwardness is that you are still pretty new to each other. Ask your partner about their life experiences, their interests, and their hopes and dreams.[10] As you start to get to know each other, your questions can get a little deeper. Ask them about their childhood and even their past relationships. Your interest will hopefully be a two-way street, and you'll both get more comfortable in no time.[11]
- If your partner mentions they played soccer growing up, ask them about it. Say something like, "You played soccer through college, right? What did you like about it?"
- You can even have fun with it by asking them questions about philosophy or funny scenarios, like what celebrity they would most like to have dinner with, living or dead.[12]
[Edit]Listen to your partner. - Pay attention when your partner shares new things with you. Moving past the awkward stage involves really getting to know your partner. When they talk to you about their day or open up to you about what's causing them stress, make eye contact, listen to what they have to say, and put your phone down.[13]
- Make sure to listen to what they have to say instead of thinking of what you'll say in response.[14]
[Edit]Make plans regularly. - Quality time is a huge part of getting comfortable with someone. Schedule fun dinner dates. Go see a movie and talk about it over coffee after. Take a long walk through a park. Do fun things together to bring you closer. As this new person starts to feel more familiar, you will relax and feel way less awkward around them.[15]
- Think of things you've both never done. Trying out new things together can bring you closer and give you fun shared experiences.[16] Take a cooking class together or even just pick a new place to grab lunch.
[Edit]Let your guard down. - Getting over the awkward stage requires being vulnerable. Open up to your partner about a bad day and tell them about your experiences in life. As you continue to date and get comfortable, share more intimate details with them. Talk about past relationships, your childhood, and difficult times you've had in the past.[17] Taking this risk feels like a big leap of faith, but being open and honest with your partner is a huge part of getting closer to them.[18]
- It can hurt when you're vulnerable and don't get an affectionate response in return. Try not to let it get you down. Either they aren't ready to bring the relationship to that stage, or the two of you are looking for different things.[19]
- Remember that sharing yourself and being vulnerable is a brave thing to do, and it shows your capacity for love and connection. That's a positive reflection of you no matter how they respond!
[Edit]References |
| How to Manage More than Five Instagram Accounts Posted: 12 Oct 2021 09:00 AM PDT If you're a social media manager or have multiple businesses, you may need to deal with more than 5 Instagram accounts at the same time. In that case, you may have figured out that the Instagram mobile app won't let you add more than five accounts. This wikiHow will show you how to manage and easily switch between more than 5 Instagram accounts by using a third-party service like Hootsuite. - Go to your Hootsuite dashboard and sign in. If you don't have an account with Hootsuite, click Sign Up to be redirected to their pricing page. If you sign up for a Professional account, you can manage up to 10 social media accounts for a free 30-day trial.
- If you need more accounts, you can pay more for a monthly fee.
- Click . It's at the top of your web browser next to a +.
- Click . You'll see it next to the Instagram logo.
- Select if you're adding a personal or business account.
- Click and follow the on-screen instructions. After you follow the on-screen instructions, the social media account should be added to Hootsuite.
- Click the Create icon. You'll see the pencil-on-paper icon towards the left side of your screen.
- Select which account to post to. In the drop-down under "Post to," you can select which accounts to update. You can select multiple accounts if you want to send the same message or picture to all of them at the same time.
- Click . If you don't want to publish the post now, you can click Schedule for later instead.
- Click the Streams icon (to see all your connected accounts). The Streams icon looks like 4 differently sized rectangles towards the left side of your screen. Your connected accounts will display on the right side of your browser window.[1]
- There are also services like Later that work similar to HootSuite. You can add social accounts to the plan for $15/mo.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Be Romantic on Your First Date Posted: 12 Oct 2021 01:00 AM PDT First dates are a lot of things—fun, nerve-wracking, exciting—but most of all, they should be romantic! This is your chance to spark chemistry with the other person to see if you're a natural fit. A little romance definitely improves your chances of a second date so check out our tips for setting the mood. [Edit]Pick a romantic location. - Think of a special place your date would want to go. This might be somewhere very beautiful or historic, or it might just be somewhere important to your date. For instance, if they're into wine, a vineyard would be a romantic choice. If they're more outdoorsy, you could suggest a beautiful arboretum or rose garden. Try to choose a place that feels intimate and unique to them. This is way more romantic than dinner and a movie![1]
- If they're into the arts, you might suggest going to a museum or an art gallery.
- Try to avoid doing a coffee date at a cafe since it won't feel as natural.[2]
[Edit]Do an activity where you can be close. - Look for ways to be physically close and active to spark intimacy. This might mean taking a salsa class, going for a swim at the beach, or hitting the amusement park together.[3] Do activities that keep you active and talking with each other as opposed to sitting and watching something. This way, you'll have more opportunities to spark a meaningful connection.[4]
- Take a pass on sitting through a long concert or show since this doesn't give you a chance to interact much with your date.
[Edit]Prioritize conversation. - Focus on talking over entertaining your date. When you're on a first date, you're trying to get a sense of the person—what they're into, what their personality is like, whether or not they're funny. Stick with light topics like what bands they like, what their favorite food is, and where they'd love to travel to. Showing deep interest in the other person is definitely more romantic than tuning out to a movie, so make sure you listen closely to their responses.[5]
- Don't feel like you have to talk about heavy stuff. Save discussions about politics, religion, and relationships for later.
- Think of it this way, were you a fun way to kill some time, or did you watch the sunrise because you spent all night talking?
[Edit]Put your phone away. - Give your date your undivided attention. This may not seem like a romantic gesture, but it's a huge deal for most people. Think about how often you check your phone without even thinking about it. Make a point of turning off your phone so you don't look at it at all. Instead, give your date your full focus. They'll probably feel more of a connection this way.[6]
- Can't turn off your phone? Set your phone to silent mode and make a point of not checking it repeatedly.
[Edit]Flirt to spark a little chemistry. - Nothing says you're fun and interested in them like flirting! Say something cute and romantic like, "I am sorry as this can sound awkward, but I get very nervous around pretty girls." Whatever you say, be genuine! Here are a few more lines you can use:[7]
- "That suit looks amazing on you."
- "I think everyone here is jealous of me. I'm with the most handsome/beautiful person in the room."
- "You probably hear this a lot, but you have a gorgeous smile."
[Edit]Dedicate a song to them. - Request a band to play a song or do karaoke for your date. If you're in a bar or restaurant that's got live music or a DJ, pick a romantic tune that you think your date would like and dedicate it to them. For something a little more lighthearted, but just as romantic, offer to sing a romantic song if you're at a karaoke bar. Your date may be surprised, flattered, or amused, but above all, they'll probably be charmed at your effort.[8]
- Who knows? This could even become your song if it looks like the relationship might work out.
[Edit]Display open body language. - Turn your body toward your date and lean in. Keep your arms open and loose instead of crossing them, which can look defensive. You want your body language to make your date relaxed and comfortable.[9]
- A lot of people also find it easier to sit side by side instead of across from one another when they're talking. This seems more intimate since you're physically closer to each other.
[Edit]Show some physical affection. - A simple touch sends the signal that you're interested in them. You might rub their shoulder, hold hands, or just touch their arm. Little touches like these make a connection that can make you two feel more comfortable around each other.[10][11]
- Don't wait until the end of the date to do this. It can be awkward for both of you if there hasn't been any physical contact before one of you leans in for a goodnight kiss.
[Edit]Find a romantic spot for a first kiss. - Ask your date if you can kiss them, if you sense chemistry. If you're really hitting it off with the other person and they've initiated physical touches, they may be feeling romantic, too. Although you shouldn't feel pressured to kiss on the first date, it might just seem natural. Maybe you're both leaning in toward each other in front of a beautiful sunset or the other person pulls you closer as you go to say goodnight. If you're both comfortable with the idea of kissing, then great![12]
- Don't feel bad or force it if your date doesn't want to kiss. They may not feel a similar connection or they might just want to get to know you a little better first.
[Edit]Be yourself. - There's nothing romantic about pretending to be someone you're not. You don't want to trick the other person. Instead, be super open and honest about who you are.[13] Being your true, authentic self is romantic! Take a moment to remind yourself that the person wants to go out on a date with you so be yourself.[14]
- To make yourself feel more relaxed about the date, dress comfortably, act confident, and have a good time.
[Edit]References |
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