The Next Date

So the first date went well, and you both want to meet up again. In some ways, the second date will be more informative than the first - on a first date both of you are often so wrapped up with your own nerves that the evening can be a bit of blur. You might go through the motions of being ideal date material, rather than relaxing into who you are. The second time you meet, both of you will have had time to think about specific questions that you may want to ask, and the date will be that much more serious, purely because you have committed to date number two.

However, keep things light, enjoy yourself and remember to take it slowly. As you move forward and the second date becomes a third, a fourth and then a proper relationship, you'll need to bear the following points of advice in mind:

Take it Slowly

Give yourself time to get to know each other. Don't rush to move the relationship forward, let it follow its own natural pace, and enjoy the ride.

Make Time for Each Other

No matter what stage you are in a relationship, you should always plan time to catch up with each other to reflect on how the relationship is going. This way you can keep track of your relationship and clarify any situations that might be unclear.

Don't Try to Guess Each Other

No matter how close the two of you are, don't try to second-guess how the other person feels about any situation. People make huge assumptions about how people should be treated based on how they would like to be treated themselves. For example, you might like to be left alone if you have a problem, while your partner may like to talk theirs over. You might think that you're doing the right thing by giving them space, however, they may see this as a sign that you don't care.

Keep the Spark Alive

It's virtually impossible to keep a relationship at the same level as when you first got together, so once a relationship settles into a pattern it's important to keep the spark alive. Too often, people forget that you have to keep working on a relationship for it to be a success - the more you put into a relationship, the more you're likely to get back.

Keep Communicating

Never forget that people are changing all the time and it's important to be able to grow with someone. Like second-guessing people, don't assume that people will always react the same way that they have always done about a situation.

Be Yourself

Our quirks and foibles are what make us unique and that's why we fall in love with each other in the first place. Trying to be someone other than yourself is a pointless exercise and unsustainable. Wouldn't you rather be genuine and have someone love you for who you are? The same goes for trying to change your partner - don't expect them to change to fit in with your ideals. If they're not what you're looking for, find someone who is, rather than trying to mold them into somebody else.