Single this Summer? How To Build Up The Confidence To Try Dating

AD | This is a sponsored post. All opinions are honest and my own.

When was the last time you went on a date? Is dating something you embrace confidently, or does the idea of it make you feel shy and awkward? In this post, I will be exploring why many people feel uncomfortable about dating, and then sharing some ways to boost your confidence in order to give dating a go.

Are you already in a relationship but experiencing a lack of confidence that is affecting your love life? Or you just need a boost of confidence in general? If so, this post is for you too. I hope you find it helpful!

Why do people avoid dating?

One of the main reasons why people avoid dating is because they lack confidence. But I think it is sad that people miss out on building loving connections for this reason. There is a fantastic quote by Judy Garland: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else” and I think it’s so important! We are all unique and amazing in our own way, and we should never feel that we are ‘not good enough’ to try dating if it’s something we want to do.

You are good enough!

The first step to building the confidence to date is to accept, love and appreciate yourself exactly the way you are right now. It’s okay to want to improve yourself, but remember that you are already good enough. You don’t NEED to change anything or reach any particular milestone or achievement before you can start dating.

Here are 6 ways that you can start to build your confidence from the inside out, and feel ready for dating this summer!

6 Ways To Build Up The Confidence To Try Dating

1. Journalling

Journalling can be such a powerful tool for boosting confidence when used the right way. There are so many different ways to journal. In mine, I like to write down things I am grateful for, things I am proud of, and things I have learned. By writing down my achievements and the little things that have gone well in my day, I feel a sense of accomplishment and this, in turn, builds my confidence.

Other confidence-building journalling ideas include:

• Writing down things you like about yourself.
• Writing down positive statements and quotes.
• Listing your goals for the future.
• Writing down what you are looking for in your ideal partner!

2. Change your thinking

There is a huge amount of evidence that our thoughts affect our feelings. In fact, that is the basis for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, one of the most commonly prescribed therapies nowadays. By actively thinking positive thoughts and speaking kindly to ourselves in our minds, we really do have the potential to change how we feel about ourselves, including feeling more confident.

3. Practice self-care

It’s often said that we cannot fully love others until we learn to love ourselves. Self-care is an important way to show ourselves love and tend to our needs. It can also help us to get to know and appreciate ourselves better.

One simple way to practice self-care is to have a long, hot bath. Take the time to pamper and care for your body and appreciate everything it does for you. You can also lie back and reflect on the positive aspects of your personality, and your recent achievements. Remind yourself that wherever you are in your life’s journey right now, you are absolutely valid and worthy of love and appreciation.

4. Practise body neutrality

If you are lacking in body confidence and you struggle to love your body, you might benefit from practising body neutrality. In contrast to body positivity, body neutrality is the practice of appreciating your body for what it does for you, instead of for what it looks like. This can have a powerful effect on the way we see our bodies and can give us a sense of freedom to enjoy living in our bodies rather than judging them. You can read more about body neutrality in this guest post: What is Body Neutrality and How Can I Practice It?

5. Use positive and empowering quotes

Quotes are a powerful way to plant empowering messages into our minds. Like the Judy Garland quote that I shared earlier, carefully chosen quotes can really give us a boost in confidence whenever we read them. Our subconscious is very powerful and by regularly exposing ourselves to empowering quotes, we will gradually program them into our minds and believe in them.

One way to expose yourself to your favourite quotes is to write them on post-it notes and stick them around your home or workspace. Another option is to use a quotes widget on your phone. I have a widget on the home screen of my phone that automatically updates with a new quote every 2 hours. It also allows me to add my own custom quotes, and if I don’t like a particular quote I can tap it and it will change. I find it so encouraging to see a motivating or confidence-boosting quote every time I look at my phone.

6. Listen to empowering music

For me, music is one of the most powerful tools I use to boost my confidence. I have a playlist of uplifting songs with empowering lyrics that make me feel happy and confident. Sometimes, I dance and move around to these songs and it’s a guaranteed way to boost my mood!

Are you ready to try dating?

Love is universal, and dating is for everyone, of all shapes, sizes, abilities and preferences. With that in mind, single disabled (AD) is a fantastic dating site to begin your search for someone special. It is an inclusive dating company that celebrates differences and supports disabled as well as inter-abled relationships. Plus, it’s free to join! So whoever you are, if you’re ready to try dating then it’s worth checking out single disabled. You might just find that special person to date and spend quality time with this summer.

I hope you have found this post helpful and that it has shown you some new ways to boost your confidence this summer, whether you plan to try dating or not. The most important thing to take away from this post is the fact that every one of us is different and unique, and we should celebrate our differences without feeling any pressure to change who we are! We are all worthy to give and receive love. So let’s get to work spreading love in the world!