Is Past Dating Experience Relevant?

QUESTION

Is his past dating experience relevant – should we discuss it?

I’ve been dating a guy (Indian American like me) for a couple of months. I wonder – is his past dating experience relevant? Is that the best way to get a sense of his mindset at this early stage in our relationship.

 

No TIME to Find Someone? We can HELP!

 

_____

[More from Jasbina] —> [VIDEO] Intersections Match by Jasbina – From The Founder

—> [VIDEO] Why Weddings Make Women Crazy… Before They Even Get Engaged

_____

ANSWER

Between the “Don’t date, don’t date, don’t date … ok, get married” and “Don’t ask, don’t tell” phenomena – common among second-generation Indian Americans – there does appear to be quite a continuum of dating experience.

When it comes to relationships, what is more relevant than the dating past of your partner is whether he is meeting your expectations for the stage of relationship you are currently in. Are you happy with:

(1) The way you feel when the two of you are together

(2) The level of exclusivity of the relationship

(3) The level of interest he shows in you?

Also consider whether there are any deal-breakers in the relationship.

If you are comfortable with your answers to the above questions, and content with the pace at which the relationship is moving forward – focus on the present, and continue to let the relationship unfold.

 

No TIME to Find Someone? We can HELP!

 

_____

[More from Jasbina] —> [INTERVIEW] Neely Steinberg Interview – Unleashing Your Inner Entrepreneur to Find Love

_____

The more the guy feels that his life is better with you than without you, the more invested he will become in moving the relationship forward.

On the other hand, if you (not friends or family i.e. not the expectations of others) are feeling anxious about the pace at which the relationship is proceeding – consider being honest and upfront with him about your feelings. Express yourself using a confident and positive emotional tone. Do not expect him to read your mind, and do not attempt to read his.

Unfortunately, women sometimes attempt to repress and hide their dissatisfaction for fear of “rocking the boat,” thereby allowing anxiety and frustration to build up until they just can’t stand it anymore.  Then the unleash their pent-up frustration in such an intense way that the guy feels he’s being attacked, and begins to question the relationship.

Importantly, when a woman expresses her feelings, she must be fully open to the possibility that her guy may not share her expectations.

This is not about one person attempting to convince the other of the superiority of his/her views. Instead, it is about respecting oneself as well as the other person enough to truly listen to each other’s feelings and expectations.  This helps determine whether expectations are sufficiently aligned to continue investing in the relationship.

 

No TIME to Find Someone? We can HELP!

_____

[More from Jasbina] —> [BLOG] Easily Make Friends But Not A Relationship – What Do I Do?

—> [VIDEO] How Tightly Should I Hold On To My Deal-Breakers – 3 Ideas To Figure This Out!

—> [INTERVIEW] Jan Yager Interview – 125 Ways To Meet The Love Of Your Life

—> [BLOG] Don’t See Romantic Potential…Is It OK to Continue?

_____

What do you think?

Is Past Dating Experience Relevant? Share your notes with us in the comments section below.

_____

By Jasbina Ahluwalia (Google+)