It’s easy to sulk after having a bad date, especially when you had high hopes for it. Whether you’re the type to imagine a magical, sparks flying kind of date or you’re a little jaded and cautious, you can’t deny that you go on dates with certain expectations. And when the experience is not only less than what you anticipated but outright bad, you get home disappointed, not wanting to try again.
But before you pop open a bottle of wine and cross love off your list, know that one bad date doesn’t mean the end of the world. And to help yourself feel better, check out our list of what to do after a disastrous date below.
1. Don’t be too hard on yourself
Yes, it didn’t end well. Your conversations were dry from the beginning, and you felt uncomfortable and awkward. No matter how bad it is, don’t blame it all on yourself. Whatever the reason is, you have to accept the fact that it didn’t work out but that it’s never just your fault.
2. Assess what went wrong
Think about where the date went wrong. Did it feel wrong the moment you arrived? Did he say something mean or stupid? Or maybe you just didn’t have something to talk about? By identifying what went wrong, you’ll know what you do and don’t want to experience the next time you’re on a date.
3. Phone a friend
When you’re emotional, it’s always wise not to wallow alone. A different perspective, especially from someone who cares for you, is something you might need to hear even though it might hurt. So call your best friend, your mom, or anyone who genuinely cares for you and whose opinion you value, and they just might make you feel better.
4. Learn from it
Don’t be bitter, and look at it from a different perspective. If you let this one bad date ruin the idea of dating for you, you would gain nothing from it. But with the right mindset, you’ll see that you might have learned something from that disastrous date. Whatever it is, you can apply it for next time.
5. Relearn dating
Start relearning about dating, whether from websites, dating services, or friends. While the lousy date before might not have been on you, it’s good to be equipped before you go on a new date. It’s unrealistic just to come empty-handed, expecting the other person to instantly like you without you putting some effort.
6. Make yourself available
Making yourself available doesn’t only apply to those who you want to date. It means spending time within your social circles and meeting new people. It’s good to have something to put your mind to and a hobby that excites you. This way, you’ve got to enjoy the company of others and, who knows? You might get to meet someone you’d want to go out with.
Don’t let one bad date get you down. If you do, you might miss out on the perfect person for you. Follow our tips above, and soon enough, you’ll be ready to jump into the dating pool again.
