8 Strategies for Maintaining Authenticity While Dating

Credit: Style My Soul | stylemysoul.com | Dating Strategies II

Trust Your Values
Remember your values when you’re dating someone! If someone makes you question those values as a compromise to your own identity and way of being, they’re probably not the right fit for you. Trust yourself to make the most aligned decisions for yourself. If the people you’re dating understand that, they understand that work will always be put in order to adapt and adjust.
- Christa Lei, Relational Alchemist and Consultant

Prioritize Self-Awareness
One piece of advice for staying true to yourself while dating is to prioritize self-awareness and self-reflection. Regularly check in with yourself, evaluating your feelings, boundaries, and comfort levels. Remember that it’s okay to communicate your needs and desires, and never sacrifice your core values or beliefs for the sake of pleasing someone else. Authenticity in your self-expression fosters genuine connections and helps ensure that any relationship you enter is based on mutual respect and understanding. - Jacob Maslow, Owner, Rest Equation

Focus on Honesty and Openness
You provide the groundwork for a relationship based on trust and understanding when you are open and honest about your values, interests, aspirations, and even your eccentricities. It’s unlikely that pretending to be someone you’re not would result in a rewarding and long-lasting connection, even if it does draw attention in the short term. Early on, make sure to express your non-negotiables and boundaries clearly. By doing this, you can be certain that the person you’re dating respects your values and interests. Likewise, be sure you are aware of your partner’s limitations. In a partnership, it’s critical to express your needs and expectations. Your emotional requirements, communication preferences, and partner preferences are all included in this. Pay close attention to how your partner reacts when you are being yourself. Do they show you respect, support, and an interest in your ideas and feelings? A wholesome relationship will value you for who you are and support your development.
- Joe Li, Managing Director, CheckYa

​Understand Your Boundaries
Before entering a relationship, it is essential to comprehend your values, boundaries, and what you’re looking for in a partner.
Be truthful with yourself regarding your desires and needs, and do not compromise your fundamental values to please others. Trust your inclinations and express your feelings and expectations authentically. Additionally, keep your communication with your date open and honest. Openly discuss your interests, concerns, and aspirations. A genuine connection is based on mutual understanding and respect, so be yourself and be open to your partner’s authenticity. Remember that by remaining true to yourself, you will attract the appropriate person who will appreciate and respect you for your authenticity. Be patient, and don’t be hesitant to leave any relationship that doesn’t align with who you truly are.
- Michael Callahan, Founder and Director, The Callahan Law Firm

Embrace Individuality, Avoid Comparisons
To stay true to yourself while dating, avoid comparing yourself to others. Focus on your unique qualities and strengths, celebrating them rather than striving to fit societal ideals. By embracing your individuality, you can maintain authenticity and a healthy sense of self-confidence in dating. For example, if you see that your friends’ relationships are progressing faster than yours, remind yourself that every person and relationship is different. Trust your own journey and timelines, maintaining your own values and pace. - Yoana Wong, Co-Founder, Secret Florists

Leverage Friends for Support
Having a supportive network of friends who encourage you to be authentic is crucial for staying true to yourself while dating. These friends can provide guidance and reminders of your true self, helping you avoid compromising your values or losing your identity in a relationship. They can offer valuable perspectives and advice, reminding you of your worth and individuality. For example, if you’re unsure about a situation or feeling pressured to change, your friends can help you assess the situation objectively and provide reassurance. They can also serve as a sounding board for your concerns and help you navigate the complexities of dating in a way that aligns with your true self. - Jason Cheung, Operations Manager, Credit KO

Embrace Singleness for Self-Discovery
​Embracing the possibility of being single allows you to focus on personal growth and self-discovery. Take time for yourself to understand your own needs and desires, ensuring you stay true to yourself while dating. This mindset empowers you to make choices that align with your authentic self, ultimately leading to finding a partner who truly matches with who you are.
- Roy Lau, Co-Founder, 28 Mortgage

Be Open to Personal Growth
While staying true to yourself is crucial, being open to personal growth and positive changes can enhance authenticity in relationships. Embracing personal growth aligns with one’s core values and allows for an evolving self. For example, if someone has always been reserved and struggles with expressing emotions, actively working on opening up and improving communication skills can be a positive change. This growth doesn’t mean compromising authenticity, but rather enriching it by becoming a better version of oneself. - Ben Lau, Founder, Featured SEO Company