The reason why first dates are so exciting is that you never know what to expect. This can be a double-edged sword: on the one hand there’s that pleasant feeling of mystery which surrounds the meeting; on the other, you’ll progressively expect more and more predictability as the date moves along. This can result in a paradox of emotions in you and your date. You’re looking for a connection, but you don’t want too much so that the spice is taken out of the equation. You want mystery. Well, you’ll have to settle for a compromise sooner or later, as similarities are rooted in you sharing the same personality traits with your date, while mystery depends upon the opposite.
While it is understandable that most people are more attracted to those who have interests and views which are on the opposite end of their preferences, as it can spice up their connection towards an exciting relationship, the effect may be short-lived once they really get to know each other. If you are assessing your compatibility with your date, using these few areas of reference as a measuring stick may help you in your purpose.
Find out how you differ in your preferences in spending time. If you are a party animal and your date is basically a home buddy, this should raise a yellow flag, since you are in opposite opinions of how to share the one thing which is most treasured by couples – quality time.
How about you’re differences in attitude? Are you a neat freak? What if your date is the exact opposite? Are you willing to compromise yourself in order to accommodate his quirks in behavior? What if he smokes on your date, while you have committed yourself to doing away with the habit? These are just some of the things you should consider before even thinking about pursuing further meetings.
What about your opinions regarding financial issues? Does your date give hints that he or she is basically a spendthrift, while you have an attitude which is best described as living for the moment? It is not unusual that the first thing a couple has an argument over has something to do with money, and if you have serious differences with this issue, raise a red flag and seriously consider if you want to move on to the next step of the relationship.
Extroverts and self-kept individuals don’t usually end up well in relationships. If one person loves to talk, and the other needs solitude, this could put a strain in the relationship to the point of a break up. Be sure that if you choose to go ahead in pursuing further dates with the person you’re with, that you are comfortable with his idiosyncrasies to a certain extent.