I'm pretty much a broken record when it comes to talking about how the dating scene has shifted and why it's shifted. I know you're probably screaming "we knoooow... we geeeet it". (I've been known to beat a dead horse a few times over.) With all of that being said, it's safe to say that our grandparents can't necessarily speak to the same struggles that we now have (with dating). The trends and vehicles used to meet new people are completely different. However, there are at least 6 things that our grandmothers still can teach us about dating and relationships. Here's my list of "pieces of game" grandma can still give us.
Posture screams louder than your words. What does that mean? Talk with your entire body. Your body language can convey messages your mouth can’t really verbalize. Utilize this in a way that works for you. Use everything to communicate, but if he starts reading your body language wrong (in any way), speak immediately to clarify.
Expect a gentleman. It’s pretty sad that we’re in an age where it’s surprising when guys open doors, pull out chairs, and display other levels of chivalry. We’ve gotten use to doing everything for ourselves because most guys think it’s lame or just overkill. Hold him to a gentleman’s standard and don’t make excuses for him being disrespectful.
Follow up dates with a "thank you". Thank him immediately, but then you can use a “thank you” later as a conversation starter. “Hey, I really enjoyed…” Gratitude is sometimes a lost art and sometimes us gals just assume that guys are supposed to invite us out and cater to us. If he does, be sure to thank him. It doesn’t take much, and it’ll go a long way.
Watch his interactions with the other women you encounter on your date. If he’s rude or aggressive with other women who are serving you, that’s a red flag. So what if he’s being a complete gentleman to you. Of course, he is! He has to impress you for another date. Unfortunately, if he’s a complete gentleman with you, it’s probably an act if he’s rude to everyone else. It also probably goes without saying, but if he’s super flirty… another red flag. That’s a total disregard for your presence and a concern for what he would do if you’re NOT around.
Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. My grandmother was never shy about asking someone’s intent. We tend to get stuck in a gray area of “situationships” and “what are we” before actually getting to the relationship phase nowadays. It doesn’t have to be that way. Ask the questions up front and let the chips fall where they may.
Set aspects of your relationship that you just won’t share with the world. We’re in the “share everything” phase. Life a movie and we keep the camera rolling for all to see. We’ve seen this mentality everywhere. We see people come together, watch them go on dates, watch them vacation, and watch them publicly argue via social media. EVERY aspect of your relationship isn’t for EVERYBODY to know. Keep some things intimate. Your relationship will flourish for it.
Now those are just my tidbits gathered from grandma (in one way or another). While things have changed drastically, the tips remain relevant. Following these tips may even set us aside from everybody else! Try these tips and let me know how they work out!