Dating When You\"re Depressed

Maybe you are dealing with depression, with moods, with deep sadness. You still want to find that special someone who makes you laugh and will be there for you. Dating can be fun, and it can be a welcome distraction from your depression. Sharing new experiences and enlightening conversations with someone can give you much to look forward to. Many depressed people are nervous or even afraid of dating because of their depression. They may have had someone stop dating them because of their depression, which is very difficult. But there is hope!

ASKING SOMEONE OUT ON A DATE: Gathering the courage to ask someone out on a date is tough for anyone, especially if you are depressed. But stay positive – many people are flattered if you ask them out on a date in a polite, sweet way. Keep it complimentary to them and brief. Try to think of a creative date idea where you\’ll have an opportunity to talk, like roller-skating, a comedy club or something you know they like to do. If it\’s someone you\’ve known for a long time, keep it positive and a no-pressure situation. You want to still be friends even if the date doesn\’t turn out like you hope. If it\’s someone you\’ve just met, aim for a fun date where you can get to know them.

Many people don\’t ever ask someone on a date because they are afraid of rejection. If you think about being rejected over and over and never ask, you\’ve rejected yourself. They might have said yes! Instead, visualize them saying yes. Plan out what you\’ll say and rehearse it, so you\’ll be comfortable saying it. Some people will say no for a variety of reasons. It\’s not always personal – they might be nervous or afraid themselves! Instead, be persistent and positive. If you become angry or feel sorry for yourself, you will only hold yourself back from dating the next person. Remember, everyone experiences rejection at some point. The persistent people push past rejection to find the person who does want to date them.

YOUR FIRST DATE: Congratulations! Someone accepted your invitation to go on a date. On the first date, you\’ll probably be excited and thrilled. As you go on more dates with the person, you might feel your feelings become less intense. Your activities may become routine. You can keep things exciting by suggesting new activities and new topics of conversation.

CONVERSATION DURING DATES: There are do\’s and don\’ts, especially on first dates. Avoid, avoid, avoid talking about negative feelings and tragic past experiences. Keep it positive, even if you are feeling low. People are usually attracted towards positive, high-energy attitudes and turned off by sad and depressed. Depression is a difficult condition to understand and handle. You can\’t expect someone to understand all of its effects on a first date. Instead, know that if you keep dating this person, you\’ll eventually be able to talk about deeper issues, such as your depression. They\’ll be in a better position to listen to what it is like at that point. But for the first date, keep topics light and happy. Ask them about their favorite hobbies, their friends and family, and funny stories.

Hopefully this has started you on the path to happiness with dating. Remember to keep your chin up.s

I\’ve written articles for the past few years and have started a blog about this subject. Check out my blog on be depression free. Hope to see you there.

Dating When You\"re Depressed