When we start looking for a long-term partner or enter into a romantic relationship, many of us do so with many pre-defined (often unrealistic) expectations - such as how the person should look and behave, how the relationship should progress, as well as the roles that each partner should have Play. These expectations may be based on your family history, the influence of your friends, past experiences or even ideals shown in movies and TV shows. Clinging to these unrealistic expectations can make any potential partner seem inadequate and a new relationship feel disappointing.

Consider what is really important

Distinguish between what you want and what you need in a partner. Wants are negotiable, needs are not.

Desires include things like occupation, intellect, and physical attributes like height, weight, and hair color. Even if certain features seem extremely important at first, over time you'll often find that you've unnecessarily limited your choices. For example, it may be more important to find someone who:

• Curious and not very intelligent. Curious people tend to grow more and more over time, while enlightened ones may miss out intellectually if they lack curiosity.
• Sensual and not sexy.
• Caring and not pretty or proper.
• A bit mysterious and not glamorous.
• Humorous and not rich.
• From a family with values similar to yours, and not someone from a specific ethnic or social background.

Needs are different from wants in that needs are those qualities that are most important to you, such as values, ambitions or goals in life. These are probably not the things you can find out about a person by looking at them on the street, reading their dating site profile or making small talk at a bar.

Dating tip 1: Keep things in perspective

Don't make the search for a relationship the center of your life. Concentrate on the activities you enjoy, on your career, on your health and on your relationship with family and friends. When you focus on taking care of yourself, it will keep your life balanced and make you a more interesting person when you meet that special someone.

Remember that first impressions are not always reliable, especially when it comes to online dating. It always takes time to really get to know a person and you have to try being with someone in a variety of situations.

Be honest about your flaws and shortcomings. Everyone has flaws, and for a relationship to last, you want someone to love you for the person you are, not the person you want to be, or the person she thinks you should be. Besides, what you consider a flaw may actually be something that another person finds odd and attractive

Tip 2: Build a real connection

The dating game can be a nerve-wracking adventure. It's only natural to worry about whether or not your potential gog daughter will like you. But no matter how shy or socially awkward you feel, you can overcome your nerves and self-consciousness and make a great connection.

Focus outward, not inward.

To combat first date nerves, focus your attention on what the person sitting across from you is saying and doing and what's going on around you, rather than on your inner thoughts. Staying fully present in the moment will help take your mind off worries and insecurities.

Be curious.

When you're genuinely curious about someone else's thoughts, feelings, experiences, stories, and opinions, it shows—and they'll love you for it. You will look much more attractive and interesting than if you spend your time trying to promote yourself.

Be real.

It is impossible to fake the presentation of interest in others. If you only pretend to listen or care, the person sitting across from you will pick up on it. No one likes manipulation. Instead of helping you connect and make a good impression, your efforts will likely backfire.

Put your smartphone away.

You can't really pay attention or make a real connection when you're multitasking. Nonverbal communication—subtle gestures, expressions, and other visual ideas—tells us a lot about a person, but it's easy to miss unless you're not focused.