In the age of dating apps, social media, and seemingly endless options, it can be tempting to think that the more dates you go on, the more likely you are to find your “perfect match.” It’s natural to explore multiple avenues when searching for a partner, but the idea that multiple dates can help you make the best choice often overlooks some key aspects of building a meaningful and lasting connection.
The Myth Of “The Perfect Match”
One of the biggest misconceptions in dating today is the idea that there is a “perfect match” out there, and if you just go on enough dates, you will eventually find the ideal person who ticks off every box on your checklist. While it’s understandable to want someone who aligns with your values, interests, and goals, no one person is ever going to be flawless or perfectly fit your idea of an ideal partner.
When you go on multiple dates with different people, you might experience short-term excitement or attraction, but these initial sparks often don’t give you a deep understanding of the person or the relationship dynamics that matter most in the long run. A superficial connection might seem exciting at first, but without the depth of emotional and intellectual compatibility, it is unlikely to result in a fulfilling, long-term partnership.
The Overwhelm Of Choices
The more dates you go on, the more you are exposed to a wide range of potential partners, and this can sometimes lead to choice overload. With so many options, it’s easy to start comparing one person to the next, leading to indecision or a lack of clarity about what truly matters in a partner. When faced with too many choices, it becomes difficult to prioritise the qualities that are genuinely important for a healthy, lasting relationship.
Instead of focusing on finding someone who complements you, you may become fixated on finding someone who matches a checklist of external traits, or you may develop unrealistic expectations about what your relationship should look like. Over time, this process of constant comparison can make you feel more confused, frustrated, and less satisfied with the options you have.
The Importance Of Depth Over Breadth:
While it might feel exciting to explore multiple connections, finding someone who truly understands and aligns with your values requires going beyond surface-level traits. Multiple dates may give you a glimpse of someone’s appearance, hobbies, or surface-level conversations, but true compatibility can only be revealed through deeper interactions and experiences over time.
Rather than spreading yourself thin and going on countless dates, it’s more beneficial to focus on quality over quantity. Building a meaningful connection with one person, investing time to understand their character, and nurturing a deeper emotional bond will ultimately lead to a stronger and more authentic relationship. True compatibility doesn’t happen overnight—it takes time, trust, and shared experiences to create a bond that can withstand the challenges of life.
The Risk Of Shallow Connections:
Another downside of dating multiple people at once is the tendency to form shallow, short-term connections rather than meaningful, lasting ones. When you’re dating several people simultaneously, it’s hard to fully invest emotionally or mentally in any one relationship. This can lead to a lack of emotional intimacy and an inability to truly get to know the person on a deeper level.
In contrast, when you focus on one person at a time, you allow yourself the space to build a deeper connection. You get to understand their hopes, dreams, fears, and flaws—things that are often overlooked in the early stages of dating. By giving each connection time to grow naturally, you create the opportunity for a stronger, more genuine bond.
True Compatibility Takes Time
The best relationships aren’t built on instant attraction or superficial qualities—they’re built on shared values, trust, communication, and mutual respect. These qualities develop and deepen over time. By dating multiple people in a short period, you risk rushing the process and missing out on the chance to truly get to know someone. True compatibility takes time and shared experiences, and you won’t find that by constantly moving from one date to the next.
Focus On What Really Matters
Instead of trying to “find the best choice” by dating multiple people, focus on what truly matters in a relationship. Take the time to understand your own needs, desires, and goals, and make sure your partner aligns with these values. It’s better to date fewer people, but with more intention, and give each relationship the time and space it needs to blossom naturally. This approach will lead to a deeper, more fulfilling connection that’s based on mutual respect, understanding, and love.
Conclusion
While it might seem logical that going on multiple dates would increase your chances of finding the best partner, the reality is that quantity doesn’t always lead to quality. The superficial connections made through brief encounters often fail to offer the depth, understanding, and compatibility that lead to long-term love. Instead, it’s better to focus on one person at a time, allowing for genuine connection, shared experiences, and deeper emotional bonds to form naturally. In the end, the best choice is not about how many people you date, but about finding someone who truly complements you and with whom you can build a meaningful and lasting relationship.
