Let’s face it: dating is tough.

You might be dealing with self-confidence issues that come from past rejection, your shyness, or just not knowing what you want.

In some cases, this lack of confidence may lead you to date people that, deep down, you know really aren’t good enough for you. Now is the time to raise your standards, and to find someone you’re truly compatible with.

Ready to learn how you can make it happen?

Read this post to find out.

1. Love Yourself First

The truth is that you can’t raise your standards for others unless you set high ones for yourself.

Do you feel like your career is stagnant? Constantly find yourself standing in front of the mirror, scrutinizing every inch of your face and body? Have you noticed that you’ve been staying in more, doubting yourself, or comparing yourself to others?

You have to fix it before you put yourself into the dating game.

If you’re not feeling yourself — and not aware of just how awesome you are — you’re going to project that energy out onto other people. Plus, you need to know what you deserve.

Take a class and brush up on your skill set. Pick up a new hobby. Ask your friends to help keep you accountable when it comes to your new fitness routine. Even try repeating some positive affirmations to yourself in order to improve your self-esteem.

Finally, remember that, if you’re going to expect a lot from the people you date, it’s only natural that they’ll expect a lot from you, too. Be honest with yourself about the way you present yourself, and the way you act on a date.

Would you go on a date with you?

If not, ask your friends (or a therapist) to be brutally honest with you about what you should change.

2. Find the Right Sites

If you want to raise your standard when it comes to dating, you also want to know where the kinds of people you want to meet are hanging out.

We suggest joining a few niche dating sites to connect with your type. You can also check out the kinds of qualifications that a site requires its members to have before signing up.

In addition to helping to keep you safe in the online dating world?

Sites that require some level of verification can help you to ensure that you meet someone who truly is who they say you are.

Consider your priorities and the kinds of people you’re attracted to, and look for dating sites that align with those.

Don’t limit yourself to meeting people just online. Head to local art galleries, readings, join a meetup group, or become a member of a political club. Being around people whose interests are similar to your own makes you much more likely to meet a truly compatible partner.

3. Understand What You Want

Learning how to raise your standards when it comes to dating also means getting real with yourself about what you want.

You also need to think about your hard dealbreakers.

We all have types we’re not attracted to or things that we consider to be the ultimate turnoff. However, you should also be certain that your standards are realistic.

Raising your standards isn’t about setting impossibly high bars or waiting around for the “perfect person” to wander into your life.

Instead, it means thinking about what’s most important to you when it comes to traits a partner needs to have.

4. Brush up on Your Dating Skill Set

If you want to raise your standards, then you’re also going to need to study up on the right way to compose yourself on a date.

Especially if it’s been a while since you’ve gone out with someone?

You might be shocked by just how much things have changed. Standards are higher for potential partners in the past, but dating behavior has become much more casual and relaxed.

However, the line for what isn’t and isn’t acceptable — especially when it comes to texting and paying for the date — is constantly in flux.

You need to make sure that you’re ready to make a great impression on every date you go on. This is the case even if you realize that there’s not much of a spark between you and your date.

In order to raise your standards, you should consider having a few practice rounds of dates. Go out with someone that you might not normally be interested in. Not only will this teach you how you should respond to a potential dating snafu.

It can also help you to open up your horizons when it comes to the kinds of people you go out with.

Raise Your Standards Thanks to These Tips

It’s important to raise your standards when you’re dating — and we hope that this post has shown you how to make it happen.

Remember to love yourself first, embrace radical honesty in regards to what you want and what you can improve, and go on as many dates as you can to learn what you like.

Whether you’re ready to nail your first date, want to embark on a lifestyle overhaul to get back on the dating scene, or if you just want to improve your current relationship, we’ve got you covered.

Keep checking back with us for more dating, love, and relationship tips you can’t afford to miss out on.