Gay dating can be hard, especially when you’re trying to navigate the new world of apps and hookup culture. But there are some things you can do to make the process a little easier.
To help you out, we asked some dudes on Reddit what dating advice they would give their younger selves. Here are some of their heard-earned lessons.
1. Be yourself
If you want to meet a gay guy for a date, you need to be yourself. If you’re not comfortable with your sexual orientation or your body, it’ll be hard to talk to someone about it.
This is especially true for gay men who are new to dating or have been out for a while. Being yourself is one of the best gay dating tips that anyone can follow.
2. Be selective
Gay dating is a challenging and often frustrating experience. Whether you’re new to the scene or you’ve been out of the closet for a while, it can be tough to figure out how to navigate the world of dating.
It can be easy to let your preferences get in the way of finding a partner that’s right for you. Keep these tips in mind as you go through your dating journey:
3. Don’t be afraid to ask
Gay dating is a challenging experience that many gay individuals struggle to navigate. But it can be so much easier when you’re honest about what you’re looking for in a relationship and what kind of person you want to spend time with.
That’s why if you’re serious about gay dating, don’t be afraid to ask questions and be vulnerable. If you’re feeling nervous about your first date, don’t suppress it — embrace it!
4. Be honest
If you’re out there trying to find love, being honest is an essential part of gay dating. Not only will it help you connect with a compatible partner, but it will also save you from any misunderstandings.
It’s important to be straightforward about your sexuality when online dating, and this is especially true for gay men who are still not fully out of the closet.
5. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable
The process of dating can be daunting and stressful. The key is to be vulnerable and let people in without fear of being judged or rejected.
It can be tempting to hold back when you share your deepest fears, feelings and secrets with someone new, but this is a risk worth taking. It can help you build a closer bond with your partner and lead to unconditional love.
6. Be a good listener
For gay men, it’s a fact that most of us get nervous about our first dates. Being able to relax and enjoy your time together will go a long way in ensuring a happy and healthy outcome for everyone involved. Taking the time to listen to your date is the best thing you can do for yourself. It’s also a great way to learn more about each other and what you want out of your next relationship.
7. Be a good sport
Whether you’re a gay man or a lesbian, you probably feel nervous about your first date. Being a good sport about it will make you feel better about yourself.
Being a good sport means demonstrating that you understand and appreciate your partner’s needs, wants, and interests. This will go a long way toward ensuring your relationship is successful and lasting. It’s also the least likely to lead to an unplanned split.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you are not sure what to do, don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is especially important if you are dating someone for the first time or if you are new to gay dating.
As a gay men’s specialist therapist, I often work with older gay men who are struggling with the same issues as many young people today. Whether it is writing a gay app profile, finding a doctor who prescribes testosterone replacement therapy, or managing social anxiety in dating, I can help you to get back in the game.
9. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable
Being vulnerable is a key component of gay dating. Not only will you be more authentic with someone you date, but it can also help to build trust.
Another key component of being vulnerable is to avoid family situations that might not be supportive of your relationship. For example, don’t bring your partner home to a family that makes gay jokes or insults queer people.
10. Don’t be afraid to be honest
It’s important to be honest about your sexuality when dating. This is especially true if you are a transgender person or someone who is non-binary.
It may seem like a small thing, but it can be really helpful.
It’s easy to get in the habit of lying about your sexuality and avoiding being honest with people. But being truthful can help you make better choices and attract more quality men.
