Guys: how have your dating patterns changed through the years? (married, women)

[bebe182]

Was just wondering how your dating habits might have changed over the years. For instance I know lots of guys who you used to jump into relationships pretty quickly in their late teens and early to mid twenties, however in their late twenties and into their thirties, they're much more cautious of who they get into relationships with and move much slower. I know this holds true for a lot of people, and there are various reasons for this, like being being burned one too many times, or just being smarter about relationships in general. So how have your dating patterns changed through the years? Or is it pretty much still the same?

[AverageGuy2006]

Originally Posted by bebe182

Was just wondering how your dating habits might have changed over the years. For instance I know lots of guys who you used to jump into relationships pretty quickly in their late teens and early to mid twenties, however in their late twenties and into their thirties, they're much more cautious of who they get into relationships with and move much slower. I know this holds true for a lot of people, and there are various reasons for this, like being being burned one too many times, or just being smarter about relationships in general. So how have your dating patterns changed through the years? Or is it pretty much still the same?

As the years have gone by, my dating patterns have evolved based on a combination of others current dating habits, and wisdom from previous relationships.

It isn't a general change I can apply to my dating recently. Except that I am much more willing to end relationships quicker, as opposed to giving someone the benefit of the doubt. At this point in my dating life, my instincts reign. And I am ok with that.

[Chemistry_Guy]

As I have gotten older I have become much more focused on quality rather than quantity of dates. I also have a much better idea of what I am looking for, and I am not afraid to politely end a date or a relationship that is not working. I know it is a sign of immaturity and possible personality disorder, but when I was younger I would never end a relationship with a girl to whom I was physically attracted until after I had become intimate with her because I never wanted to have regrets. This of course caused headaches and drama and was not fair at all.

The biggest difference, though, in my dating habits in my early/mid twenties before I got married and my early thirties after I got divorced, is that I have little if any desperation now. Before, I would date women that knew were a bad fit for me just so that I could have a date. After my divorce, I got picky until I was able to focus all of my attention on a woman that I really care about. So far, it is working out great.