Are you ready to step up your dating game and find your lifelong partner? The journey to finding love starts with the right mindset and a clear strategy. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the essential components from Nikki Evans' “Dating Playbook” to help you navigate the dating world with confidence and clarity.

Part 1: Pre-Date Preparation
Before you even step out the door, it’s crucial to get your head in the game. Here’s what you need to focus on:

1. Your Relationship with Yourself:
   How do you speak to yourself? Identify areas for self-improvement and practice positive self-talk. Building a healthy relationship with yourself is the foundation for attracting a healthy partner.

2. Clarify Your Goals:
   What are you actually looking for in a partner? Get clear on your values, your vision for the future, and your non-negotiables. Knowing what you want will save you time and potential heartbreak.

3. Manage Expectations:
   High standards are great, but high expectations from someone you’ve just met can lead to disappointment. Understand the difference between standards and expectations to avoid unnecessary frustration.

Part 2: Making a Great First Impression

The first date is all about putting your best foot forward. Here are some tips to help you nail it:

1. Positive Body Language:
   Keep your shoulders back, stand up straight, and avoid slouching. Open and approachable body language makes a strong first impression.

2. Be Curious and Interesting:
   Think about what you want to talk about and what you’d like to learn about your date. Ask meaningful questions and show genuine interest.

3. Listen Actively:
   Truly listen to your date and engage in the conversation. This not only shows respect but also helps build a deeper connection.

4. Be Clear and Honest:
   Honesty fosters a stronger connection and helps you get to know each other more quickly. Avoid oversharing on the first date; keep the conversation light and fun.

Part 3: Post-Date Reflection

The date might be over, but the journey continues. Reflecting on your dating experiences helps you learn and grow:

1. Evaluate the Date:
   Reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Are you happy with how you showed up? Use each date as a learning opportunity.

2. Decide on Follow-Up:
   If you’re interested in seeing them again, let them know. If not, don’t ghost them. A simple, respectful text goes a long way.

3. Learn and Move On:
   If things didn’t go as planned, don’t dwell on it. Remember, you’re looking for one person. Stay patient and keep moving forward.

4. Rejection is Redirection:
   What’s meant for you won’t pass you by. View rejection as a step towards finding the right person.

Part 4: Building a Healthy Relationship

So, you’ve met someone special – now what? Building a strong foundation is key to a lasting relationship. Here are the components of a happy relationship based on decades of research:

1. Build Love Maps:
   Know each other’s inner world. Understand their hopes, dreams, and fears.

2. Share Fondness and Admiration:
   Regularly express appreciation and respect for each other.

3. Turn Towards Instead of Away:
   Respond positively to each other’s bids for attention, affection, and support.

4. The Positive Perspective:
   Maintain a positive view of your partner and the relationship, even during tough times.

5. Manage Conflict:
   Handle disagreements constructively. Focus on solutions rather than winning the argument.

6. Building Together:
   Create shared goals and work towards them as a team.

7. Create Shared Meaning:
   Develop a sense of purpose and shared values in your relationship.

8. Trust and Commitment:
   Build a strong foundation of trust and show commitment to each other and the relationship.

9. Commitment to Self:
   Maintain your individuality and continue to grow personally.

10. Intimacy:
    Foster emotional and physical intimacy to strengthen your bond.

Looking for personalised guidance on your dating journey?

Book your free complimentary consultation call here:

https://mindhealthschool.com.au/emotional-mastery-mastermind

During this call, Nikki will help you identify areas for growth, set clear dating goals, and provide strategies tailored to your unique needs. Take the first step towards finding your lifelong partner with expert advice from Nikki.

Hope to see you soon at one of our upcoming speed dating events!

CE Australia and London xx

Playbook Author: Nikki Evans, Trauma Specialist and Mindset Coach. Owner of Mind Health School.