Being single is hard when you feel like everyone around you is dating, engaged, or married. It can make you question if you will be able to find your perfect match too, or if you are destined to be alone forever.

We are here to tell you that you will not! The dating scene can be confusing and uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be. With these tips you'll be able to jump into the dating pool with a higher confidence in yourself and your ability to find someone that is the right match for you.

Don't Compromise Your Intentions

While you might be looking for someone to have a long-term relationship with, there are others that are not in the same mindset. Everyone is in different stages in their life, so don't try and force someone into dating that isn't ready. Stating what you want upfront means risking that the person you are dating doesn't want the same thing, and that can hurt. However it's better to be a tiny bit sad now, than be heartbroken down the line after you wasted so much of your valuable time.

Respect their choice and move right along to the next one if their desires don't match with yours. You can't sit around complaining that you got involved with someone who only wanted a casual fling if they told you upfront. Don't pretend that you are OK with certain types of relationships if you are not.

Keep an Open Mind

You should have a list of qualities you want in a partner that are non-negotiable; however superficial things like "over six feet" shouldn't be on that list. Focus on your morals and values, such as finding someone who shares your religion, instead. Chances are, you have a huge pool of prospects waiting for you right outside your front door that you've written off. Just because they don't make "enough" money, or are a bit more nerdy than you usually go for, doesn't mean that they don't have great qualities you do want. Try dating people outside your normal wheelhouse and ditch your checklist. Give others the chance to exceed your expectations. If the reason you're on the fence about someone is superficial, stop hesitating and see what they have to offer.

Don't Play Games

You may have heard the complete opposite dating advice. You've been told to not text them back too quickly, or to not be too overly excited about the date because that might scare a potential partner off. You do not need to hold yourself back if you are actually interested in the other person. If you want the relationship to start in a healthy way, then it's best to not play games. Once games start, they almost never end and someone is likely to get hurt in the end. Being yourself and showing who you are at the start will help you build a solid foundation.

Look For Love in the Right Places

How many times have you found yourself bored out of your mind swiping on dating apps intended for pointless hookups? Do you go out with your friends to bars and clubs every weekend hoping that you'll find the one person there that isn't only looking for a casual fling? These situations only set you up for failure, and make it hard to meet someone that would be serious about you.

Consider looking for love outside of these standard options. You could join a local soccer club if that is something you are passionate about, or take a class at your local college. Finding people you already have common interests in is easy when you put in a little bit more effort. Even striking up a casual conversation at a grocery store might be a better option.

Treat Dating Like an Experiment

While dating can be stressful and depressing, it also is a great learning process. Get in a mindset where you treat dating like it's an experiment. Each date you go on or person you connect with is a great way of gathering information about what you absolutely do want, and what you don't.

It also teaches you about who you are as a person. This allows you to empower yourself while deemphasizing the people you are dating. Instead of hanging on to anyone that gives you attention, you'll learn to let go of people you know you aren't very sure about. The goal is to find the right match but in the meantime, learn to stop putting your self-worth into others hands.

Have Fun Being Single

If you desire to date after having been in a long-term relationship, then the best tip may be to take a break instead. Don’t rush into another relationship because you’re feeling societal pressures or lonely. Take your time before jumping back in the dating pool. There is nothing wrong with being selfish for a while and focusing all your attention on yourself. You give out so much love to others, so why not try putting that same energy into yourself? Get to know who you are as a single person and reflect on what your last relationship taught you because your needs may have evolved.

Dating can be hard but it’s an important experience that will give you insight on who your perfect match is. Don’t take the process too seriously, and enjoy the time you have meeting new people and getting to know yourself. These tips will help you stay confident in your choices.