An expert in relationships has disclosed the ideal waiting period before becoming intimate with someone if you’re aiming for a long-term relationship.
Nowadays, many people are meeting their partners through dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble. After making a connection on these platforms, the typical next step is to meet in person.
Even if you find yourself attracted to your date and feel like trying out the chemistry after a successful first encounter, relationship expert Jacob Lucas advises waiting before getting intimate.
Before reaching that stage, however, a successful first date is crucial.
Speaking for FruitySlots.com, Jacob Lucas provided insights into which topics to avoid during a first date to keep things on track.
“Politics is a touchy subject,” he told UNILAD. “You probably shouldn’t talk about this on a first date — it can get too heated.”
He added: “Second, don’t talk about your ex, people aren’t on a first date with you because they want to hear about your ex.
“It also suggests you might not be over them either.”
If politics and exes are not part of the conversation and the date progresses well, should you then become intimate after the first meeting? Jacob recommends against it.
He advises following a three-date rule.
“Sleeping with someone on the first date can sometimes put you in a tricky situation,” the dating expert, who has over 100,000 followers on Instagram, explained. “If you have a really strong connection with someone on the second date, then it could go either way. The third date is quite traditional.”
So, hold off for a bit longer.
However, Jacob cautions that delaying intimacy for too long can increase the pressure for the first time or even result in friend-zoning.
He also shared tips on identifying red flags within dating profiles.
In 2022, Tawkify Matchmaking reported that over 13 percent of online daters got engaged or married to someone they met on the apps, so keep the faith in finding love, fellow singles.
But how can you discover your future partner among the millions on dating apps? There are some clear no-gos for dating profiles.
Jacob highlighted: “When they don’t put what they’re looking for [on an app]; a person often does this so they can tailor the situation to whoever they’re talking to and make out like they want the same thing, this is the most common one.”
Another warning sign is heavily filtered photos.
“A lot of people do this,” he mentioned. “Then they meet and it’s obvious they don’t look the same, and it’s sort of semi-catfishing.”
Jacob also advised caution with profiles featuring only group photos, men displaying topless photos, and profiles lacking a bio, indicating a lack of genuine interest in getting to know others.
Best of luck in your search, friends.