How Do You Start Dating When You Never Have? A Complete Guide

Facing the Fear of Starting to Date

Well, let’s be real for a moment. If you've never dated before, the idea of jumping into the world of relationships can feel completely overwhelming. Honestly, I’ve been there. It’s like everyone around you is in on some secret, and you're just standing on the outside looking in. But guess what? Starting to date, even if you’ve never done it before, is not as scary as it seems. I remember feeling the same way when I first tried, unsure of where to begin.

So, how do you start dating when you’ve never even tried? It's about building confidence, knowing yourself, and taking small steps. In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned and what’s worked for me (and a few mistakes I made along the way).

1. Understanding Yourself First

Before even thinking about meeting someone, it’s crucial to know yourself. It might sound cliché, but being clear about who you are, what you want, and why you want to date will give you a solid foundation.

1.1 What Are You Looking For?

I had a conversation with a friend recently, and they asked me, “Why do you want to date?” I had never really thought about it. Do you just want someone to go out with? Or are you looking for a deeper connection? Honestly, I was just looking for companionship, but thinking about it, I realized I also wanted to be emotionally supported.

Having clarity about your intentions can make the process easier. Are you looking for something casual or a long-term relationship? Understanding this will help you choose potential partners more wisely.

1.2 Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Don’t just think about what you want, but also reflect on what you bring to the table. What makes you a good partner? And hey, what are some things you’d like to work on? Dating is a two-way street. I’ll be honest, when I started dating, I wasn’t the best communicator, and it took me a while to figure that out.

2. Start Small: Build Confidence Gradually

Alright, so once you’ve taken the time to understand yourself, it’s time to build confidence. Don’t rush it. Start by practicing in small ways.

2.1 Start with Casual Conversations

Honestly, this was a game-changer for me. I didn’t jump straight into romantic conversations. Instead, I started with casual chats with people I was interested in. It could be as simple as striking up a conversation at a coffee shop or talking to someone at work or school. Getting comfortable with flirty small talk will eventually make the whole dating thing feel more natural.

2.2 Practice Being Vulnerable

I know, vulnerability sounds terrifying, right? But let me tell you, it’s necessary. When you start opening up to others, even in small ways, you’ll feel more at ease. I remember the first time I let someone know I was nervous about dating—honestly, they appreciated my openness, and it made me feel more comfortable.

3. Expand Your Social Circles

Now, let’s get practical. Where do you even meet people if you’ve never dated? It’s not like you can just stumble across someone special walking down the street (although, wouldn't that be nice?). The key here is to expand your social circles and find opportunities to meet new people.

3.1 Use Dating Apps (Yes, They Can Work)

Look, I know, I was hesitant about using dating apps at first. But after a few months, I realized they can be a great tool for meeting people. You can control who you talk to, what you share, and it helps you practice flirting and getting to know someone. I met a couple of cool people online, and while nothing super serious came out of it, it helped me build my confidence.

3.2 Engage in Activities You Enjoy

Honestly, this is probably the most natural way to meet people. Whether it’s joining a sports league, a book club, or attending meetups for a hobby you’re passionate about, being in spaces where you feel comfortable makes meeting someone a lot easier. And guess what? If you’re into something, it’s likely someone else will be too. You already have something in common!

4. Don’t Put Pressure on Yourself

I can’t stress this enough—don’t rush it. I made that mistake early on, thinking I needed to find someone fast. The reality is, when you let things unfold naturally, they tend to work out better. If you start dating with the intention of “finding someone fast,” you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Enjoy the process.

4.1 Take Breaks When You Need To

Sometimes, after a date that didn’t go as planned (we’ve all been there), it’s okay to take a break from dating. Don’t feel like you have to keep putting yourself out there if you’re not feeling it. When I had a couple of bad dates, I took some time for myself to recharge, and it helped me come back to dating with a clearer mindset.

5. Be Patient and Have Fun with It

Lastly, remember that dating is supposed to be fun. It’s a chance to meet new people, learn about them, and maybe even learn a few things about yourself in the process. I know, sometimes it can feel frustrating, but that’s part of the journey. The more you date, the more you understand what you truly want in a partner.

5.1 Embrace Rejection as Part of the Process

Honestly, rejection hurts. But over time, you’ll learn that it’s not personal—it’s just part of dating. I’ve faced rejection, and at first, it stung, but I realized that every “no” brings you closer to the right “yes.”

Conclusion: Starting to Date Is a Journey, Not a Race

So, how do you start dating when you never have? Take your time, understand yourself, and enjoy the process. It’s not about rushing or finding “the one” immediately. It’s about building your confidence, practicing, and meeting new people. Keep in mind that dating is a journey—and like any journey, there will be ups and downs. But trust me, it’ll be worth it.

Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out right away. Take it one step at a time and you’ll get there.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.