How to Approach your Crush on Valentine’s Day

Whether it’s online or IRL, it can be seriously hard to tell someone that you actually ‘like’ them. Ditch the Label put their heads together with Lynx to come up with the ultimate do’s and don’ts when it comes to V-day dating…

1. Keep it casual

Big grand gestures are great but sometimes, less is more when it comes to the early stages of dating. Try something as simple as ‘Do you wanna hang out sometime?’ or ‘do you fancy grabbing a bite to eat with me?’ Send a text, a note or a message if you’re not so good at saying things face to face.

2. Be clear

That being said, it’s really important to state your intentions when you’re asking someone out. We’re all familiar with the “friend zone”. It’s so easy to be misunderstood when you ask someone out. Make sure they know they’re going on a date, not just hanging out as mates. Sounds pretty basic but you’d be surprised how quickly things get awkward, just sayin’.

3. Cut the crap

Whilst the cheesy one-liners might make for hilarious tinder memes, they definitely don’t work in the real world of dating. Rather than asking them how they like their eggs in the morning, how about actually just telling them straight up or cracking a joke to make them laugh first? After all, research by Lynx revealed that having a sense of humour was the most attractive trait in a guy.

4. Be confident

It’s a nerve-wracking thing to tell someone you like them, so it’s normal to feel a bit vulnerable. The trick with confidence is to know that you are good enough (which you are, BTW). The research by Lynx also showed that women preferred individuality over stereotypical ‘manliness’. So, take a deep breath and be true to yourself – it’s a win-win!

5. Never ever, ever, ever send unsolicited nudes!!!

This may seem like a no-brainer but some people give out d*** pics like handshakes. If you translate this into a real-life scenario, it’s classed as flashing or indecent exposure!

6. Make sure you look the part

Whilst looks certainly aren’t everything, it’s still great for your confidence if you feel you look the part. Don’t be afraid to express yourself – from your hair to your clothes to your makeup (yep, you heard right), try choosing something you feel comfortable in and that shows off what makes you unique.

7. Don’t let fear of rejection hold you back

Try to remember that rejection is just another part of life. It hurts and that will never change but it can be a great teacher if you’re willing to look for the lessons and grow from them. If your feelings aren’t reciprocated, dust yourself off and move on.

8. Finally, be yourself.

A terrifying thought, but trust us on this one. The thing is, it gets pretty tiring pretending to be somebody you’re not, especially if the date goes well and you have to keep up the act. In fact, according to Lynx, 9 out of 10 women find guys most attractive when they’re just being themselves!