Although autumn usually comes with many relationship pitfalls, like cuffing, according to Lovehoneythis season we are also seeing the dating world taken up with more positive trends like cash-candid dating, accepting gender fluidity, and now: breaking the dating script!
Discover our latest podcast
But what exactly is breaking the dating script and should we all be doing it?
What is a dating script?
Dating scripts are the patterns we find ourselves repeating in our relationships and dating life. For example, even when we are dating someone, we might find ourselves in exactly the same relationship as we were in in the past, or with exactly the same kind of person.
For some, these behaviours and patterns repeat because they provide a sense of comfort and security. However, following your script may not be in your best interest...
Why you should break the dating script
It is unlikely that you will find yourself in a truly fulfilling relationship if you continue to follow your dating script. For example, another common dating script is feeling pressured to meet the expectations set by their peers, family or even socialmedia in their relationships. This leads people to date not who they want to, but who they feel they should, in a bid to fit in or be in the 'right' type of relationship.
Thankfully, those in the dating world are starting to become more reflective. The ability to recognise of toxic relationship habits in others is becoming more mainstream, and now people are starting to question their relationship habits / dating scripts in an attempt to leave their toxic dating traits in the past and pursue new relationships with a healthier mindset.
How to break your relationship script
It takes a lot of hard work and practise to break your dating script! It is important to give yourself plenty of time, patience and understanding in your journey of healing. Start by pinpointing where in your past relationship things have gone wrong. Assess if this was because of yours or your partners habits.
When you have started to notice some repeating behaviours in yourself, start to analyse why you made those decisions and create new relationship goals that go against this habit.
For example, Lovehoney relationship expert Ness Cooper says 'if your relationship script is based on others’ expectations, work out how you yourself would like your future relationships to form.'
Sources used:
Stylist: 'Dating in 2022: ‘breaking dating scripts’ – the trend helping people ditch toxic dating habits for fulfilling romantic relationships'
Read more:
⋙ What is cuffing season? Autumn's questionable dating trend
⋙ 'Hesidating' is one of 2022's biggest dating trends: What is it and is it really so bad?
⋙ Dating app burnout? This is how you can deal with it
⋙ Are you being cushioned? Here’s how to watch out for the toxic dating trend
