How to Prepare For a Gay Dating Experience

Gay dating can be a difficult thing to navigate. It can be hard to find the right guy and even harder to stay out of a dead-end relationship.

To avoid this, you can try connecting with local LGBTQ groups or events, attending gay-friendly bars or using gay dating apps. This will increase your chances of finding the perfect guy.

Be yourself

Gay dating can be a little different than heterosexual dating. While the stereotypical hookup of meeting minutes before meaningless sex is a Grindr classic, people have also met long-term partners and even husbands through the app!

It’s important to be yourself when you meet new guys, and that means letting them know your interests and passions. However, it’s also a good idea to avoid oversharing, especially at first. He doesn’t need to know all about your irritable bowel syndrome or how many terabytes of porn you have.

If you’re not sure what your interests are, try volunteering. Being involved in a nonprofit can help you meet men who share your values and beliefs, and it’ll give you something to talk about with potential dates. Alternatively, you can find eligible men at gay bars. But before you go to a gay bar, look for an ambiance that suits your style, such as a quiet or subdued atmosphere.

Let go of any gender expectations

Gay dating has changed dramatically since the AIDS crisis. While bar-hopping, cruising and immediate sex were once the central themes of gay life, many gay men now seek dating and long-term relationships.

However, you still need to keep your expectations in check. For example, don’t get too caught up on the gender of your dates. Some guys are more comfortable with a certain gender while others may be more interested in the person’s personality and character.

It’s also important to communicate clearly with your date about what you want from the relationship. If you’re not clear about your goals, it will be impossible to meet them. If you’re feeling stuck in your relationship, it can help to seek counseling from a relationship expert. BetterHelp has a wide variety of licensed therapists that can match you with the right one in as little as 48 hours.

It’s important to let go of any prejudices that you may have about gay people. Whether it’s internalized homophobia, racism, sexism, or xenophobia, bigotry is not okay. If you encounter anyone with these prejudices, it’s best to walk away immediately.

Prioritize your safety

Gay dating, just like all types of dating, requires commitment, fidelity and a serious investment of time and energy. While gay men may be less likely to be obnoxious or overbearing, the same basic rules apply. For example, be sure to always keep your friends and family updated on where you are going and who you’re meeting with – just in case.

While gay dating is easier than ever thanks to online apps such as Hornet and Grindr, scammers also abound in these spaces. So be sure to watch out for telltale warning signs such as someone who refuses to do a video chat or keeps asking for money. If something about them seems fishy, don’t be afraid to hit the Block button.

If you do get to meet up with someone for coffee or dinner, make sure you talk about worthwhile things and listen attentively. No one wants to date a whiner and discussing your irritable bowel syndrome or how many terabytes of porn you have will not help you find long-term romance!

Be open to new possibilities

There is no one definition of what dating means, especially when it comes to gay men. Some use the term to describe sex-laden situationships, casual bone buddies, or FWBs while others prefer dynamics with more intimacy and commitment.

Having an open mind to what you want in your relationship can help you find the right match. For instance, if you’re looking for someone who shares your appreciation for art, try attending an art exhibition opening instead of heading to the bar. Art shows attract a lot of creative types and can be an excellent place to meet a gay man with a serious artistic side.

However, make sure you keep your safety in mind when exploring new possibilities. Avoid sharing too much personal information on your online profile and be wary of people with questionable intentions, such as catfishers or financial scammers. It is important that everyone in a relationship has an open, honest dialogue about their likes, dislikes, wants, needs, and boundaries. This can help you avoid surprises down the road and stay on track toward achieving your goals for your relationship.

Texting is key

Gay dating has become easier than ever thanks to apps and websites that connect you with potential partners. However, there are some things you should keep in mind before diving into the world of gay dating.

For starters, you should be able to tell if your date is interested in you through his texting habits. If he texts you frequently and uses flirty emojis, this is a good sign that he’s into you. Similarly, if he responds to your messages quickly, this is also a sign that he’s into you.

Additionally, you should always check out your match’s social media before agreeing to meet them in person. This will help you make sure that they’re not catfish and that they are who they say they are. If they’re reluctant to show you their face in the app, this is a big red flag that they could be a creeper. Fortunately, most gay apps have extra safety features that can help you protect yourself from these types of situations.