Each year, we set goals with the intention of setting the tone for the remainder of our year. We change our diets, create vision boards, and make new resolutions that we have no intention of keeping.

If you're single, you are likely making #RelationshipGoals, taking stock of the last year, and have decided to date differently. But like every well-meaning resolution, your #RelationshipGoals will probably go the way of the gym membership. You might hit up a few apps in the first week (or even the first month), but once the reality of dating smacks you in the face, the sting will be so intense that you will swear off dating for the rest of the year.

#GOALS are great, but setting up your love life like a new year's resolution is a recipe for disaster. Rather than repackage your dating life as a to-do on your vision board, if being in a LTR is your goal, you must approach the process like you're in an episode of House of Cards. It's all about strategy.

Photo courtesy of Twenty20

1. Find Your Why

Unlike your new year's resolutions, you need to know why you're in this game. That's your, "Why the f**k am I doing this?" If you're going to bother with creating a new profile or going on dates, you need to know why it's beneficial to do so.

Dating can be disappointing. Your why will keep your head in the game when your head is telling you to get out.

2. Make a Plan

You're used to living on a whim, chasing the dream, you know YOLO! But if you're serious about long-term love, you can't just wing it. You need a plan, meaning you have to date with intention.

Your plan might include joining a new social club, going out every Thursday, or trying a new dating platform. No matter your process, it most definitely should consist of a dedication to dating because 🤷 Why else are we here?

3. Commit

Whatever you decide to do as part of your plan, commit to seeing it through. Resolutions go the way of the gym membership because, at some point, we disconnect with the commitment.

You eventually forget about #HotGirlSummer (your "why"), so you ditched the treadmill and decided to Netflix and Chill by yourself. Everyone can talk that talk, or in this case, create a resolution, but turning thoughts into action is the next level.

You will never reach #RelationshipGoals if you're not willing to do the work. You have to decide if you're ready to risk being a little uncomfortable during the process.

tl;dr:

To achieve your #RelationshipGoals, approach dating with intention and commitment.

  1. Find your "why": Understand your motivations for dating.
  2. Make a plan: Create a strategy for meeting potential partners.
  3. Commit to your plan: Stick to your dating goals and don't give up.

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