LGBTQ Dating and Relationship Advice

Anyone who desires to have a serious and long-term relationship, whether heterosexual or same-sex, goes through similar challenges.

But as an individual who’s an LGBTQ, you have other specialized needs and concerns.

You may have experienced discrimination at some point, and even rejection, at home or elsewhere.

The traumatic impact of these experiences differs but can oftentimes impact self-esteem and self-worth. And as a result, these can impose negative effects on your friendships, relationships and dating life.

Here are some pieces of advice that can help you achieve a successful and happy dating life and relationship as an LGBTQ individual;

Embrace the Challenges

The problems and challenges that same-sex relationships encounter are not far from that of heterosexual relationships.

Why? Because it takes the same amount of effort to find a perfect partner, establish a strong foundation and develop trust in the relationship.

Therefore, whatever challenges you’re facing in your same-sex relationship have nothing to do with who you are or with your romantic set-up.

So embrace the challenges and feel free to express love in the best way you can.

Consider New Possibilities

Same-sex marriage laws express empowerment towards the LGBTQ community to enter the bounds of marriage and create families.

Along with the progressive society, they have also allowed the third sex to redefine what commitments can be.

So if your dream is to get married, raise a family or adopt a child, and to have a place you can call “home”, consider this possibility.

You can seek support and guidance from groups and organizations that provide counseling for such long-term plans.

In this modern age and time, the society has become more open to the concept of gay or same-sex marriage.

And even though it’s still far from gaining worldwide acceptance, it is also undeniable that it has reached new milestones and recognition over the past years.

Date the Right Person

Date someone who is aligned with your coming out stage or someone who is in a similar phase.

A successful relationship is more likely if both partners are within the same phase and understanding about their sexuality.

For example, if you’re out and your partner is not, you may end up with a lot of frustrations and pressure on your relationship.

Chances are that you will also develop feelings of resentment towards your partner because of his/her inability to become honest in your relationship.

Be Clear with Your Relationship Set-Up

Talk to your partner and be clear about monogamy against non-monogamy in your relationship.

Make clarifications about your set-up and agree as to where you should draw the line. Do not assume that your idea of cheating and deception is the same with that of your partner.

One of the best things you can do is to communicate your sexual preferences clearly as well as your sexual expectations.

Discuss topics such as polyamory, open relationship and swinging. Set rules and guidelines to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts later on.

And if you are after a long-term, monogamous and committed relationship, find someone who shares the same values.

Don’t Move-In Together in a Whim

Get to know your partner well and avoid making sudden decisions to move together out of the blue. It is irrational to reason out that you’ve been spending a lot of nights together anyway.

Just like any other type of relationship, same-sex relationships are also infused with a lot of excitement and intensity during the early stages. However, this can only last for so long.

Many same-sex and LGBTQ couples who fail in their relationships consider lack of healthy boundaries as one of the reasons for their separation and having an unclear arrangement.

Other reasons include individual differences, inability to cope up with each other’s needs, third-party issues, loss of spark in the relationship, and lack of commitment.

Remember, the decision to move in together is an emotional, financial and mature decision that requires careful discussion and a series of agreements about the set-up.