When you tell people you’re dating someone, a funny thing happens. You probably start getting lots of advice from your friends and family. Most times, this is a good thing: it comes from people who really care about you, and want your relationship to succeed.

Still, there’s one voice that must rise above all the rest: yours. How many times have you heard people tell you to trust your instincts? And how many times is that easier said than done, especially when you start dating someone seriously?

As a matchmaker, I talk to so many singles who are a little unsure of themselves when they start dating. This is quite normal. The idea of opening yourself up to a relationship is both wonderful and scary. That’s why it’s quite common for singles to be at least a little nervous, and to start questioning themselves. Am I right for him? Is she right for me? Am I sure this can work in the long run?

The good news is that if you and your mate are open and honest with each other, the answers to these questions come sooner rather than later. At this point, you know whether your relationship has a good shot at succeeding. This is when listening to your own voice becomes especially important. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else. If you have a good feeling about your relationship, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. If you have a bad feeling about your relationship, don’t let anyone talk you in to it either.

It’s not always easy to trust your instincts. This involves not only listening to yourself, but also trusting yourself. The better you are at doing this, the greater the chances that your new relationship will indeed become a happy and long-lasting partnership.

Nancy