Gay dating tips: queer dating made a little easier

While relationships are relationships no matter the orientation of the people in them, it’s true that gay couples need to consider things straight couples don’t. Especially if it’s long-term rather than a casual thing. Let’s look at several gay dating tips to make the journey easier, whether you’re wondering how to date as a gay man or woman, or already in a relationship.

Know yourself, accept yourself

This is one of the most important gay dating tips we can give you. Knowing what you want is key to finding a happy relationship, which is why it’s so important to put in the work not only to get to know yourself but also accept who you are.

Set realistic expectations

You can save yourself and any partners a lot of grief by figuring out what your expectations and making sure they match your partner’s. Trying for a mix of practical and romantic will serve you well.

Communicate effectively

Good communication is the bedrock of any relationship, whether gay, straight or everything in between. Listening and being open and honest with your partner will help you understand them better, lead to fewer misunderstandings, set healthy boundaries and help you build a solid relationship.

Choosing the right dating platform

Just as you wouldn’t shop for shoes at a fish market, it’s important to choose a gay dating site that works with the relationship you want. If you’re looking for a serious gay relationship with someone who’s compatible with you, creating a gay dating profile on eharmony is a great first step.

Let your profile show the real you

One of the most important gay online dating tips? Your profile is not a question of less is more. Let potential partners get to know you better by creating a detailed profile. Don’t worry about getting stuck – we have plenty of fun prompts to get those creative juices flowing.

Get talking

Ditch the traditional gay conversation starters and show them you’re paying attention by asking about something in their profile. Nothing catch your eye? Try a ‘would you rather’ query instead. Whatever you lead with, practising active listening and asking open-ended questions will help keep the conversation going.

First dates don’t have to be scary

A gay first date can feel like a very big deal, but they don’t have to be if you follow this gay dating tip and make them low-key and activity based. Rather than dinner and a movie, try coffee, a visit to a museum or art gallery, or even a hike.

Sometimes it doesn’t work out

Sometimes – even often – people will say no. To a date, to continuing the relationship, to taking things to the next level. That’s okay! Rejection is a natural part of dating, not a reflection of you. What’s important is being able to let go of the relationship and move on.

Always respect their boundaries

Among the most useful gay dating tips? How valuable boundaries are, whether your own or your partner’s, and how important it is to respect them. Talk with your partner about what kind of boundaries you have, and how to navigate them.

It’s not just about sex

Sex is a major part of most romantic relationships, but one of the most underrated gay dating tips is that intimacy is too. Along with discussing consent and safe sex, you and your partner should also discuss how to create intimacy in your relationship in a way that’s comfortable for both of you.

What if it’s forever?

While there’s nothing wrong with casual relationships, sometimes what you want is something serious and long-term. When you do find someone to be serious with, here are three gay dating tips to keep in mind:

• Compromise is key. Neither of you are going to always get your way, and that’s fine. What’s important is the outcome feels fair
• Remember that you’re a team. A key component of long-term couples is believing in their shared success and working to achieve it together
• Respect each other. Infatuation is temporary, but if you respect each other, real love will be a lot easier to find

Navigate the world of gay dating a little more smoothly with eharmony

Dating can feel overwhelming, but these gay dating tips should help you see that it’s a relationship like any other – remember to respect your partner, communicate clearly, and make sure the other person is on the same page as you are, and you’ll be fine. When you’re ready to stop reading gay relationship tips and find one for yourself, eharmony is the perfect place – you’ll find plenty of eligible singles looking to make a connection. Sign up today!