Is Your Emotional GPS Guiding You Toward Love that Lasts?

Kelly is excited that Daniel keeps asking her out. She’s attracted to him, and he’s fun and interesting. But she realizes they’re still getting to know each other so she doesn’t want to get ahead of herself like she did in the past. When she thinks of how she rushed into prior relationships, her budding romance with Daniel makes her a little nervous. Since she’s dating other men, she doesn’t want to get into a situation involving much kissing, so she doesn’t invite him in after their dates. She figures that, if he wants to come in, he’ll bring it up.

Kelly learned from her past relationships that rushing into a relationship didn’t work for her. She knew she would have to pace her relationships to make sure he wanted the same things she did. Because Kelly listened to her emotional GPS and recognized the signals it was sending her were helpful, she made decisions that were right for her.

Dating can sometimes feel like being lost in a jungle without a map. It can feel confusing to know which path will lead to love, and which will lead to heartache: Should I wait for him to call or am I supposed to make the first move? If I’m annoyed that he showed up late for our date, should I say something or let it go? Will he bring up commitment, or should I? When is the right time to have sex?

Fortunately, we all have a built-in GPS to guide us through this dating maze-our emotions. When you know how to listen to it, your emotional GPS can help you make healthy dating decisions that lead you in the right direction.

When Your Emotional GPS Is Confusing

Other factors can affect the messages your emotional GPS sends you, which can lead you astray.

Sara and Steve have been dating for a few months. He’s a good man, and he treats her well. One night, he texts her that he must work late. Sara knows that he’s in the middle of a big work project, and he’s never lied to her before. Still, she can’t shake the fear that he’s out with another woman, because her last boyfriend cheated on her. When Steve gets home, Sara accuses him of lying. Steve feels hurt that she doesn’t trust him, and they get into a big fight. Sara realizes that she’s made a mistake.