That’s it. It’s time to get back out there. Although dating is something fun and you’re excited because you haven’t been doing it for a while, it can be also terrifying.

You haven’t been playing the game for so long, so you are afraid you might have forgotten how.

Anyway, spare yourself lousy dates and beginner’s mistakes by doing some of the following things:

1. Pensa em quem queres namorar

A sério, antes de decidires sair com ele, certificar-se de que ele gosta mesmo de si. Don’t be that stupid to give all your attention to the first guy who likes you even a bit. Don’t look for someone just to fill your void.

Take time and get yourself together. Don’t rush into things because nothing good ever comes out of rushing—forcing stuff.

2. Os maus encontros são reais

Don’t expect every date to go well. You’re not in a movie, and you’re not going to meet the love of your life on the first date you have. And neither will he save you from being hit by a car. I mean come on—let’s be realistic.

Jerks happen. There are plenty of them. You’ll stumble upon a rude idiot who will make you want to stop dating again, but that’s really not something unusual. Do not give up. There are a lot of idiots and jerks you have to meet before you run into someone worthy of your attention.

3. Não se esqueça dos seus amigos

Remember who was there for you when you were at your lowest. Never ever forget about your friends. They are there for you forever. This new guy who you started to date might not be. I can’t stress this enough. NÃO NEGLIGENCIEM OS VOSSOS AMIGOS!!!

4. Don’t rush into love

Now that you’ve decided to date, don’t force love to happen. Don’t pretend someone likes you more than he actually does. Don’t imagine things. Sometimes, people get so euphoric that they overexaggerate things.

Concentre-se em dar passos de bebé. Faça uma coisa de cada vez. Colocar demasiada pressão na relação pode destruí-la desde o início. Faça as coisas com calma.

5. Não compares todos os homens com o teu ex

Just don’t. Maybe you were dumped, and you still didn’t get over your last relationship. If this is the case, then you most definitely shouldn’t date yet. If you are over him and still comparing him to others, you will never be satisfied.

Por outro lado, quem garante que o seu ex era o melhor em tudo? Esteja aberta a novas experiências e pode até encontrar algo novo e excitante no novo rapaz.