To Seek or Not to Seek: Navigating Your Feelings About Love

We all know the saying, “follow your heart” when it comes to matters of the heart. But what does that really mean? While it’s important to trust your emotions and instincts in a relationship, walking with your heart open is not as simple as it sounds. You may face a crossroad between following your feelings and staying true to yourself or ignoring them and pushing past them.

When it comes to dating and forming relationships, we don’t always have the best luck. Not knowing if the person we like feels the same can be painful. Plus, emotions are never a perfect roadmap; they are often clouded by anxieties, hopes, fears and doubts. When the excitement of a new relationship passes, reality hits and we start to put up a wall, no matter how much we want to keep going. Even though it may be hard to weigh your newfound emotions against the dangers of getting hurt, there are steps you can take to make sure you stay true to yourself while navigating a budding connection. Here are five tips to consider before taking that leap of faith into a new relationship.

Tip 1: Take time to Center Yourself

Before reacting to anything, make sure you’re grounded and focused. Don’t let the current of emotions drag you too far away from the truth. Sit with yourself, journal, and listen to your thoughts intently. You can practice mindful breathing or take a mindfulness walk to help you center your energy before any big decisions. Taking the time to get still and trust yourself is the key to staying balanced.

Tip 2: Listen to Your Inner Voice

Your inner voice is connected to more than just your intellect and emotions; it’s also connected to your intuition. When it speaks, pay attention! That still, small voice within you has unparalleled wisdom on how to act and live in life. Rather than letting fear guide your decisions when it comes to exploring love, focus on what your gut is telling you. Also, remember that going with your emotions doesn’t mean impulsive decisions.

Tip 3: Re-examine Your Values

You don’t want to enter a relationship only to realize later that you don’t actually share the same fundamental values. It's important to check in with yourself and get clarity on what matters most to you in a relationship. Maybe your values center around respect for different opinions, truthful communication, or putting time together at the top of your list. Establish your non-negotiables before you take a big step towards pursuing someone.

Tip 4: Be Brave and Ask Honest Questions

Don’t shy away from having a conversation when it comes to relationships. Whether the other person is a potential mate or just a friend, don’t be afraid to open up and ask questions. Creating an environment of transparency and empathetic dialogue with someone is vital for success in relationships—so avoid playing games or being overly dramatic with your approach.

Tip 5: Face Your Fears

Finally, be brave—face your fears head on and acknowledge whatever doubts you have. It’s not easy but tackling your insecurities is part of the process. When it comes down to it, we all have moments when the wrong situation can pull us back from our courage. Don’t let setbacks stop you from living authentically. Instead, trust in your inner strength and perseverance.

Navigating the unknown in relationships can be terrifiying. While it’s okay to feel scared, it’s even more important to feel empowered. when it comes to love, let your reality guide your decision-making rather than letting fear take over. As long as you are being honest with yourself, staying true to your values, and listening to your inner voice, you can always trust that you are making the right decision.