No matter how strong of a swimmer you may be, the best way to stay afloat in the dating pool is to spend some time developing a dating plan. First you will need to choose the right suit, decide which end of the pool is right for you, and then craft a plan that will provide the momentum you will need to keep your head above water.

By choosing the right suit, I mean that you need to work on boosting your self-esteem so that you both look and feel your best. Build your confidence and then wear it proudly but be careful not to entertain arrogance. There is a thin line between knowing you are a great catch and forgetting that you are just one of many fish in a big sea.

Once you are in the right suit, you need to decide which end of the pool you plan on entering first. It is important to swim only where you feel most comfortable. Your dating intentions will help you determine whether the shallow or the deep end is right for you. If you are only looking for a good time with no strings attached, you might consider sticking to the shallow end where other swimmers are mostly interested in getting their feet wet without jumping in too deep. If, on the other hand, you would like to date with the intention that it may eventually lead into a long-term, committed relationship, then perhaps the deep end is a good place to start. Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong place to begin your swimming practice; there is only what feels comfortable for you. Regardless of which side of the pool you begin from, however, it is a good idea to make your entrance a gradual one. As tempting as it may be to make a big splash, slow and deliberate steps will help you to continually assess your comfort level so that you can make adjustments as necessary.

Now that you have suited up and chosen a starting point, you can then begin to plot your course. To do so, identify and outline your personal dating goals, determine what you will do to find dates, how active you will be in pursuing new dating possibilities, how open you will be toward unexpected dating opportunities, and what services, if any, you will use to help you achieve your objectives.

Once your plan is complete, it is time to put it to the test but don’t be afraid to make changes if it turns out that some part of your plan is not as effective as you might have hoped. Successful dating involves a series of trial and error so if something in your dating plan is not working, identify the problem, make the necessary changes, and give it another go. If you can manage to stay positive and remain focused on your goals, everything else should fall right into place.