In many ways, the dating process is a lot like going shopping for the perfect outfit. When two people are dating, they are essentially involved in a sort of trial period wherein both parties have an opportunity to try each other on for size. Finding just the right fit is the key to long-term dating success.

The first and most vital step is to devise a plan of action. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea to wander aimlessly into a mall with absolutely no concept of what it is that you are looking for. In the same respect, not being clear about what you want in a partner will likely prove to be detrimental to your dating adventures.

To devise an effective plan, imagine that you have a big event to which you would like to wear the perfect ensemble. The type of outfit you seek out will be largely determined by the kind of event that you intend to wear it to. Whether you are going to a fancy social gathering or a casual picnic in the park, it’s always a good idea to dress accordingly. Your romantic aspirations are what represent the big event when shopping for a date. Are you in the market for a long-term partner or just somebody to pass the time with until something better comes along? The answer to that question will then determine your next course of action.

Once you are clear about the type of partner you are looking for, it becomes much easier to identify the venues that are most likely to produce the best results for you. If, for example, a heterosexual person were looking for a long-term partner, going regularly to gay bars would be a lot like looking for formal wear in a bathing suit store. The urge to window shop might get a bit distracting every now and then but keep your end goal in mind by sticking to the stores that are more likely to carry the kind of product you are looking for.

Don’t be discouraged if you wear out some of the outfits that seemed to have potential or if you had to make some returns along the way. Sometimes things fit better in the store than they do outside of it but just keep your eye out for the right bargain and eventually, you will find the partner that best suits you.