Follow these tips to date slowly and intentionally:

• Decide what your “dating goal” is. Are you just trying to meet people and learn what you like? Are you ready to settle down and find a lifelong partner? Do you want to date slowly and see what happens? Decide on a dating goal beforehand to help you with any decision-making.

• Get to know your values. Writing down what’s essential for you can help you pay attention to whether or not potential matches align with your values. Your values are the North Star that guides you throughout life.
• Think about your past partners, friends, and others in your life and which values they had that were attractive to you.
• What is most important to you?
• What non-negotiables or deal-breakers do you have? Give yourself a few dates before passing judgment. One of the best parts about slow dating is the opportunity to get to know someone on a deeper level. While first impressions matter, go on a few dates with someone before making a decision! That will give both of you time to get over first date nerves or for you to notice a red flag pop up.
• Pay attention to communication patterns. How does the person you’re dating interact with staff?
• Assess compatibility over chemistry. While chemistry is that spark you initially feel during the attraction stage of dating, compatibility is how well a person aligns with your everyday life over an extended time.       
• Be transparent about your expectations. You don’t have to start planning a marriage right away or decide on your children’s names. But if your long-term goal is to get married or have children, discuss that before you commit to the dating stage.