Reluctance to date someone with little or no history of romantic relationships is completely understandable. It's hard to shake the societal idea that lack of experience automatically makes someone unsuitable, not just for dating, but for everything from jobs to apartment applications to loans.
What is considered valuable experience is subjective, and unfortunately, society tells us that a lack of it means you're not ready for something you might be perfectly capable of anyway, not to mention, something you might deserve. Just because someone has had a lot of romantic relationships or none at all, doesn't mean they will be the perfect partner for you! Experienced daters can fail in relationships just as often as those who don't.
Experience in romantic relationships can help you understand what you want and don't want, you've been through the ups and downs of a relationship, you've learned from the mistakes you should avoid, and ideally, you understand the kind of love you deserve.
But that's not the only way to learn how to be a good partner. There is much to learn by observing the dynamics in the relationships around you, those of your parents, or those of your friends. Furthermore, chance encounters and "situationships" can also lead to great lessons! Whether there was ever a label on the relationship is less important than what they learned from the relationship itself.
Being a good partner is about being in tune with your values ??and having the maturity to work in a relationship with someone you love. Lived experience can help, but it's not everything. A blank slate means no baggage, no jealousy and no assumptions, just space for a real and authentic connection.
So the next time you're hesitant to date someone with little dating experience, try to remember that they may not have found the right person yet, and that person could be you. :) Don't let assumptions stop you and keep you from the love you both deserve.
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