This article is the last of a brief series on LGBTQIA dating tips. In the other posts, I shared dating tips relevant to dating in the queer community. Tips included educating yourself on coming out stages, taking stock of your sexuality comfort levels, and increasing your social awareness as you step into the dating scene.

In this piece, I want to get a bit into the task of expressing clear expectations to potential partner or partners. Expectations can set the tone of a relationship from the start. They’re a great way to share what you would like in a relationship. They also lay the groundwork for healthy boundaries.

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Expectations can include many things in a relationship, whether it be in a marriage or dating dynamic. Being clear as to what you want from a romantic partner or partner can help them know how to best meet your relationship needs. General expectations can pertain to emotional needs or physical needs – these can be associated with any romantic relationship, regardless of sexual or relationship orientation.

Emotional expectations or needs can include:

  • Clear communication
  • Respect
  • Honesty
  • Trust
  • Relationship dynamic (i.e. monogamous, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous, marriage, etc.)

Physical expectations or needs can include:

  • Sexual connection
  • Feeling safe
  • Non-verbal communication (i.e. touch, body language, eye contact, etc.)

Expectations specific to LGBTQIA+ relationships can include:

  • Respect for partner(s) coming out stage process
  • Acceptance of partner(s) comfort level with their sexuality
  • Mutual understanding of importance of social awareness as individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community
  • Roles in the home
  • Approaches to parenting
  • Religious affiliation

These lists are not finite. There are many more things we could add here. What might you add to the list? How do you work at communicating your needs to your partner(s)? If you’re in need of some assistance with this, please reach out. I am currently accepting clients in Florida for individual, couples, and family therapy. Visit my contact page to reach me today. The getting started page helps you get an idea of what starting the therapy process entails. Finally, you can always click on my therapy portal button, here, to set up your intake session when you’re ready.


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