Whether you're dating casually or seriously, it's important to be present during your dating experiences. When you are dating someone new, it can be easy to get lost in your own headspace. Your date wants to get to know the person who is sitting across from them -- not the one buried deep inside their own mind! If you are really into this person, show them what they are dealing with by being there for them. If you are trying to find a dating rhythm that works for you and your significant other, practice being mindful while dating might be what you need. Here are some tips on how to do so: 1) Pay attention when they talk When starting a conversation with someone new, many people begin reciting their life story in an attempt to woo the person they are dating. Rather than offering a long winded analysis of your dating history or worst dating moments, try listening instead. You can always ask more questions about it later when you've gotten to know the other person better. 2) Be kind When dating someone new, people want to feel special and appreciated. If you aren't interested in dating this person anymore, that's cool too! Just be honest and move on with kindness and respect for one another -- they will appreciate it just as much as they would if you had accepted their offer of casual dating! 3) Follow through on plans Whether or not they were serious about going out with you, respect them by following through on your dating plans. If they tell you that something came up, but still want to hang out with you again, try to make it happen! They will appreciate your efforts and might even be more willing to spend time with you in the future. 4) Be playful! When dating someone new, dating can be so serious sometimes! Instead of focusing all of your attentions on the person you are dating, try having fun too. Use dating as an opportunity to learn new things about each other and laugh together. People who laugh together stay together - just saying! 5) Ask questions If there is one thing that people love talking about, it's themselves . Try asking them questions about why they like certain things or what their dating dealbreakers are - this is a great way to learn more about them. If they come up with different answers to your questions or offer new things you didn't know before, then that is probably dating gold right there. 6) Listen in return Listening is one of the most important dating skills to have! By actively listening when dating someone new, they will feel heard and respected, which can make it easier for them to open up even more. People love talking about themselves -- show them that you care by asking follow-up questions about anything they say. Try not to ask too many personal questions on the date though -- save those for later when you've gotten comfortable with each other! 7) Ask permission before touching Asking permission to touch the other person is a dating dating rule that never gets old. If you want to hold their hand or kiss them, make sure to ask for permission first! This will help prevent any awkward moments and allow you to comfortably get closer as your dating relationship progresses. 8) Keep dating etiquette here in mind Whether you've been dating this person for one night or ten years, it's always important to maintain dating etiquette . That includes checking your phone at the table (or at least putting it on silent), being careful with your choice of words so as not to embarrass the other person, and letting them initiate physical contact if they are more comfortable doing so. It can be hard sometimes -- but dating requires people to dating tiptoe around one another! 9) Be honest with your intentions. If you aren't interested in dating this person, let them know kindly and respectfully -- dating can be difficult enough without having to deal with someone who is uninterested. 10) Don't wait for the other person to make all of the plans. Having a both parties come together on what they want to do shows that dating values are shared between the two daters. Sources: Calisi, R., & Bentley, G. (2014). Mindfulness-Based Relationship Enhancement (pp. 3-17). Oakland, CA: Context Press/New Harbinger Publications, Incorporated; Maisel, N. C.,