June 30, 2024
Jewish Matchmaker Journal: Are You Close-Minded in Dating?

Dating is an adventure, a journey filled with excitement, vulnerability, and the possibility of finding love. However, for some, the path to romance can be hindered by close-mindedness – a reluctance to explore beyond your comfort zone or preconceived notions. Being close-minded in dating limits your opportunities for meaningful connections and can hinder personal growth. In this article, I’ll explore some ways that rigid thinking and close-mindedness might be shutting out your chance for real love, and what you can do to open yourself up to more possibilities.
Rigid Preferences: One of the most obvious signs of close-mindedness in dating is having rigid preferences that leave little room for flexibility. If you find yourself exclusively attracted to a certain "type" of person or unwilling to consider dating someone who doesn't meet a specific set of criteria, you are limiting your potential for a meaningful connection. Expand your preferences to allow for a wider range of possibilities.
Dismissive Attitude: Close-minded people often exhibit a dismissive attitude towards those who don't fit their idealized image of a partner. This leads to quick judgments and the tendency to write off a potential partner without giving him or her a chance. If you frequently find yourself dismissing possible dates based on superficial reasons or minor differences, it’s likely a sign that you're not fully open to exploring new connections.
Fear of the Unknown: Close-mindedness in dating is often rooted in fear – fear of rejection, fear of failure, or fear of the unknown. If you find yourself hesitant to step outside of your comfort zone or reluctant to try new experiences, it may be a sign that you're allowing fear to dictate your dating decisions. Overcoming fear requires courage and a willingness to embrace the unknown. If it’s fear that keeps you from dating outside of your comfort zone, self-reflect to find the source of your fear and to work through the issues that are holding you back.
Resistance to Change: Close-minded people tend to resist change and cling to familiar patterns and routines. This can extend to dating habits, such as always gravitating towards the same type of person or sticking to the same dating apps and social circles. While there's comfort in familiarity, branching out and trying new experiences and approaches can lead to exciting new connections and unexpected romance.
Closed Off to Feedback: Close-minded people are often closed off to sincere feedback and constructive criticism (are you resisting this advice in this article, for example?)- especially when it comes to their dating behavior. If you find yourself becoming defensive or resistant to feedback from friends, family, or a dating interest, it may be a sign that you're not open to self-reflection and growth. Being open to feedback can help you identify areas for self-improvement and help you become a better partner.
Lack of Curiosity: Open-minded people approach dating with a sense of curiosity and wonder, eager to learn more about themselves and the people they spend time with. If you lack curiosity about a potential or current dating partner or are disinterested in getting to know the person on a deeper level, it may be a sign that you're not fully engaged in the dating process or that you are too self-absorbed. Cultivate a sense of curiosity about what makes other people tick, in a non-judgmental and genuinely interested way.
Now that we've identified some signs of close-mindedness in dating, let's explore how you can open up to new possibilities and embrace a more open-minded approach:
Challenge Your Assumptions: Reflect on your dating preferences and question why you have them. Are they based on genuine preferences, societal norms, family or peer pressure? Challenging your assumptions can help you uncover underlying biases and open yourself up to new possibilities.
Try New Things: Make a conscious effort to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Whether it's attending an event where you don’t know anyone, logging onto a new dating app, going on a blind date, or accepting a date from someone completely different from your usual “type”, embrace new experiences and be open to where the journey takes you.
Be Feedback Friendly: Welcome sincere and constructive feedback from friends, family, and potential partners with an open mind. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots, weaknesses, and aspects of your personality that might be hindering your dating and relationship success. If you show others that you will not be offended if they share their truth of you, you will end up knowing yourself on a deeper level than most, and be able to hone those qualities in yourself that are attractive to others.
Embrace Curiosity: Approach dating with a sense of curiosity and wonder. Be eager to learn more about yourself through your interaction with others, and be eager to learn about those you are spending time with. Even if you go out and that initial spark isn’t there, ask questions, get curious, show interest in another human being rather than using the time as another opportunity to hear yourself talk.
Close-mindedness in dating really does narrow your dating prospects and limit your opportunity to connect with another person. By recognizing some signs of close-mindedness that you might be exhibiting, and working on yourself to open up to some new possibilities, you can enrich your dating experience and increase your chances of finding love and fulfillment. True connection often lies beyond the confines of familiarity so embrace the unknown and let your heart guide you towards new and exciting experiences.