The 8 Summer Dating Commandments For Iowa & Illinois Singles

A summer romance might seem elusive but after months of dates in both Iowa and Illinois, I have plenty of advice to hopefully help you out.

It's the Bachelorette of the QC here. We're going into summer and as literally miserable as dating is, every once in a while we'll hit gold (or at least the knock-off version of it that looks good but turns your skin green) and find someone who is decent, not awful, and we enjoy spending time with.

Now that cuffing season is behind us, dating in the summer can be pretty casual. You may meet someone while you're spending time at the beach, away in the mountains, or you might even meet someone around here.

Without further ado, here are the eight commandments to follow for dating this summer in the QCA (if you're already doing them, gold star for you, keep on keeping on).

8. Don't Neglect Your Besties

There are so many festivals, races, and weekend events happening in the Quad Cities in the summer. Heck, this year, the Bix will be the same weekend that RAGBRAI finishes in Davenport. You have plenty of opportunities to do stuff with your friends as well as do stuff with whoever you're talking to. It's not fair to your friends to let your love interest get too controlling of your time. If you're away, don't forget to text/FaceTime your friends too.

7. Talk About Expectations Early

With summer romances, some people may just want a fling while other people are looking for something more long-term. Have this chat at the beginning so you know where the situationship is headed.

6. Be Adventurous (With Your Type & With Dates)

You may think that you have a specific type. Try someone different! Get creative with what you do on dates too. So many attractions are open during the summer so you have plenty more opportunities besides just dinner and a movie.

5. Don't Ghost

Ghosting is so unkind, disrespectful, and just plain rude. Even if it's a fling, just communicate clearly how you're feeling about the whole thing to the other person.

4. Don't Traumadump or Lovebomb

Summer fling or awkward talking stage, trauma is some seriously heavy stuff to bring up early in a casual romance and lovebombing (showering someone in affection in order to manipulate them) is just toxic.

3. Get Off Your Phone

This doesn't mean the dating apps, just put it down in general. Two reasons here: the fun part of summer flings is living in the moment. If you're on Team Long-Term, it's easier to get to know someone when you don't have the constant buzz-buzz on the table or in your lap.

2. Be Authentically You

Recently, a guy from Cedar Rapids I really liked took himself off my radar because he's not particularly adventurous and I am. As much as I hated it, it was the right thing to do since neither of us should've changed ourselves to fit the other.

1. Be Ready For Fall To Come Around

If it's a true fling, be ready for it's inevitable ending. Summer flings can be so fun and exhilarating but they do come to an end.