They say variety is the spice of life. “They”, whoever they are, got that one right. Have you been basically going out with the same person over and over – just with a different name? Or, maybe you have not been going out on any dates because you have too severely limited your options. It is time to introduce a little diversity into your dating life.

Diversity in Dating

In previous posts on dating, I shared my views on what a date is and what the purpose of dating is. I also wrote a post about how to go on more dates.  Today’s post is related to that post. It is also related to my post about getting out of a dating rut.

If you have listened to the podcast or read this blog for any length of time you know my definition of a date – meeting a person of the opposite sex at a specified place and time. And, you know why you should go on dates – to learn about yourself and other people and to have a little fun. You also know that I encourage you to go on dates with lots of different types of people.

Variety is the Spice of Life

Toward that end, let me ask you this, how many dates have you had with people from a different church? Town? County? Culture? Keeping in mind my definition of date, have you ever gone on a date with someone of a different race or ethnicity than your own? Here is why I think you should.

Personal Growth

I have written a lot the past few weeks about personal growth. Part of personal growth is learning more about yourself and other people.

If you really want to learn about yourself, go on dates with a wide variety of people. Bring some diversity into your dating life. How do you react to, relate to, and feel around quiet, introspective people? Loud, expressive people? Artsy people? Professional people? Athletic people? Outdoorsy people? Geeks?

Let’s take that a step further.

How do you react to, relate to, and feel around people of different races? Spending quality time with people of different races or ethnicities will help you see things differently. It will help you expand your understanding of the world and the beings who inhabit it. You will gain fresh perspectives on family dynamics, politics, social issues, and the human experience.

You will also find out how similar we all are and that we are all driven by the same basic needs and desires. As you spend one-on-one time with different people you will, hopefully, learn to feel more comfortable around people who look or think differently than you. You will learn. You will grow.

Maybe you will decide to pursue a relationship with someone of a different political bent, different ethnic background, or of a different race. Maybe not. But, even if you never get into a relationship, experiencing some diversity in your dating is a valuable learning experience and time well spent.

More Options

Here is another reason to add some diversity to your dating. It seems pretty obvious, but I have to point out that if you include people of other races and ethnicities, you will have a bigger, more diverse pool of people to draw from to go out with.

Sometimes it can be hard to find people you want to spend time with. You can expand that pool of people by concentrating on the important things on your list.