Dating In Your Early 20’s VS Late 20’s

Ahhh, the first years of dating. How exciting! You meet cute “potentials” in bars, spread your number like a common-cold, and frequently revel in the admiration of your many adoring suitors. Four dollar beers at a dive bar? Sure! Watching a crappy comedy show? Count me in! Hosting a beach BBQ? I’ll be there in an hour!

The dating period in your 20’s are marked by an unprecedented sense of enthusiasm. You’ve finally left the awkward teenage years of your life behind, free to spread your young, “I’m-almost-a-professional” wings!

Here are 8 key differences between dating in your early 20’s vs your late 20’s.

Standards:

Early 20’s: Wow! A BMW? Sa-weeet. What a slick looking car. Wait, it doesn’t really matter that they text continually throughout our date and make frequent bathroom breaks… this free food is delicious!

Late 20’s: You drive a BMW… and you’re being secretive about your “profession”? You’re either doing something illegal or driving daddy’s car. Move to the right, kiddo. I’ll wait for the well-mannered engineer driving a Jetta.

Late-Night Dining:

Early 20’s: Dinner with friends at 8:00pm, then I’m meeting… crap. What was their name again? Oh right, Todd! Drinks at the Tao at 10:00pm with “Todd”… I can always ghost if he’s lame, cause it’s Friday and there are a million things going on.

Late 20’s: 10:30pm on a Wednesday night? Who the hell is this person?! I’m Netflixin’ at that time, not to mention I have an 8:00am meeting at work. Please – get real buddy.

Finances:

Early 20’s: I almost paid my rent on time this month!

Late 20’s: Maxed out your 401k/RRSP and you’re a homeowner? Now you’re really turning me on.

Conversation:

Early 20’s: Who needs great conversation when martinis are on special?

Late 20’s: I’ve got a 1 drink rule. If you’re still boring by the time I finish my first drink, I’m out.

Personal Appearance:

Early 20’s: Time it takes to get ready: 2 hours 52 minutes. Apply 40 minute cleansing facial mask. Shower and exfoliate. Apply self tanner. Wash, blow dry and straighten hair. Apply scented body lotion with glitter. Attach fake lashes and contouring foundation. Change outfit 4 times. One drink for confidence and I’m ready to call a cab!

Late 20’s: Wash my feet in the sink at work before leaving.

Paying the Bill:

Early 20’s: There is NO way I’m touching that bill. They want to invite me to this fancy place, they better be ready to pony up.

Late 20’s: My date is freakin’ hilarious! The second round is on me.

Eagerness:

Early 20’s: I’ve dated an electrician, a lawyer, a college freshman, a gardener, a trust fund baby, a bartender, a comedian, a construction worker, a singer, a security guard and a mechanic… all in the last 3 months.

Late 20’s: I’m allergic to bad conversation and take drastic measures to prevent potential flare ups.

Tolerance for Crap:

Early 20’s: Wow.. they was really rude to our waitress. Oh well, they were probably having a bad day.

Late 20’s: Wait. Did you just call my career “drab” because I work in an office? Get ready for an earful and the shortest date of your life.

Dating in your 20’s is all about exploration and making mistakes. We all have that cringe-worthy ex, or that slew of horrible dates we endured while on our path to “finding” ourselves. Your third decade of life is all about finding someone who can match your zest for life and keep up with your wicked sense of humor.