Woman shares five tips for everyone struggling in the early 'ambiguous' stages of dating

Dating can be exciting and nerve-wracking, especially in the early stages when a person is getting to know someone new. To help everyone navigate this exhilarating journey, Amy Millie—who by @itsamymillie on TikTok—offers five invaluable tips that can make all the difference in your dating experience. Millie is a developmental coach and content creator on TikTok. These tips emphasize self-worth, awareness and the importance of setting healthy boundaries.

One of the first pieces of advice from Millie is to remember that "the bare minimum is called the bare minimum for a reason." She says that people are often overly impressed by basic acts of kindness, respect, reciprocity and compliments, which should be a fundamental part of any healthy relationship. It's crucial not to lower your standards or compromise on what you deserve. As she points out, expecting and receiving kindness and respect should be the norm, not something extraordinary. When you recognize your worth, you will be better equipped to maintain healthy boundaries and make choices that align with your values.

In another tip, Millie says, "There is nothing wrong with having a healthy amount of skepticism." She advises that skepticism can help you remain level-headed, especially if you tend to be overly trusting of people too soon. Trust is a valuable component of any relationship, which should be earned over time. By approaching new connections with caution, you allow yourself the space to assess the person's intentions, character, and compatibility. According to Millie, this balanced perspective can protect your heart while still allowing for meaningful connections to develop.

In tip number three, Millie says, "The beginning stages of dating are, by nature, ambiguous, unpredictable and can bring up a whole lot of relational anxiety." She reassures viewers that these feelings are entirely normal. The uncertainty and unpredictability that come with dating a new person can lead to anxiety, but it's essential to recognize that you're not going crazy. Learning to tolerate and even embrace this uncertainty is a crucial aspect of navigating the early stages of dating. As Millie points out, these feelings will subside as you get to know the person better and establish a stronger connection.

A central theme in Millie's advice is recognizing your inherent worth. In her fourth tip, she says, "You do not have to prove to anyone that you are good enough, worthy of love or valuable." She emphasizes that self-worth is an essential foundation for any healthy relationship. Understanding your worth allows you to enter the dating world with confidence and a sense of self-assuredness. She intends to say that when you know your value, you're less likely to settle for less than you deserve and more likely to attract partners who appreciate you for who you are.

In the fifth and final tip, Millie says, "Red flags aren't going to feel like red flags if you've been conditioned to believe that sh***y behavior equals love." It is particularly relevant for people who have been conditioned to believe that toxic or problematic behavior equals love. She further added, "Get really honest with yourself. If there are things that you really, really don't like early on in the relationship, your mind might lie to you, but your body never will."

Dating in the early stages can be an exciting but often challenging experience. These tips by Millie provide essential guidance for anyone embarking on this journey. People in the comments section were thankful for the crucial and helpful ad @_kristen.elise commented, "#1 is hard after being in a toxic relationship. My friends called me out for doing this but still learning." @pearl99 said, "You have no idea how much I needed this thanks."