You know when you first get to know someone and everything’s all fun and exciting and you can’t wait to see where it leads? Or you know when you’ve been friends with somebody for the longest time, but suddenly you start to wonder if there could be more to it? Here’s how you can tell if it has potential. I give you: the Tingles Theory ™.
The Tingles Theory ™ came into existence when I was discussing with a friend on whether or not she liked a guy enough to pursue a possible relationship. It’s very easy to fall into the trap of over analyzing a situation, I know I’m guilty of it myself. In order to keep the analyzing and consequential nerves to a minimum, we developed the following theory. It’s all very scientific.
There’s three types of tingles, and you’re gonna want at least 2 out of 3 when you’re still in the dating phase.
Mind Tingles
The first type of tingles is actually often underrated. Does this person tickle your interests mentally? Can they hold a decent conversation? Or in the best case, can you spend hours with this person talking about any- and everything while being completely at ease? Does this person challenge you to think a little deeper on things? Do you actually look forward to talking to them again, rather than just seeing them (or whatever else it is y’all do)? Congratulations, you just scored 1 out of 3 tingles!
Soul Tingles
The second type of tingles is of an emotional nature. Do you care about this person? Could it maybe even be love? Whether this comes from a place of friendship or is the kind of affection that slowly develops for a new love interest doesn’t really matter. As long as there are some genuine feelings. Do you feel something along those lines? That makes 2 out of 3 tingles!
Body Tingles
The last kind of tingles is again not to be underrated, but could very well be stimulated by tingles #1 and #2. They could also show up before any other kind of tingles, to be honest. They are the physical tingles. You know, the ones that make your ladyparts (or guy parts) tingle. This is all very personal, since what works for me might not work for you, so I won’t go into any specifics. But you’ll definitely know when you have these tingles. So congratulations, that makes 3 out of 3!
So basically it’s the mind/body/soul connection that all those old songs refer to. So what do these combos mean?
Mind/Body
This can happen a lot in the early stages of dating. You connected with someone, there seems to be plenty of chemistry, but you just can’t/won’t fall in love. It happens. It can be fun for a while. Just make sure you don’t miss out on the kind that gives you feels. If that’s what you want, of course.
Body/Soul
You know how it goes. You get along great, both outside and behind closed doors. You genuinely care about each other. But then they start talking. Or you have nothing in common. Or your opinions vary on some very important topics. Or you don’t agree on what important topics are. Generally these connections are fun for a while, but at some point you’re going to want to be able to hold a decent conversation with a love interest, right? Or is that just me?
Mind/Soul
These are the people that, at first, may seem like a good match. They’ll probably end up being your friend though (assuming that the third connection isn’t there for either one of you. Although that’s rare, I think…). Those who fail to recognize this lack of a connection on that level would refer to this as being friendzoned. Whatevs. The point is, this could turn into a perfectly functioning friendship. Although be warned, the physical attraction may kick in later. There, you’ve been warned, so don’t act surprised when you have your first inappropriate dream about them.
Mind/Body/Soul
You did it, you hit the trifecta! Now go forth and enjoy thyself!
Now you know what the Tingles Theory entails and you can hopefully apply it to your own life, to help you simplify your dating life.