6 rules of dating that Rock Climbing will teach you
by Lindsay Gonzalez
If fear of relationships sounds like more your thing than fear of heights, then you should take your dating activities to the rock climbing gym. It’s time to learn about trust and communication along with a new fun fitness activity.
Rock climbing is a social. As a climber who has been in the dating scene, it’s a great place to meet people with similar interests. You’ll usually run into a lot of people who enjoy the outdoors, value their own fitness and enjoy spending time with others. The community is supportive and those within it strive for greatness and pursuing personal goals.
I’ve always been fascinated by the Belayer position.
When climbing top rope you need a partner to be On Belay. The belay is the safe position on the ground that controls the rope and literally holds your life on the line. They watch you on the way up and down, reading your body language and learning when to give you a little slack or a tighter hold. They listen with an intent ear for your verbal calls.
As you begin, share the responsibilities, first check to see if your partner has their safety carabiner locked and they will check to see if you’re tied in correctly. Next ask them if they are “on belay”? They will say “belay on” which is your cue that they are ready for you to begin. Once your hands are on the wall you state “climbing!” and the belay says “climb on”! signaling you to being.
When two people start climbing together they learn a lot about how each other communicates and deals with stressors. You’ll each learn to read another persons body language and support them when they’re in an uncomfortable place. The lessons of rock climbing carry over into these 6 rules of dating.
1. Communication is key. Be clear and concise with your needs.
2. If you are in an uncomfortable position, say it! Let your partner be there for you to take in the slack and support your effort.
3. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t get a route. Try again and share the excitement of improving.
4. Celebrate each others successes, go for a drink or a dinner after a day of climbing.
5. Plan for another adventure. Let dating be fun and adventurous, plan to challenge yourself with a harder route or try climbing outdoors together.
6. Safety first! Protect yourself and look out for the good of your partner both on and off the rock wall.
Next to compatibility trust is the most important part of a long lasting relationship.