Dating, like many great things, has lost its true identity. What was once a leisurely activity in the search for love is now an unfortunate misnomer of society. We have replaced getting to know someone with texting and missed calls. In the land of the free and the home of the brave it is never too late for change. Ladies and Gentleman, the time to bring back dating is now, and here's how:

1. Start using the term "dating" properly. Dating is simply being social with another person who we may or may not be interested in. Who knows, It's early! One of the greatest aspects of dating is the ability to get to know another person stress free. It's simply testing the waters for a possible relationship. Do something fun and just hang out.

2. Be open. Be honest. Be yourself. Transparency is the key to a life of successful dating. It allows each person not only to learn more about each other, but it helps us quickly figure out what we want, if anything, from one another. If you are completely comfortable, it can open doors to a new outlook on the person.

3. Don't limit yourself to one person. No, this doesn’t make someone a cheater or a horrible person. By going on dates with more than one person in a given time period we are able to learn more about ourselves. Each date helps reveal what attributes, personalities and characteristics of a person best fit with our own. Don't go exclusive because you think you have to, go exclusive because you want to.

4. Finally, have fun doing it! If each person goes into a date with an open mind than there's no where to go but up. What if the date isn't going well? It's alright, thats how we learn what doesn't work for us. No one is forced to go on a second date, just let them down easy. What if it went great? Let that person know! Showing genuine interest in another person is nothing to be ashamed of.

Dating allows us to have new experiences. It shapes our thoughts on who we would truly like to spend the rest of our life with. When the right person comes along, be open, be honest, and be yourself. Ask them to be in a relationship… be exclusive. Dating has no commitments, it just allows us to find the person we want to be with.