I’m a huge Game of Thrones fan. If you’re not, well, I don’t think we can be friends. The show is quite simply breathtaking, and has arguably become the best tv show ever made (and I’ve seen half an episode of Mrs Brown’s Boys, so I know what I’m talking about). It’s already been too long since the last episode.
As well as being visually stunning and packed full of action, it’s the shows political scope and dialogue which makes it what it is. Whether it’s grand speeches at huge battles or intimate conversations and quips, the characters are eminently quotable and packed full of lessons for us all to learn.
Here are five of my favourites, along with the dating lessons I’ve taken from them.
“Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid? That is the only time a man can be brave.”
Dating can be scary. Walking into a bar to set eyes on someone for the first time, knowing that you’ll no longer have the ability to spend ten minutes redrafting witty replies to text messages. Looking at yourself in the mirror and wondering whether bright white trainers and black trousers was actually a good idea. Realising that every comment or bad joke will be noted down and fed back to their wingman before being analysed to death.
But that makes it fun too. Flying by the seat of your pants means you won’t feel bored. The adrenaline will be pumping, heartbeat racing, nerves tingling, senses heightened. The date will either be an experience to remember or perhaps – just perhaps – will be the first time you lay eyes on the person who you will grow old with.
Fortune truly does favour the brave.
“A bruise is a lesson… and each lesson makes us better.”
We’ve all been on some rubbish dates. Ones where they are relentlessly boring. Ones where they are unforgivably late. Ones where they are so self-centred, self-absorbed and self-interested that they barely even acknowledge your existence.
Every single one of these, however, is a lesson waiting to be learned. Some will help you weed these people out pre-date after they mention certain phrases or topics. Some will make you feel better when you leave the bar 30 minutes after they should’ve arrived but didn’t. Learn those lessons and remember them next time.
“Winter is coming.”
Summer is the time for beer gardens, music festivals, picnics by rivers and meeting new people in the sunshine. It’s a time of fun and frolicking, with the potential to meet lots of new people and waste days away with friends.
Winter, however, is a time for cosy fires and snuggles on the sofa. You go out less and stay inside more. According to those who know (or at least pretend to know) it is the time when daters look to settle somewhat and pair up, at least as long as winter is in the air. You might need to change your approach a little to reflect the changing season if you’re going to get the best results.
“They say night’s beauties fade at dawn, and the children of wine are oft disowned in the morning light.”
Do I really need to explain this one?
Whether it’s the random swipe that you make post-pub that you think must’ve been a friend joking with you but then discover was you, or whether you arrive to find a catfish but a bottle or two of wine into the evening you decide is actually no worse than your ex; we all make “interesting decisions” with our wine glasses on.
If you wouldn’t introduce them to your brother without wincing, think thrice.
“Minds are like swords, I do fear. The old ones go to rust.”
Your brain might not technically be a muscle, but it needs exercise for sure. If you lock yourself away in a room and talk to no-one other than work colleagues about project management issues then don’t be surprised when your next date feels like a scheduled meeting.
Flirting comes more easily to some than others, but the more you do it the better you get. Light hearted conversations need practice if they are to stay light, and even more practice is needed if you want to flow from light jokes to more deep subjects naturally.
Don’t let your flirt get rusty. Use it early, use it often.
More quotes to come when I get over the shock of the season 7 finale.
A Dating Dad 
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