Going on bad dates is a rite of passage for anyone who’s ever tried to find love. Inevitably, you’ll have to go through a few bumps in the road before you find the right person. Bad dates can make you feel disappointed and frustrated, sometimes embarrassed and even angry. They can even make you want to give up. Don’t. Because despite the fact bad dates are discouraging, there’s actually something to be grateful for.

Here are a few reasons why you should be grateful for bad dates:

They give you practice. Dating can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re not used to it. But the more dates you go on, the more comfortable you’ll become in social situations. You’ll learn how to talk to people you don’t know, how to ask questions, and how to keep a conversation going. This will allow you to recognize the signs to know whether that person is compatible or not and therefore save you time. It will all come in handy when you finally meet the right person.

They help you grow as a person. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s absolutely true. Every bad date is an opportunity for self-growth. You learn how to communicate better, how to set boundaries, and how to stand up for yourself. Personally, the main thing I’ve learn during the times I was dating, was how to quickly read people. Eventually that became a skill in life that became handy in my personal life and career.

They help you learn what you don’t want (and therefore what you actually want). Every bad date is a learning experience. You learn what you don’t want in a partner, what you’re not willing to compromise on, and what you need in a relationship. You will learn that if he;s charming and sweet to you but rude and condescending ti the waiter, he will do the same to you: he’s genuinely a kind person, he’s just trying to convince you he his because he wants something from you. Right there, is a massive red flag.

They help you appreciate the good dates. When you have a few bad dates in a row, it can be easy to start losing hope. But when you finally have a good date, it’ll make all the bad dates worth it. You’ll appreciate the good date even more because you know what it’s like to have a bad one.

Overall don’t see your bad dates as a failure but rather as a milestone that will take you a step closer to what (and who) you really want. During those dates you’ll slowly start recognizing patterns, your perception of people will get better. Your ability ability to navigate these social situations but more importantly: they help you understand what you really want.

So next time you’re on a bad date, try to be think positively about the experience. It might not be fun in the moment, but it’ll help you find the right person for you. If you are struggling don’t give up just yet, keep going because the next one could be the right one.