So, here’s the tea ☕️: I used to think dating was about finding “the one.” You know, the fairytale ending, the knight in shining armor, the whole shebang. But let me tell you, after a few too many awkward first dates and ghosting incidents, I realized something: dating isn’t about finding someone to complete you—it’s about finding someone who complements the awesome person you already are.
Let’s rewind a bit. A few years ago, I was the queen of overthinking. I’d spend hours crafting the perfect text, analyzing every emoji, and decoding every “Hey, how’s it going?” like it was the Da Vinci Code. Spoiler alert: it was exhausting. I’d go on dates feeling like I was auditioning for a role instead of just being myself. And guess what? It showed.
Then, one day, I had this epiphany. I was sitting in my favorite coffee shop, sipping on a latte (extra foam, obviously), and it hit me: why was I putting so much pressure on myself to be someone I thought others wanted? I mean, I’m pretty great as I am—quirks, flaws, and all. So, I decided to flip the script. Instead of focusing on what I thought guys wanted, I started focusing on what I wanted.
Here’s the thing: modern dating is a wild ride. With apps, DMs, and all the noise out there, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. But the secret sauce? Self-love. Yep, I said it. When you truly love and value yourself, it changes everything. You stop settling for less than you deserve, and you start attracting people who see your worth.
Take my friend, for example. She was stuck in this cycle of dating guys who were emotionally unavailable. Sound familiar? It’s like they’re allergic to commitment or something. But when she started working on her self-esteem and setting boundaries, things changed. She met someone who actually respected her time and energy. And guess what? They’re now in a healthy, happy relationship.
Now, I’m not saying it’s easy. It takes work. It means being honest with yourself about what you want and need. It means saying no to situations that don’t serve you. And yes, it means being okay with being single for a while. Because here’s the truth: being single isn’t a curse—it’s an opportunity to grow and figure out who you are.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that communication is key. And no, I’m not talking about sending cryptic texts or playing mind games. I’m talking about being upfront and honest about your intentions. If you’re looking for something serious, say it. If you’re not ready for commitment, that’s okay too. Just be clear about it.
Another game-changer? Letting go of the idea that you need to be “perfect” to be loved. Newsflash: no one is perfect. We all have baggage, insecurities, and weird habits. And that’s what makes us human. The right person won’t care if you snort when you laugh or if you’re obsessed with reality TV. They’ll love you for who you are, not who you think you should be.
So, here’s my advice: stop stressing so much about dating. Focus on building a life you love, and the right person will come along when the time is right. And in the meantime, enjoy the journey. Go on dates, meet new people, and have fun. But most importantly, remember that you’re the main character in your story. Don’t let anyone dim your light.