Okay, ladies, let’s get real for a second. Dating in 2023 is… well, it’s a lot. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably swiped right, left, up, down, and diagonally, only to end up with a guy who thinks “Netflix and chill” is a legitimate first date. 🙄 So, I’ve decided to share some of my hard-earned wisdom (and a few hilarious fails) to help you navigate this wild world of modern dating.
First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: ghosting. Ugh, the bane of my existence. I once went on three amazing dates with this guy—great chemistry, shared interests, the whole shebang. Then, poof! He vanished faster than my motivation to go to the gym on a Monday. At first, I blamed myself. Was I too clingy? Did I talk too much about my cat? But here’s the thing: ghosting says more about them than it does about you. If someone can’t muster the decency to send a simple “Hey, this isn’t working out” text, they’re not worth your time. Period.
Now, let’s dive into the art of setting boundaries. I used to be the queen of people-pleasing. If a guy wanted to meet at 10 PM on a Tuesday, I’d be there with bells on. Spoiler alert: it never ended well. It took me a while to realize that my time and energy are valuable. If someone doesn’t respect your boundaries, they don’t respect you. Simple as that. So, don’t be afraid to say no. Whether it’s a late-night booty call or a date idea that makes you cringe, stand your ground. You’ll thank yourself later.
Another lesson I’ve learned? Don’t ignore the red flags. And trust me, they’re there, even if they’re disguised as a charming smile or a killer sense of humor. I once dated a guy who was “too busy” to text me back but somehow had time to post Instagram stories of him partying with his friends. 🚩🚩🚩 I ignored it because I thought, “Oh, he’s just social.” Wrong. He was just inconsiderate. Pay attention to how someone treats you when they’re not trying to impress you. That’s their true character.
Let’s talk about self-worth for a second. I used to think that being in a relationship was the ultimate goal. I’d bend over backward to make things work, even when they clearly weren’t. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a partner to be complete. You’re already whole. A relationship should add to your life, not define it. So, take your time. Don’t settle for someone who doesn’t see your worth.
And finally, let’s not forget about the importance of communication. I know, I know—it’s easier said than done. But here’s the thing: if you’re not honest about what you want, how can you expect to get it? I used to play it cool, pretending I was fine with casual when I really wanted something serious. Surprise, surprise—it never worked out. Be upfront about your intentions. If someone’s not on the same page, it’s better to know sooner rather than later.
So, there you have it—my unfiltered take on modern dating. It’s messy, it’s complicated, but it’s also kind of fun. Just remember: you’re the main character in your love story. Don’t let anyone dim your light. Now, go out there and slay, queen. 👑