Dating: Why Is It So Weird? Let's Dive In!

Alright, ladies, let’s have a chat about dating. Yes, that rollercoaster of highs and lows, ghosting, texting games, "situationships," and the million little mind games we didn’t sign up for. If you’re dating in 2024, you know it’s like diving into an ocean with no life jacket. So, why is dating so weird these days? Let’s dive into the hilariously frustrating world of modern romance!

1. Texting Etiquette: A Code Nobody Can Crack

Remember when texting used to be a casual thing? Now, it's practically a game of chess! Did he respond with just "hey"? Does he only send emojis? Does he take eight hours to reply while you’re out here staring at your phone like a hawk? We've turned texting into this coded language that even Sherlock Holmes couldn't decipher.

But, ladies, can we all agree that it’s time to normalize just being straightforward? If you like someone, tell them! The whole “Wait three hours to text back” rule might just be draining your sanity. Let’s leave the mysterious-texting thing in the past where it belongs.

2. The Apps: A Love-Hate Relationship

Oh, dating apps. Tinder, Bumble, Hinge—where would modern dating be without you? Probably a little less complicated, actually! Swiping left and right has become so routine, and yet, every time you open the app, it’s a mix of hope and disappointment.

Let’s not lie: most people are on these apps with one eye half-closed, hoping they don’t match with someone they know. The energy of these apps can feel like sorting through a never-ending list of profiles where everyone’s just a few words and a filtered photo. Real question: do half of these people even look like their pictures? Suspicious side-eye.

3. Ghosting: The Unwritten (but Real) Rule

Ghosting has become so common it’s practically a dating app feature. Gone are the days of being told someone wasn’t interested. Now, if they disappear, we’re supposed to just know. Poof! Like magic, they vanish—no goodbye, no explanation, nothing. And we're just left wondering if we said something weird or if they spontaneously combusted.

Can we all agree to just say something if we’re not into it? Ghosting is a little too much like quitting a job without notice. Just drop a line: “Hey, you’re awesome, but I don’t feel a spark.” Respectful, simple, done.

4. The Fear of DTR ("Define the Relationship")

Ah, the DTR talk, where you hold your breath and ask that fateful question: “What are we?” Why does this question still feel like a bomb going off in the room? It’s wild how nerve-wracking it can be to get clarity on something as basic as where things are going.

Here’s the thing: everyone wants to know where they stand, but no one wants to ask. It’s time to reclaim our right to know what’s happening! If you’re spending time with someone, investing your emotions, and seeing their pet cat more than your own best friend, you deserve to know what’s up. It doesn’t have to be a Shakespearean drama—just a chill “So, what are we doing here?”

5. The Fine Line Between Confidence and the Ego Bubble

Confidence? YES. Huge egos? Not so much. It’s no secret that modern dating is overflowing with people convinced they’re the best thing since avocado toast. Now, confidence is a beautiful thing! We love a person who knows their worth, but can we also get a little humility?

Look, nobody wants to hear the entire list of people you could be dating, or how you’re too busy for now. Give us someone down-to-earth who can laugh at themselves and actually enjoy connecting, not auditioning. Let’s leave the big egos for the movies!

6. The Endless First Dates and Coffee Hangouts

Why do we all go for coffee on first dates? Probably because it’s a quick way to leave if things go south, right? But seriously, after a dozen coffee dates, it’s hard not to feel like a walking Yelp review. If there’s one thing that could make dating feel less like a job interview, it’s a little creativity.

So, instead of another generic meet-up at a café, try doing something actually fun! Whether it’s mini-golf, trivia night, or exploring a new neighborhood, a fun activity can make things a lot less awkward. And hey, if the date doesn’t go well, at least you had a decent time.

7. Letting Go of the Fairytale: Prince (or Princess) Charming Might Not Be Perfect

Romantic comedies and Instagram love stories might have ruined us a little bit, right? We’re all looking for that perfect person who fits a list of qualities as specific as our grocery list. But if we’re honest, this ideal might not even exist! It’s time to be open to someone who might surprise us and not get hung up on the fairytale checklist.

The truth is, no one’s perfect, and that’s okay. Don’t get me wrong—we all deserve high standards! But some of the best relationships come from embracing the quirks and imperfections that make someone unique. (Okay, as long as “quirky” doesn’t mean sending one-word texts forever.)

8. Embracing the Single Life – Because You Deserve It!

One of the best things about dating is realizing that you’re actually a catch on your own. In a world of complicated texting, dating app burnout, and confusing labels, being single can be one of the most freeing things. You don’t have to compromise or worry about someone else’s feelings—it's just you, loving life and doing your thing.

So, let’s stop looking at being single as a “waiting period” and start seeing it as one of the best chapters. Use this time to grow, laugh, and figure out what you really want. You deserve to feel fabulous, whether you’re with someone or not!

My final thoughts: Let’s Just Keep It Real

Dating might be weird, but it can also be amazing and hilarious if you don’t take it too seriously. It’s a ride with its share of awkwardness, ghosting, and failed coffee dates, but hey—those things make for great stories. So, next time you’re heading into a date, just remember: you’re there to have fun, meet someone interesting, and see what happens. Don’t overthink it, and maybe, just maybe, keep that DTR question on standby (until at least date three!).

Cheers to dating, confusion, and finding the humor in it all!

Thankful for your presence, Neja