How to Like Your Life While Dating

Lately, I’ve had a lot of fun going on dates. How is such a thing possible!? I have a few theories.

The often-advertised goal (to love everything about your life) is impossible. We are human! Life is hard. I’ve been writing these monthly guides with accessible exercises to help us like our lives even amid the normal human hardships we all experience. Catch up on the previous guides here!

You name it, I have tried it.

I have gotten back together with an ex. I have downloaded and redownloaded Hinge, actively stoking the flames of my love-hate relationship with modern dating.

I’ve randomly tried Bumble. Made eye contact with a man in a bar and ended up kissing him on the street in the rain. Purchased plane tickets to other cities — signing myself up for whirlwind weekends with men I didn’t really match with.

Slid into DMs prompted by “matchmaker” Instagram posts. Said yes to FaceTime first dates. Considered cheesy “Christian” dating apps. Texted my friends from bathroom stalls, “I don’t know if I like him, but I’m going to get another drink,” losing clarity of my true feelings with each passing minute.

Made and sent boys playlists (kiss of death), been asked out on church steps. Had panic attacks while screaming “I don’t know if we have any chemistry! Is this how it’s supposed to be?!”