That subhead is courtesy of my friend Kelli Brink, a true crime podcaster, social media consultant, and fellow single woman. Check out my podcast (and subscribe so you don’t miss our episode).
As I reflect on my dating adventures in 2024, I have to disagree with Kelli. I have made some doozies of mistakes, but I don’t dwell on them.
Perhaps Kelli and I are saying the same thing.
As in all relationships, having debates over subtle differences in philosophies and wording may not be worth the time and effort. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Which leads to 10 more pieces of wisdom from the Dating Year in Review.
Ending the year single and celibate may not be a bad thing. Better to be alone than with a mismatch or a disease.
Being alone is different from being lonely. Check out Casey’s words of wisdom.
As my friend Jim says, “You have to see the dots to connect the dots.” My dot vision has gotten better with time.
If you must watch reality love shows like the Golden Bachelor and Bachelorette, remember that they are built around ratings and not reality. Same with people’s posts on social media about how wonderful their marriages are. The real reality is that relationships are challenging and complex.
Although you may be attracted to people who are wildly different from you in some way, stay true to what you want and need out of life and go with your gut.
Lying about your age, size, marital status, or sexual proclivities (e.g., tendency toward wanting to sleep with multiple people) is usually not a great long-term strategy.
Catfish abound. If you see suspicious stuff, go with your gut. And don’t feel guilty reporting the tainted fishies to the apps. You’re saving someone else the time and weirdness.
People can still meet in the “real world.” Expand your roster of activities, and you may meet people with similar passions and habits.
Take breaks from online dating periodically. You’ll be amazed at how many productive things you can do with that free time!
Even if you’re single for a long time, avoid the tendency to become cranky and cynical. Love is out there. Just be patient.
Have a wonderful holiday season and watch this space for some fun new announcements in 2025! (They relate to my writing and brand — not a wedding announcement.)
Let’s drink a toast to more mistakes (and learning) in 2025!
P.S. I have a new love in my life — AI-generated imagery. It’s so much fun, as evidenced by the photo with this post.