Sometimes, life just happens to us. You hop in your car, maybe put the GPS on, and before you know it, you’re pulling into your parking spot without remembering a single turn you took.

Ever feel that way at work? Or when you’re catching up with friends or family? Like you’ve arrived somewhere, but you’re not sure you were really the one driving?

Dating involves a series of decisions. Some are minor and straightforward, others are complicated and emotion-laden.

Your dating profile has limited space — don’t waste it on “good vibes only” or “love to travel.” Here’s how to swap tired phrases for details that actually show who you are.

So, you’ve started flirting — maybe with a smile, a playful question, or some light teasing.

Now you may be wondering:

Are they flirting, too? Or are they just being friendly? Nice? Polite?

Most people think flirting is one thing: seductive, sexy, maybe a little bold.

But that’s only one style of flirting. And for many people, it’s the least natural.

Most people believe they need to feel confident before they flirt, or that it only “counts” if it leads to something. But flirting isn’t a test you pass or fail. It’s a social skill. And like any skill, we all start out as bumbling beginners. You practice, get feedback, tweak things, and try again.

So, you read Part 1 and understand that flirting doesn’t have to be creepy or performance art. And perhaps you even challenged yourself by smiling at someone a second longer last week.

But… it still feels awkward / weird / uncomfortable.

You’re on the right track!

“Eh… I don’t and can’t flirt.”

That was me… up until a few years ago.

Perhaps you, too, feel like flirting is something other people do, especially if it’s been a while since you last dated anyone.

Part of the problem was my definition.

Ever wonder why some dates seem to go nowhere, despite your best efforts? Or why someone you thought was “just okay” at first becomes attractive after a few interactions?

Attraction is complicated — it’s a blend of factors, some within your control and others entirely out of your hands.

There’s a popular idea in modern dating that being sex-positive, confident, and open-minded means sleeping together early — even on the first or second date — is not a big deal.

I’m not here to shame that choice. But for anyone hoping for something meaningful, it’s worth shedding light on what this norm can actually mean.

So, you went on a date, thought it went well, and then... nothing. No second date. Maybe they politely declined. Maybe they ghosted. Or maybe you got unmatched after expressing interest. Whether it was a soft no, a hard no, or radio silence, it still stings.

You may have heard the advice: “You have to be a whole person before you can be in a relationship.” It’s usually delivered with the confidence of a universal truth (like the kind of advice that sounds deep, but rarely gets examined).