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

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.

Does dating ever leave you spiraling: stuck in your head, overthinking a text, or wondering what that look meant?

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.

Dating apps are everywhere — but are they right for you? This data-backed guide helps you decide, with research on success rates, app psychology, and a simple framework for running a dating app experiment without losing your sanity.

Keep dating the same type of person or ending up in the same frustrating dynamic no matter how much you “work on yourself”? You’re not broken. You might just be stuck in a loop. This article helps you name the pattern, trace its roots, and start making meaningful change.