Ever felt like starting a conversation is as daunting as walking into a party wearing the wrong outfit? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a text to someone you’ve matched with or introducing yourself at a gathering, initiating a chat can bring up all sorts of anxiety. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be genuine.

As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what this year has taught me, not just about dating and relationships, but about myself and the journey of building The Date Lab. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be: Experimentation.