One minute you’re planning your weekend together, the next you’re dissecting text messages like a detective looking for clues to answer: What went wrong? What did I miss? Could this have gone differently?

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.

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.”

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.

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.

But… it still feels awkward / weird / uncomfortable.

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?

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.

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.