Chapter 1: The Challenge of Dating

Navigating the dating landscape can be incredibly challenging.

"We either make ourselves miserable or make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same."

— Carlos Castaneda, Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

I find myself listening to my friend's endless tales of the strange and often delusional men she has encountered. Despite her experiences, all she truly desires is a companion.

As she shares her stories, I can see the inner conflict she grapples with, constantly questioning whether she is to blame for her choices. "Why do I keep attracting the most unavailable guys? Surely they can't all be wrong!" she wonders. It's as if the law of attraction is at play here.

After hearing about her latest encounter, even I am left feeling puzzled. Let me share her story so you can judge for yourself.

Last night, she received a text from an unknown number, sparking her curiosity about who it could be. Was it someone she had previously disconnected with, or perhaps a lost connection she secretly hoped would reach out? She emphasized that she wished for the latter to be true.

The message read:

"Hey, happy holidays! Hope you’re well."

To which she replied, "I'm doing great, thanks for the wishes! But who is this? I don't recognize your number."

The response was, "Oh, we talked a while back, but I’m not sure why we didn’t keep in touch."

Curious, she asked for his name, and he introduced himself as Dodi, a construction worker from London. He suggested meeting for coffee, questioning if she was single.

"We could definitely grab a coffee," she replied. "But I noticed you don’t have a profile picture. Could you send me one? I’d like to know who I’m talking to."

His reply was unexpected: "Oh, I don’t like sharing pictures. You can see me in person."

At this point, my friend realized that this might have been the reason their conversation had fizzled out before. The discussion ended abruptly when he wanted to meet without sharing a photo. Was he hiding something? Why would anyone think it’s acceptable to meet without prior visual introduction?

Often perceived as someone who sets high standards, my friend was justified in her hesitation this time. This encounter certainly raises questions. Do you think she made the right choice? What advice would you offer her?

This video titled "I JUST WANT A BOYFRIEND" delves into the emotional struggles of seeking a romantic partner while navigating modern dating challenges.

Chapter 2: Reflections on Relationships

In another instance, she found herself reflecting on the notion of being single and the societal pressures that accompany it.

The video titled "I've Never Had a Boyfriend | It's Not Just You" discusses the shared feelings of loneliness and the commonality of being single, emphasizing that many people face similar challenges.