Okay, so, I’ve been thinking a lot about dating lately. Specifically, dating after 30. It feels like a whole different ballgame, right? So I decided to, you know, actually do something about it instead of just complaining to my friends.
My “Get Back Out There” Project
First, I dusted off those dating apps. I hadn’t touched them in ages. I spent a good weekend just updating my profile. New pictures – ones where I actually looked happy and, like, approachable. I rewrote my bio, trying to be funny and honest. It was painful, but I did it.
- Task 1: App Refresh. I went through Hinge, Bumble, and even tried that new one, The League.
- Task 2: Profile Makeover. Out with the old, in with the new (and hopefully improved).
Then came the hard part: actually swiping and messaging people. I set a goal for myself: five messages a day. Five! It felt like a lot at first. I agonized over what to say. “Hey” felt too boring, but a long, overly-thought-out message felt…desperate. I tried to find a balance, commenting on something specific in their profile.
The responses? Mixed. Some people were great! We chatted, we laughed, we actually connected. I scheduled a few phone calls, which was a big step for me. I’m a terrible phone talker, but I pushed myself. A couple of those calls even turned into actual dates!
Other responses? Crickets. Or one-word answers. Or the dreaded “ghosting.” It was definitely discouraging at times. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn’t personal. It’s just…the nature of the beast, I guess.
Dates and…Disappointments?
The dates themselves were a mixed bag. Some were fun! I went to a cool little bar with one guy, and we talked for hours. Another date, we went hiking, which was beautiful (even if I was secretly dying of exhaustion).
But then there were the duds. One guy spent the entire date talking about his ex. Another one showed up 45 minutes late with no explanation. I tried to be polite, but inside, I was just…over it.
My Takeaway (So Far)
It’s been a few months now, and I’m still single. But I’m also not giving up. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned that it takes effort, it takes time, and it takes a whole lot of patience. I’ve learned that rejection sucks, but it’s not the end of the world. And I’ve learned that even the bad dates can be good stories to tell your friends later.
So, am I finding love after 30? I don’t know yet. But I’m definitely trying. And that’s gotta count for something, right?