By Dixie Dreamer
I couldn’t help but wonder… is dating in the 21st century just a sophisticated game of emotional dodgeball? Looking back at 2024, I realized this year was like a chaotic Rom-com – messy, unpredictable, but also full of unexpected lessons. And as we sit on the cusp of 2025, I’m convinced that while the dating scene may not come with a manual, it might just need a little reshuffling of priorities, some old-fashioned introspection, and okay, maybe fewer midnight Instagram scrolls.
I Couldn’t Help But Wonder…
Lesson #1: Ghosts Should Only Exist in Horror Films
If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that ghosting isn’t just reserved for Halloween. A text thread left on “Read” has the eerie power to haunt through the vacuum of silence. But here’s the thing about people who ghost – they’re actually doing you a favor. They’re simply fast-tracking themselves out of your life before they waste even more of your time. Isn’t it funny how having respect for ourselves starts with valuing our time and attention? If someone can’t muster a measly “Thanks, but no, thanks,” then it isn’t worth the emotional investment to begin with.
Lesson #2: Curating Your Inner Circle Matters
Dating in 2024 was also an exercise in patience – both with myself and with others. Remember that time you introduced someone new to your friends, and it took all of 15 seconds for them to whisper, “You could do better”? At first, you’re defensive (because, hello, you picked them), but by month two, you’re nodding silently. Our friends and family often see the red flags we miss, mostly because we’re blinded by a cute smile or someone’s ability to order nachos in flawless Spanish on a first date. Lesson learned? Surround yourself with people who lovingly hold up the mirror when you need to see the full picture – even if it’s uncomfortable.
Lesson #3: Looking for a Partner, Not A Project
Ah, the classic. It’s easy to confuse “potential” with “promise,” especially when we’re swiping through dating profiles faster than we can finish a latte. But relationships aren’t fixer-upper projects. No one’s a DIY hobby, and no one wants to feel like an incomplete Ikea bookshelf needing spare parts. 2024 reminded me that compatibility isn’t about someone’s potential – it’s about how they show up, as they are, right now. Perfectly imperfect and all.
Lesson #4: It’s Okay to Put the Apps Down
Oh, the apps – the modern-day love potion we simultaneously love to hate and hate to love. They work until they don’t, right? This year, I played a game called “App Detox September” (patent pending), where I stopped swiping cold turkey for a month. At first, I panicked – no matches, no witty banter, no unsolicited shirtless mirror selfies (don’t we all secretly love laughing at those?). But then came a sense of calm I hadn’t felt in years. It gave me space to connect with people in real-time – and spoiler alert – some of the best connections don’t come with profile filters.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Stepping into a new year, I’m making one thing crystal clear – dating isn’t about wish lists; it’s about value alignment. At the end of the day, does it really matter if they can’t remember your coffee order or if they re-watch “Friends” a little too often? Values like respect, communication, and kindness – these never go out of style (unlike skinny jeans, thank goodness). Here are some resolutions:
Resolution #1: Date With Intention
2025 will be the year of intentionality. No more dating, just to “see where it goes” or settling for maybe when I deserve a hell yes. Life’s too short for lukewarm – let’s raise our standards and expect others to meet us there.
Resolution #2: Prioritize Connection Over Perfection
Is there even such a thing as “perfect”? That’s something 2024 taught me to stop searching for. The little imperfections, quirks, and flaws? That’s what makes people human – and dare I say, lovable.
Resolution #3: Put Myself First
And last but certainly not least – in 2025, I’m continuing to write the best love story of all. The one with me as the star – not as a lonely singleton but as someone who knows that contentment isn’t tied to Instagram-worthy #couple goals. When you show up as your most authentic self, you naturally attract people who love you for it.
As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the blank canvas of 2025, remember this: dating isn’t a race or a checklist. It’s a messy, surprising, and at times confounding adventure. And isn’t that what makes it exciting – the endless possibilities ahead?
Here’s to dates filled with laughter, people who respect your time, and a year when swiping isn’t the only way to say hello. Happy New Year, singles and parents alike – the best is yet to come.
I want to hear from you! What lessons did 2024 teach you about love, dating, or self-discovery? What are your hopes and resolutions for 2025? Share your stories, insights, or even your funniest dating mishaps by emailing me at Columnist@ICHBWColumn.com. Your story could inspire countless others—or maybe even be featured in an upcoming column. Don’t hesitate—your voice matters! Embrace the unknown and stay fabulous! XOXO
