I didn’t set out to write a blog series about dating. I set out to survive it. As a therapist, I spend a lot of time helping people name their patterns, make sense of their emotions, and fight for healthier relationships. But when it came to my own love life?

I don’t know anyone who loves being on dating apps. Most of us use them out of necessity, not excitement. We keep showing up, scrolling through profiles, and wondering if we’re being too picky or not picky enough. We tell ourselves it’s just part of modern dating…