Ah, modern love—what a time to be alive. Picture this: you’re on a date with a guy you matched with online. Things are going well; he’s funny, charming, and the conversation is flowing. Then, somewhere between sips of your cocktail, you find out he’s also dating a few other girls. Cue the internal scream.
At first, it stings. “What do you mean I’m not the only one?” But here’s the thing—did you really expect exclusivity from an app where options are endless and commitment is as rare as a taxi driver in the rain? Let’s be real, online dating is like shopping at a buffet. Everyone’s there for variety, not to settle on one dish.
But here’s where I’ve learned to let go and let it be. The best practice for accepting this modern reality is to do what I’ve started doing while traveling—embracing the chaos and going with the flow. When I was in Japan, Mexico, and Germany, I met people with completely different perspectives, lifestyles, and yes, dating habits. And it finally clicked. I started to understand why tourists in my home country (hello, Bali and Jakarta) behave the way they do. They’re just trying to make the most of their time, soaking up every moment and every connection—without strings attached. It’s not personal; it’s just how the game is played.
And guess what? We always have options. The question isn’t “why is this person seeing other people?” but “is this an option I want to deal with?” You don’t have to say yes to everything. You have the power to choose what you want to invest in—be it a person, an experience, or an exit strategy.
Once I opened my heart to this mindset, the world got a whole lot more exciting. I mean, I’ve had the best time with Bumble dates while traveling! In Sydney, I’ve had the best 5 days to visit the iconic building to the restaurant hopping with the person who shared the same love language in foods and beverages. In Japan, I met an amazing guy whose birthday was just six days apart from mine—one year older—and for three magical days, he treated me like an absolute queen. In Germany, I wandered into places I never even knew existed, from walking the entire English Garden at night (yes, at night—risky, but thrilling) to stumbling upon a quirky art exhibition. And in Mexico, a local date led me to museums I wouldn’t have discovered on my own. These weren’t just dates; they were windows into entirely new worlds.
So here’s the twist: dating isn’t just about finding “the one.” It’s about the adventure, the lessons, and the memories you create along the way. Let go of the expectations and just enjoy the ride. Not every connection needs to lead to a grand romance. Sometimes, it’s enough to simply learn something new, share a laugh, or explore a corner of the world you might’ve never found on your own.
Modern love might be chaotic, but it’s also kind of beautiful—if you let it be. So the next time you’re on a date and that dreaded line pops up, “Oh, so you date other girls too?” just smile, sip your drink, and remember: it’s your choice whether this is an option worth exploring or one to gracefully walk away from. After all, you’ve got a world of possibilities waiting, both in love and in life. ❤️
