Online dating gone wrong? Here’s my story.
Have you ever tried online dating? I did — fresh out of college, wide-eyed and eager to find love. I was ready to meet “the one,” just like in the movies. I matched with different guys, went on a few dates, but none of them made my heart pound the way I had imagined.
Then, I met someone online — a guy who seemed perfect. He was a 10/10 in both looks and personality. The kind of guy I thought only existed in dreams. I liked him so much, and maybe it showed too clearly… because soon enough, he lost interest. And that’s when I realized something painfully true — online dating gone wrong doesn’t always mean a big, dramatic heartbreak. Sometimes, it’s the slow fade, the ghosting, the realization that some people are only interested when the chase is alive.
I cried for that guy. And what’s funny? We’d only been talking for a month and hadn’t even met in person. But I was crushed. Why? Because when a guy can post on his story but not reply to your messages, that’s your sign. A sign to let go — not for him, but for your peace of mind and self-respect.
When Hope Looks Different: Meeting Ed
Then came another guy — let’s call him Ed. I told myself that if this didn’t work out, I’d be done with online dating. I was exhausted from getting my heart broken by guys I barely even knew in real life. I hated how easy it was to connect with someone digitally, only for it to end just as quickly, with zero accountability.
Upon first impression, Ed wasn’t my type. But what surprised me more was how nervous I felt around him. My stomach had knots, I could barely breathe, and my voice turned soft, like a shy girl on her very first date. Technically, I’d met people before, but this was different. This was officially a date.
He made me laugh. He was gentle. And when we finally faced each other across the table, I looked at him and thought, “Wait… he’s kind of cute.” And that’s when it all went downhill — literally.
Disaster Date: The Miso Soup Incident
In a clumsy moment of nerves, I knocked over the hot miso soup onto my pants. Yes — on our first date. I was mortified. And if that wasn’t enough, after the chaos settled, I accidentally hit the second miso soup, too! I had to walk around the mall looking for clothes, tofu squash stains, and all.
But Ed? He handled it with grace. He even bought bread for me to bring home to my parents. That little gesture melted me. And so, date after date, our story continued.
Meeting the Family and Missing the Signs
Eventually, I introduced him to my parents — a huge step for me. I cleaned the whole house, even behind the refrigerator! My parents were kind and welcoming, and it all went well. We had a few more dates, and I even invited him to a family celebration.
But that’s when things started to shift. He was quiet, refused to socialize, and gave off a standoffish vibe. At the time, I was too blinded by love to notice the red flags — his possessiveness, his lack of manners, and his strange social media behavior.
The Truth Unfolds
One day, my phone broke. He lent me his iPad, and that’s when the truth came out. I found conversations with multiple women, deep ones, personal ones. He had been a playboy, and suddenly, everything clicked.
I wanted to walk away, but part of me still cared. He apologized, begged for another chance, and I agreed — but only as friends. We talked again, and for a moment, it felt nice. But deep down, I knew he hadn’t changed. He hasn’t matured. He doesn’t listen, which shows he doesn’t respect me. And eventually, I grew tired — not just of him, but of the emotional rollercoaster.
That’s when I knew I had finally moved on. I didn’t cry. I didn’t feel broken. I just felt… done.
The Hard Truth About Online Dating Gone Wrong
Looking back, I now realize why I couldn’t see a future with him. Because deep in my heart, I knew — he wasn’t the one. Real love doesn’t bring confusion. It brings clarity, peace of mind, and peace in your heart.
If you’ve ever experienced online dating gone wrong, know this: you’re not alone. There are good guys out there, even if it feels impossible to find one in this generation. Keep your standards high. Protect your heart.
Final Thoughts: Lessons I Learned From Online Dating
- Don’t ignore red flags. No matter how attracted you are to someone, red flags never lie.
- Never gaslight yourself into thinking all men act the same; they don’t. You shouldn’t settle into thinking that his behavior is okay because all men are like that.
- Protect your heart. Be cautious with your feelings, especially online.
- Don’t chase. If someone wants you, you’ll know — you won’t have to guess.
- Know your worth. Set your standards and don’t settle.
If you’re trying online dating, remember to stay grounded. Love should never make you question your value or beg for attention.
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