Dating Burnout Is Real, and I’m Over It

Okay, I have to say it: I am exhausted. Not from work, not from life (okay, maybe a little), but from dating. Like, I cannot swipe on one more mediocre Hinge profile or entertain another situationship that’s just “seeing where things go.” I’m over it. Dating burnout? Yeah, I have it, and I know I’m not alone.

The Struggle Is Too Real
At this point, modern dating just feels like a full-time job that doesn’t even come with benefits (literally and figuratively). The cycle is the same: match, talk for a week, get a little excited, plan to meet up, and then… bam, ghosted. Or worse, we actually meet, and it’s just painfully mid.

And don’t even get me started on the effort. The cute outfit, the perfect mix of flirty-but-not-too-thirsty texts, the emotionally draining small talk—why does it feel like an unpaid internship for something that’s supposed to be fun?

Dating Apps? More Like Digital Purgatory
Remember when swiping was fun? Yeah, me neither. Dating apps have turned into this weird game where everyone is kinda looking for love, but also kinda just bored. I swear, I’ve seen the same five people cycle through my feed like it’s some twisted version of The Bachelor. And no, I do not accept this rose.

Then there’s the talking stage, which has somehow become a never-ending void where “wyd” texts go to die. Like, at this point, if we’ve been talking for two weeks and you haven’t asked me out, just say you’re here for the vibes and let me move on.

Situationships: The Villain Era We Didn’t Ask For
Can we also address how nobody wants to define things anymore? I am convinced that Gen Z has a collective fear of labels. “Let’s just keep it chill.” “I’m not really looking for anything serious.” “I like you, but I’m not ready for a relationship.” Babe, what are you ready for? Because I’m ready for an actual answer.

So, What Now?
Honestly? I’m taking a break. A little dating detox, if you will. Because at this point, I’d rather spend time romanticizing my solo life than forcing another dry convo. I’m talking main character energy—self-care dates, reading romance books that give me actual butterflies, and rewatching Bridgerton instead of dealing with some guy who only texts after 10 p.m.

Maybe love will happen when I least expect it. Maybe it won’t. But at least I’ll be well-rested and unbothered in the meantime.

Anyone else feeling the burnout, or is it just me?