Relationships Archives

3 Science-Backed Reasons Why a Cuffing Season Romance Could be Good for You

Unveiling the surprising benefits of seeking a seasonal relationship.

Ah, the unmistakable signs of the colder season: pumpkin spice lattes, jingling bells, and the sudden vanishing act of your single friends into the cozy embrace of coupledom. It’s the time when love is in the frosty air, from ice skating beneath the starlit sky to those enchanting mistletoe moments and the kisses to usher in the New Year. But what about those of us who find ourselves solo during this chilly epoch? Fret not, for we’ve uncovered the perfect remedy for those winter blues – brace yourselves for cuffing season!

For the uninformed, “cuffing season” refers to the compelling urge to find a cozy winter romance, with the understanding that come spring, you might part ways. Think of it as the more serious cousin of the “summer fling.” Just like other dating buzzwords – breadcrumbing, harpooning, ghosting – cuffing season began as a casual observation and has since blossomed into a full-blown industry. It’s a term that’s made its way from social media quips to Google’s top winter search terms, fueling countless dating columns, this one included. Now, while some might have you believe that “cuffing season” is a frigid wasteland for singles, science is here to set the record straight. So here are three reasons why this dating trend may actually be something we should indulge in.

1. The Age-Old Instinct.

Despite the Gen-Z sounding nomenclature, the concept of cuffing season isn’t a modern quirk; it’s as old as human biology and evolution; it’s deeply rooted in biology and evolution. In the days before central heating systems, surviving the winter months meant gathering around fires and staying indoors to avoid freezing. And what better way to generate some much-needed heat than, ahem, engaging in a little physical activity? If you go far back enough, it was a survival strategy, a bit like saying, “Let’s have a bunch of kids to help with the farm work, and just in case a few succumb to the plague, we’ll have some spares.” Those cold, crop-less months provided the perfect opportunity for procreation. In essence, what we call cuffing season was actually our ancestors’ survival strategy for staying warm and keeping the species alive.

2. Psychology Says So.

For the modern human, cuffing season offers more than just warmth and companionship. Modern psychology suggests that cuffing season offers more than just a warm companion. As the temperature drops, so does our social activity, but we’re naturally social creatures who crave warmth, affection, and connection. Hence, cuffing ourselves to someone for a while can help fill that void, both emotionally and physically. Also, studies show that testosterone levels tend to peak around October, leading to increased desires for physical intimacy. The decrease in sunlight during the winter can also cause a dip in serotonin levels, which can be countered by connecting with someone special. All that is to say that science is practically begging you to find a cuddle buddy this winter.

3. Seasonal Comfort.

Is cuffing season a good thing? Well, it depends on your perspective. Not every relationship has to be a lifelong commitment, and that’s perfectly okay. If snuggling up with someone for a couple of months makes the winter feel a bit more bearable, there’s no harm in embracing it. The key is to ensure that both parties are on the same page and prioritize safety and consent and you follow some basic ground rules. But in the grand scheme of things, whether you’re seeking a winter buddy or just a warm embrace, cuffing season may be your golden ticket to seasonal comfort.

As the winter chill settles in, don’t let the frosty blues get you down. Embrace cuffing season with open arms, and let the warmth of companionship and romance light up your winter nights. Remember, it’s not necessarily about finding a forever love – although you never know; it’s about staying cozy, having some fun, and making a meaningful connection, even if it’s just for this snowy season. So, here’s to a happy and delightful cuffing season! Who knows, maybe your winter love story will continue blooming into spring – after all, love has been known to melt even the iciest of hearts.

Authenticity in Online Dating: Why imperfection guarantees better matches than any filter

Just be you, silly!

If you’ve just emerged from a twenty-year slumber, welcome back to the wild world of today! Things have changed, and one significant transformation is how people present themselves, especially in the realm of online dating. With high-tech phones and photo-editing tools, anyone can create a digital facade that differs dramatically from reality.

But if you’ve been awake all along, you’re probably well aware of this phenomenon. A trip to the r/IntagramReality subreddit shows how many people distort images of themselves on Instagram, sometimes looking like different people altogether. Mostly, though, they’re laughably bad examples of photo editing with distorted backgrounds or frightening, Picasso-ish aberrations.

But even if not that extreme, In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to be inauthentic. You no longer have to be yourself, not if you don’t want to be. This is the central premise of the popular TV show “Catfish,” where individuals adopt fake online personas, only to reveal their true selves when they meet in person. This disconnect between online and real-life identities leads to heartbreak, drama, and plenty of entertainment for MTV viewers.

While Catfish is an extreme example, many of us engage in a milder form of this behavior from time to time. It’s called kittenfishing: making yourself seem more desirable on a dating app. It’s not outright lying about your identity, like catfishing, but altering your appearance on your dating profile radically from what you’re like in person (posting photos with deceptive angles or from years ago, lying about age, height or occupation, or wearing hats to cover up baldness) or bending the truth in other ways to seem more desirable (fibbing your occupation or hobbies).

There’s no need to pass judgment here because we’re all guilty of it to some extent. We engage in kittenfishing because we’re chasing the illusion of perfection and seeking validation in the form of likes on dating apps.

However, perfection is something that’s sold to us; it’s not an achievable goal. And being “perfect” doesn’t necessarily make you more desirable. For example, studies have shown that we are more likely to find asymmetrical faces more attractive than symmetrical ones. That is, our perception of what is perfect is subjective and not actually universally appealing.

Rejection, although painful, is a natural part of life. If it makes you feel any better, even those who appear “perfect” face rejection. And while being rejected after being “real” with someone is like being stung by a hive of bees when you have a bee allergy, in the dating context, it’s much better to be rejected early on than to invest time in someone who doesn’t have any interest in the real-life, authentic you!

Everyone deserves love and acceptance for who they truly are. It takes courage to be authentic, especially when facing the possibility of rejection. However, it is also the only surefire way to find someone who genuinely appreciates and loves you for being yourself. When you find that person, it’s like witnessing a fireworks display of genuine connection and understanding.

Being yourself leads to a more honest understanding of who you are, creating a first date experience that is confident and free of mismatched expectations. It increases the likelihood of a better first date, a second date, and a more fulfilling dating experience overall. So, in the world of online dating, embracing your imperfections and showcasing your authentic self can lead to the most meaningful connections.

So. In a world where authenticity shines brighter than any digital filter, being yourself is the compass that guides you to genuine connections, ensuring that your search for love is an unapologetically true and rewarding journey.

3 Lessons on Self-Discovery and Relationships We Learned from the Barbie Movie!

Unveiling the Barbie-tastic Secrets to Finding Love and Embracing Your Inner You-nicorn.

Welcome to the year of The Barbie Movie, where everything is pink, sparkly, and utterly fabulous (thank you, Greta Gerwig)! As we see the world through the pink kaleidoscope of Barbie’s world, we can’t help but notice how it appeals to different audiences in various ways.

For the younger fans, it’s a magical spectacle filled with dazzling glitz and glamor that leaves their eyes twinkling like the brightest stars. For the adult audience, Barbie’s story touches deeper chords, addressing the struggles and triumphs of women and celebrating the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters. Yet, beyond these obvious lessons, we’ve also uncovered a few gems that offer invaluable wisdom for our dating escapades. Here are our top three lessons on relationships and self-discovery.

Lesson 1: Embrace Your Uniqueness

While individuality might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of the “classic” Barbie, in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie world, it takes center stage. The movie celebrates the importance of identity in various ways, from their unique styles to their pursuit of different interests and journeys of self-discovery. Just like many of us, in the movie, no two Barbies are the same, and that’s the magic!

So when it comes to dating, toss aside any notions of being a clone. Be the radiant you-nicorn you were born to be! Dare to be authentic: show off your quirks, flaunt your passions, and embrace your personal expression. Remember, you’re “Kenough” as you are.

Lesson 2: Embrace the Journey: Discovering Beauty in Transformative Experiences

In Barbie’s picture-perfect world, life seems like a dream filled with glitz and glamour. However, beneath the dazzling facade, she discovers a longing for something deeper and more meaningful. Despite the challenges of being a woman, she embraces the journey that’s more dynamic than just one color, even if it’s bright pink and happy.

Barbie reminds us that the beauty of life lies in the transformative experiences – even ones that produce tears – and we should step into vulnerable challenges with open hearts, recognizing that each experience, whether joyous or challenging, has the potential to deeply impact and empower us in profound ways.

Just like Barbie, we can dare to step out of our comfort zones and embrace vulnerability, recognizing that the journey of dating can be one of enriching self-discovery and growth. Instead of fixating solely on the end result or superficial connections, let’s approach dating as an adventure of self-discovery. Venture beyond the shiny surface of first impressions and fleeting encounters. So treat each experience as a valuable lesson, embrace the ups and downs, and let each step enrich your understanding of love and yourself. After all, just like Barbie’s world, the magic lies not only in the destination but in the enchanting journey itself!

Lesson 3: Embrace Vulnerability

In Barbie’s enchanting world, we witness a powerful lesson about the beauty of vulnerability. Beyond her picture-perfect facade, Barbie’s refreshingly honest and open about her insecurities and uncertainties. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking something deeper beyond the glitz and glamor. This teaches us that the power of authenticity can lead to more genuine connections and stronger relationships, both with ourselves and those around us.

In the realm of dating, it’s easy to put on a facade, projecting an image of flawless perfection to impress potential partners. However, just like Barbie’s willingness to share her vulnerabilities, allowing ourselves to be authentic and open about our feelings and uncertainties can create a stronger bond.

And no, embracing vulnerability doesn’t mean exposing every detail of your life on the first date. Instead, it’s about sharing your thoughts, fears, and dreams with genuine sincerity. When you open up to someone and allow them to see the real you, it fosters a deeper level of connection and understanding.

So, in this Barbie-tastic symphony of love and self-discovery, the lessons are simple yet profound. Embrace your uniqueness, challenge the status quo, and unlock the power of vulnerability. Be the empowered Barbie of your dating journey – fearless, genuine, and authentic.

The #1 Key Tip for Success in Dating: Putting In The Right Kind of Effort

A sprinkle of effort can create a heap of magic.

Hey there, all you lovely daters. Gather ‘round because we’re about to reveal a major tip for success in dating. So buckle up, grab a snack, and let’s get started

First things first, let’s talk about the most important ingredient in a successful dating life – EFFORT. Yeah, we know, it sounds like common sense, but hear us out. Dating is like baking a cake; if you miss some essential ingredients, it’s not going to turn out the way you want it to.

And just like sugar is essential to cake, effort is crucial to make the dating come out right; without it, your dating life is going to be bland and tasteless, and no one wants that. And we’re not talking about the effort of just swiping right and left mindlessly or simply showing up to dates. We’re talking about putting in the right kind of effort.

We’ve heard people complain about daters being slow to respond to communication, showing up late to a date, looking sloppy, being inattentive to the conversation, not being present by checking their phone, and a whole lot more. But it all boils down to one thing: a lack of effort. Come on, people, try a little harder!

Let’s go back to our cake example. Imagine you have all the ingredients you need to bake a delicious cake, but you realize your flour is expired. You don’t feel like going out to buy fresh flour, so you use the stale stash you have. You’re putting in the effort, but it’s not going to turn out the way you want it to. The same thing goes for dating; if you’re not putting in the effort to make yourself look great or engage in the conversation, it’s not going to turn out the way you want it to.

And, no, the right kind of effort in dating doesn’t involve mere endless swiping or even making grand gestures. It means finding the right person by putting in the time to know them, making plans, being responsive, showing up on time, looking your best, choosing a safe and convenient meeting place, and keeping the momentum going. Be complimentary, communicate consistently, be present, and show your vulnerable side.

And if the effort is not reciprocated, move on. The right person will put in the effort, too. Think of it as a way to gauge someone’s character. If they can’t put in a little effort to build a relationship, they’re not the right partner for you.

So, put on your aprons, people, and get ready to bake some sweet, sweet love! And remember, just like baking a cake, it won’t be perfect every time, but with the right effort, you’ll eventually end up with a dating life that’s as satisfying as a freshly baked cake.

Now go out there, and show the world what you’ve got!

Let’s talk about sex, baby: 3 Tips For Discussing Intimacy with a New partner

Let’s talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be…

When it comes to discussing intimacy with a new partner, Salt-N-Pepa’s sex-positive anthem “Let’s Talk About Sex” from the 90s serves as a reminder that conversations around this topic can be uncomfortable yet essential. Addressing subjects such as safe sex, positive and negative aspects of intimacy, and the discomfort that often accompanies the conversation, the song contributed to making discussions about sex less taboo. In this blog post, we delve into the importance of talking about sex with your romantic prospects and offer tips for initiating these conversations.

The Significance of Sexual Compatibility

While online dating profiles commonly feature categories like relationship goals and desire for children, sexual preferences and needs are often too complex to categorize neatly. Nevertheless, the significance of sex in a romantic relationship – whether in a situationship, a partnership, or a marriage – cannot be overlooked. Beyond the physical aspect, sexual intimacy fosters a unique emotional connection with a partner. Thus, sexual compatibility encompassing preferences, desires, and styles becomes pivotal in a fulfilling relationship. Conversely, sexual incompatibility can raise a pink flag.

Initiating the Conversation

So you should definitely be talking about sex with your romantic prospects and you should be doing it early on. We don’t mean to imply that you should list out your kinks and fantasies over a second-date coffee. But just like with other aspects of dating, you should share your basic likes, dislikes and expectations so that you can determine whether you’re on the same page. Even if you don’t discuss it before your first intimate encounter, you should find the right opportunity to articulate (whether non-verbally or expressly) what would make you feel good, especially if you aren’t feeling satisfied. It’s all in how you say it. (By the way, if they don’t listen, it’s a good litmus test for how they’ll be in the relationship).

For example, if you’re looking for a serious relationship and they’re just looking to casually date, you’ll likely end things. But what if you both want to be in a relationship (check ✔) yet when it comes to sex they don’t like foreplay while you get most of your – ahem – “satisfaction” from the buildup (editorial note: that example is from personal experience)? Unless they’re open to fulfilling your desires, you’ll be in a pretty unfulfilling relationship. And even if that’s fine for a little while, the frustration will eventually boil over.

While talking about sex is hard – it can feel even more vulnerable than the act itself – communication about sex is often a gateway to good communication elsewhere in a relationship. Difficult topics are difficult topics and we need to learn to tackle them with our partner.

To make the sex discussion less awkward, establish trust and intimacy first with easier conversations, say about consent or contraception. Then move on to more meatier topics. Ultimately, creating a dialogue about basic sexual needs and expectations opens the door to sharing deeper and more intimate desires and fantasies. And being open and transparent about these things should only help strengthen your relationship.

So have the conversation about sex, baby! You’ll thank us.

Extra! Extra! Here Are the 2 Dating Trends That You Should Follow to Slay Your Dating Life.

Real Talk: Nobody’s out here to play games.

To say the least, the past two years have been weird. We went from our routine in-person interactions to a sudo-metaverse existence in a matter of days. Since then, we’ve been caught in a strange limbo.

Yet it wasn’t entirely all a dumpster fire. Spending a lot of time alone has given us an opportunity to gain some important perspectives. We were forced to re-evaluate our priorities and wants — and it turns out that most of us want something new. New types of jobs, new experiences (including in the bedroom, thanks for the intel, Cosmo), and, for those of us who are single, a new relationship.

But in a post-apocalypse dating world, we aren’t looking for casual, superficial paramours. We’re dating with the intention of finding a meaningful partner.

In other words, the games are done and authenticity and meaningful bonds are on the rise. Daters know what they want — and what they don’t — and they’re branching out of their comfort zones to find it.

So if you’re like us and are ready to ride the post-vaccination relationship boom, here’s a look at two dating trends that we think can help guide your journey.

Fast-Forwarding

No, we didn’t just pick this one for the name — it really is the most significant dating trend expected in 2022. So what is it?

“Fast-forwarding” (also referred to as “hardballing“) means looking ahead and considering whether a potential partner fits into the life you see yourself living in the future.

This lets us avoid wasting time on bad dates and incompatible partners. That means prioritizing emotional availability and focusing less on appearance. And it does seem obvious — looks can easily change, but a supportive partner will be a stable companion for the ages.

Fast-forwarding also normalizes the uncomfortable conversations about what we want, and being far more upfront with our partners about it, sooner. Further, that means being forthcoming as our wants and needs change. Nobody’s expected to be the same person year after year. Life changes us, situations change us, people change us, and our needs change, too.

We always encourage people to be honest about their needs and communicate them with their partners, and the trend of fast-forwarding shows that people are starting to do this from the very beginning.

‘Oystering’

Oystering is another breakout trend going into the new year, but what does it mean?

Well, it’s pretty simple: “oystering” means remaining consciously single — or maybe a better way to put it is “being single, consciously.” No more dating for the sake of dating! Instead, you pursue someone only when you’re ready and you feel a real, emotional connection with them.

Our advice? If you’re just getting out of a relationship, take time to realign yourself, release emotional baggage weighing you, and figure out what you want and need. And when you’re ready to get back out there, do it with intention!

Looking Ahead

Though trends come and go, “fast-forwarding” and “oystering” will likely have staying power in light of what the harrowing last two years have taught us: life’s too short to waste on something that’s purely superficial.

So seek out real connections and genuine relationships that challenge you in the right ways. Partners should open our eyes to new possibilities and experiences.

4 Pieces of Dating Advice From Ted Lasso : What The Comedy Can Teach Us About Relationships.

“I think if you care about someone and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothin you can’t get through together.”

Ted Lasso is one of the most talked about shows to come out in the past year, and for good reason. It’s entertaining, optimistic without being corny (except when it’s trying to be), and endlessly funny. But just being funny doesn’t get a show nominated for 20 Emmys; to do that, it has to have heart.

And boy, does Ted Lasso have heart. Oodles of hearts, actually. Whether it’s dealing with the fallout of Rebecca’s divorce or watching Ted navigate the stormy seas of his separation, the show never stops tugging at the heartstrings.

It also never skips a moment to offer some valuable life lessons like, for example, “You tore your butt. That’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Well, maybe not so much that one.

There are indeed lots of great quotes in Ted Lasso, and you could apply any of them to a million situations in your life, but these are four that stick out as excellent pieces of dating advice.

Roy Kent: “He’s fine. That’s it. Nothing wrong with that. Most people are fine. It’s not about him. It’s about why the f*** you think he deserves you. You deserve someone who makes you feel like you’ve been struck by f***ing lightning. Don’t you dare settle for fine.”

Roy Kent’s fiery, angry, profanity-laced tirade to Rebecca when he meets her “fine” date is incredibly relatable and true.

Let’s face it, if not us, we all know someone who has clearly settled in a relationship, and we don’t mean with respect to their relative physical attractiveness. More of an all-encompassing settling, like when you crave a good steak but instead stop at a McDonald’s because it’s convenient. It’s the kind of settling that makes you feel bad inside and fills you with regret in hindsight.

Keep Roy in mind. Don’t you dare settle for fine.

Ted Lasso: “Be curious, not judgmental.”

This Walt Whitman quote is everywhere, but it’s Ted’s addition that makes it really hit home: “All those fellas who used to belittle me… none of them were curious. They thought they had everything all figured out, so they judged everything. And they judged everyone.”

It’s a nice reminder that none of us have it all figured out. When you’re meeting new people, it’s good to be curious and ask questions but also not to judge them when they open up. After all, there’s probably stuff in your past you don’t love, either.

People change when they’re curious. But judgmental people never learn anything new, and it holds them back.

Be like Ted. Approach new situations—and new people—with curiosity, not judgment.

Jamie Tartt: “Coach, I’m me. Why would I want to be anything else?”

Ted Lasso: “I’m not sure you know how psychologically healthy that actually is.”

We know, Jamie Tartt is a prick, but, you know, he’s got a sad backstory, so it’s understandable? You can’t help but feel for Jamie’s character, despite his egomania. And even though this line is supposed to make us dislike Jamie, Ted’s comment after rings true. I mean, all he asked Jamie was, “Would you rather be a panda or a lion?” and Jamie’s inability to answer a hypothetical without being a total ass probably isn’t healthy, but hey, that’s showbiz, baby.

We don’t get the choice to be a panda, a lion, or anyone else, no matter how much we wish we could be. Really, we could all afford a little more self-confidence à la Tartt. Imagine approaching a situation with that mindset! I’m me. Why would I want to be anything else?

Take it from Jamie. Embrace yourself for who you are, and let pandas be pandas and lions be lions.

Sam Obisanya: “We gave it everything we had. And for me, that is okay because what’s worse is not to try at all. To try is scary, you know, because you can end up losing a lot. But you have to put your heart out there. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

The soft-spoken and wise-beyond-his-years Sam provides this poignant statement at a press conference after his team’s heart-breaking loss to Man City. Also, these words seem to cause Rebecca to finally see Sam in a different light and become open to romance with him.

Sam’s words also ring true for all of us who are too scared to date due to a fear of getting hurt. Yes, it’s brutal if we put ourselves out there and there isn’t a happy ending. But if we don’t open our hearts, we may never experience the mind-blowing possibilities. And without that, what’s the point? So go ahead and take a chance: put your heart out there.

And if you need more heart-filled inspirational moments, go stream season two of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+.

Sorry Not Sorry: Being Unvaccinated is the Biggest Dating Dealbreaker.

This really shouldn’t be surprising.

Online dating is all about first impressions — people don’t want to waste time talking to someone they’d never want to meet in person. But before you actually meet up in person, you’re probably going to ask some basic questions to get to know them better and to see if you may be compatible IRL. Questions like “What do you do for work?” or “What do you like to do outside of work?”

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What to Expect From Dating in the Metaverse?

Spoiler: It’s not the real deal

In his own, um, charming way, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been touting the “Metaverse” as the new way we’re all going to be interacting with the internet and each other. You can hang out with friends in VR, relax in VR, vacation in VR, and even work in VR!

The end goal is that you’ll be able to do anything in the Metaverse that you could do in real life and more — and, for better or worse, that likely means dating, too.

Probably for the gamers, dating in the Metaverse seems like a logical and exciting development, but for the rest of us, could, and should, Meta-dating be a substitute for real-life romantic connections?

First, let’s explore one of the main supposed selling points of Meta-dating: safety. Some people suggest that the Metaverse will remove the risks associated with in-person dates. At FFWD, we’re all about safety – heck, we build our entire product around it – but it seems counterintuitive that you can eliminate risk by creating an additional facade behind which your date can hide their true persona. On the contrary, this seems to offer more opportunities for catfishing, if not worse (accounts of sexual offenses in meta space seems to suggest that dangerous behavior may be undertaken with more impunity where you have the technological facade to barricade you against real-world consequences).

We think safety can only be assured when you show the real-life person off the bat, so that your real-life intuition can be invoked. And unless you plan to stay in the Meta-world in perpetuity (no judgment, gamers), you’re better off knowing sooner rather than later who’s the person behind the online persona.

Another “benefit” of Meta-dating is convenience. Sure, putting on a headset is way more efficient than getting ready for a real date but is that really a good thing? If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that going out into the real world should not be taken for granted. Also, if you can’t be bothered to spend a little time getting ready and dressed for a real-world date (or half-dressed for a Zoom date), then you’re probably not that interested in the person or dating overall. There, we said it.

Next, let’s consider the actual experience of VR dating.

Now, we’ve seen how dating changed during the pandemic, and with a lot of people going on Zoom dates, a Metaverse date might not seem that weird. Still, there’s some version of realism and intimacy with Zoom dating. You’re still face-to-face, in a sense. You still get a glimpse of the real life person, bits of their vibes and their real-life quirks.

In the Metaverse, though, you make an avatar. A cartoonish avatar. Of course, people have been making online avatars for decades in online games like RuneScape, Club Penguin, Second Life, but it makes us wonder, can you still experience the same vibes and body language quirks we identify in the real-world, or even Zoom, dates?

We think the answer lies in the pudding. And we’re not talking about the heavily-rendered ads Meta has been running on TV, but actual recordings of the Metaverse in its current form.

Here, take a look:

The Wall Street Journalist in the video describes the avatars as “trippy little LEGO-looking people.” Bottom line, as of now, the Metaverse is jank.

Even if, in time, Meta perfects the tools of its Metaverse to make you look more realistic, we still make the argument that the Metaverse can’t create the same feeling of intimacy that’s inherent with in-person dating.

It doesn’t replicate the experience itself: the pre-date jitters, the quick check of your hair in your phone’s camera, the first glimpse of someone walking toward you, the smell of their hair, the warmth of their hand on your arm.

These things can’t be replicated virtually, not until we live in a Ready Player One world — and we’re not sure that’s what we want (ever). There’s too much value and beauty in the real world to replace it with a virtual one entirely, and even those nervous feelings we experience when we’re dating add value.

Looking into someone’s eyes is a luxury reserved for the real world.

We wouldn’t have it any other way.