Hey all, hope everyone is doing well.

I’m curious if anyone out there has made a conscious decision to not date or be in a relationship anymore.

If so, what was your rationale? Do you feel it was the right decision? If you’re currently considering it, why?

  • i_stole_ur_taco@lemmy.caEnglish
    14·
    2 days ago

    I’ve had several friends and family who got into this state and took a few months or years to decide what they wanted.

    Of them, most were just taking a break from the emotional labour of dating, which I totally get. Some went back to online dating but others didn’t intentionally look for a relationship until something fell in their lap (a new coworker, etc).

    Some just never dated again. I know a couple people in their 60s/70s who had just had enough and were perfectly happy to live alone.

    IMO there’s nothing wrong with taking this approach, and I think the best way to go in is to just say “I’m not dating right now”. Don’t say never again and don’t set an artificial timer when you need to jump back in.

    Things often work out if you don’t try to force yourself into doing or not doing something. Read how you’re feeling in the moment and go from that. It removes so much of the pressure on yourself to do or think certain things.

    • randomcruft@lemmy.sdf.orgOPEnglish
      7·
      2 days ago

      I appreciate your detailed response. Agreed, some of it can be situational. A break is one thing but a conscious decision, I think, is another (at least how I see the world).

      To be honest, I’m not as optimistic as you. 🙂

      I think for some, it’s more one or the other. Less gray area (not dating now but who knows) and more (either I’m trying or not). That’s just a state of mind.

      I think I’ll be following in you older friend’s footsteps at this point. Although being happy about it is still debatable 🤔

      Again, thanks for your insights / perspective!!!