Dating in Your 20s in the City: The Chaos, the Lessons, and the Hope

Dating in your 20s while living in the city can feel like a rollercoaster you didn’t exactly sign up for. One moment you’re grabbing coffee with someone who seems like “the one,” and the next you’re ghosted before you even finish your latte. Add in busy work schedules, endless social events, and the overwhelming options on dating apps—it’s no wonder city dating feels exhausting. Trust me, you are not alone in this feeling.

Here’s the good news: every awkward first date, mismatched connection, and “almost something” is actually part of the process. I know it is cliche to say “trust the process”, but it is how you learn about your likes, your dislikes and how to be intentional when dating.  It’s how you figure out what you want, what you don’t, and who you are in the midst of it all. The truth is, city dating isn’t just about finding love—it’s about building resilience, laughing at the missteps, and learning to enjoy the ride.

So instead of focusing on the pressure of finding the perfect partner, try leaning into the small wins: the new restaurant you got to try because of a date, buying a cute outfit and finally having an excuse to wear it,  the confidence boost from putting yourself out there, and the friends you made along the way. Dating can be hard, yes, but it can also be fun, messy, and surprisingly rewarding if you shift your perspective. It's all about MINDSET!

At the end of the day, the city is full of possibilities. While finding someone who truly fits might take time, you’re not just waiting for love to happen—you’re living, growing, and creating a story that’s uniquely yours.