4 Dating Myths That Should Be Ignored

Spillin' the tea

It is so easy to absorb all the negative myths and unhelpful advice that people love to throw around when it comes to dating.

Whether it’s your aunt at brunch or a TikTok "dating coach" dishing outdated hot takes, the pressure to follow all the so-called rules can leave you confused, discouraged, and frankly exhausted. When I was dating my now-husband, I heard plenty of these myths. The wild part? The best decisions I made were the ones where I chose to ignore them. So, let's get into the 4 dating myths that need to go in one ear and out the other, for your sanity, clarity, and relationship success.

1. “Long-distance relationships never work.”

Debunking dating myths 101: this one is so tired.

Yes, long-distance relationships (LDRs) come with challenges. But newsflash, they’re also completely doable and can be deeply fulfilling. In fact, my husband and I started out Zoom-dating before it was trendy. (Shout out to pre-COVID love stories.)

The truth? LDRs force you to prioritize communication, build emotional intimacy, and get real about your intentions early on. If you’re both committed, the miles don’t matter as much as the mindset

2. “Nice guys finish last.”

Let’s officially retire this one.

Sure, the “bad boy” might bring some initial butterflies and a thrilling Instagram story or two, but if you’re looking for real love, long-term stability, or even marriage, then nice guys should come first.

Kindness, emotional maturity, and consistency aren’t boring, they’re the blueprint for healthy love. My husband? Total nice guy. Total win.

3. “Don’t be too direct or you’ll scare them off.”

This myth is basically asking you to play a role instead of being your authentic self. No thanks. There’s a huge difference between being intense and being clear. Being upfront about what you want whether it’s a relationship, exclusivity, or simply honest communication shouldn’t be taboo.

The reality? People who are scared off by healthy directness probably weren’t aligned with you anyway. Confirming that the other person’s intentions match yours isn’t “too much” , it’s smart.

4. Disagreements mean your relationship is doomed.

Here’s one of the biggest common dating misconceptions: that a good relationship is one where you never fight. Not true. All relationships, even the strongest ones have disagreements. The difference lies in how you handle them. Can you talk through it? Can you reconnect and repair afterward? Conflict is natural. What matters more is your willingness to work through it together, not avoid it at all costs. In fact, those repair moments often strengthen the bond.

Please, do yourself a favor: Let these unhelpful dating myths go in one ear and out the other. The dating world is already chaotic enough, don’t let outdated narratives cloud your brain or muddle your energy. You deserve to date with clarity, confidence, and real connection. Forget the rules, write your own love story.

 

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How to Get the Most Out of the Time You Spend Dating