‘Dating Then vs. Dating Now’: 17 Dating Memes to Endure the Discouraging Relationship Landscape

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Olivia Arocena • Writer and Editor
Nov 13, 2026 8:30 AM EST

This is for all of us who can't stand another talking stage

Modern dating comes with a particular kind of emotional rollercoaster. One moment you're getting your hopes up over someone you've known for barely six hours, and the next you're considering an early retirement from the entire dating scene.

Two dates- it doesn't take more than that. At first, you notice you're doing most of the contacting, but you decide not to pay much attention to the small stuff. Then, a few days go by, and it dawns on you: they weren't that interested, and the half-assed 'invitations' they were throwing your way, such as 'We should totally see each other some other time!', were just another strategy to allow that other time to disappear gently through the sands of time.

It's fine, you say; I mean, you're not heartbroken, the guy wasn't the love of your life, he wasn't even your type, but that somehow makes it worse. You think to yourself, 'It doesn't even work out with the ones I have to make an effort to go out with; I might as well quit; I've got nothing left to try'.

After all, you only want somebody who you can hang out with often, and who doesn't make you feel uncomfortable or needy if you double-text them. You would've honestly settled for 'just friends', but you understand the other person sees it as uncomfortable and confusing.

After many experiences like this, you feel it all: the exhaustion, the lack of hope, the sadness, the anger. You start thinking it was never an obligation to date or have romantic experiences, and decide to make your life about something else instead of constantly dwelling or trying for something that doesn't seem to work.

You don't feel happy, but you feel relieved.

At least it's you- you with your ugliness or cuteness- and you can focus on other goals you have for yourself. You can focus on nurturing your friendships, on good company and creating nice moments with loved ones, and let it be.

Maybe you don't need to quit forever, but it's nice to enjoy a little peace. So you can go ahead and cancel your imaginary wedding, return your imaginary dress, and return your tickets to the Bahamas. You might go on vacation alone or with friends to another destination, Italy perhaps? Who knows… Somewhere fun would be perfect.

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