I don't believe in dating for several reasons. While many see it as an essential step before entering a relationship, I've come to view it differently. Dating, at its core, is meant to help people understand one another, yet ironically, it often encourages them to hide their true selves.

When two people start dating, they instinctively put their best foot forward. They dress well, speak carefully, and choose their actions deliberately all in an attempt to make a good impression. But in doing so, they present an idealized version of themselves rather than their full reality. No one willingly reveals their flaws at the beginning of a courtship, fearing that honesty might cost them the chance at a relationship.

Think about it when I date someone, I become more aware of how I present myself. I suppress my quirks, avoid making opinions, and downplay habits that might be perceived as undesirable. It's not deception in the malicious sense, but rather a form of social survival. After all, if I expose too much of my true self too soon, I risk losing the opportunity before the other person has truly gotten to know me.

This is the paradox of dating it is meant to create genuine connections, yet it often encourages people to wear masks. Only after time has passed, and the comfort of familiarity sets in, do those masks begin to slip. And when that happens, couples often face a difficult realization did they fall for the real person, or just the version that was carefully curated for the dating phase?

I believe that every person has many different sides. We are not just one dimensional beings we are complex, layered, and ever changing. Yet dating forces people to reveal only the most polished side of themselves, hiding and making sure to avoid the discovery of imperfections. Perhaps that's why so many relationships falter after the initial excitement fades because they were built on selective truths rather than complete honesty.

Would it not be better to start from a place of authenticity? To allow a connection to form naturally, without the pressure of impressing one another? Instead of dating in the traditional sense, wouldn't it be more meaningful to build a bond through shared experiences, mutual respect, and gradual understanding? like why do we need to date? can we be clear for each other and mutually understood our intentions? if you love and I love you then let us work on that without the needs to impress each.

Dating, as it is commonly practiced, can feel like a performance. And if love is meant to be real, then why should its foundation be built on anything less than truth?

Well we might see dating in a different way, but listen to it