I Tried 5 Different Dating Apps for a Month: The Brutal Ranking (Worst to Best)
My month on dating apps began with the worst: a swipe-heavy app that felt like a chaotic, bottomless clearance bin of blurry photos and one-word bios. It was exhausting and yielded nothing. The absolute best app, however, was one that required more effort upfront, with thoughtful prompts and a limited number of daily matches. It was less like a chaotic bin and more like a small, curated boutique. The quality was so much higher that it led to actual, engaging conversations, proving that a little bit of friction can be the best filter of all.
Ranking the Most Overrated and Actually Useful Pieces of Dating Advice (Worst to Best)
The world is full of bad dating advice. The most overrated and useless is the vague command to “just be yourself.” It’s like being told to navigate a new city by “just walking.” The most useful and powerful piece of advice, however, is to “be the person you would want to date.” This is like being given a compass. It’s an inward-focused, actionable instruction that encourages self-improvement, confidence, and building a life you love, which is the most attractive quality of all. One is a platitude; the other is a true north.
I Went on 10 First Dates With People I Met Online: The Stories Ranked (Worst to Best)
My first date marathon had some real lows and one high. The worst date was a brutal, one-sided job interview where the guy just listed his accomplishments for an hour without asking me a single question. It was a monologue, not a connection. The absolute best first date, however, felt like the first chapter of a great book. The conversation was an easy, balanced, and exciting back-and-forth of stories and laughter. I left not just wanting a second date, but genuinely excited to see what the next chapter would hold.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Dating Profile Cliches (Worst to Best)
A dating profile is a sea of clichés. The most annoying, by far, is the photo of a guy holding up a giant fish. It’s the male equivalent of the Snapchat dog filter and tells me absolutely nothing about your personality. The most common and cringeworthy cliché in a bio is the phrase “just ask.” It’s a lazy, conversation-ending statement that puts all the work on the other person. A great profile is an invitation, not a locked door, and these clichés are a deadbolt.
I Asked 20 People for Their Worst First Date Stories: A Cringeworthy Ranking (Worst to Best)
My collection of worst first date stories was a masterclass in cringe. There were tales of cheapness and rudeness, but the absolute worst and most cringeworthy story was from a friend whose date brought a binder of his ex-girlfriends to the table, complete with “pros and cons” lists for each. He then proceeded to explain how she would be “evaluated.” It wasn’t just a bad date; it was a horrifying, four-alarm fire of red flags that was so spectacularly awful it has become a legendary cautionary tale among our friends.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Break Up With Someone (Worst to Best)
A breakup is a painful necessity, but the method matters. The absolute worst, most cowardly, and disrespectful way to break up with someone is to “ghost” them—to simply disappear without a word. It’s like a doctor abandoning a patient in the middle of a surgery. The best and most mature way, however difficult, is a direct, honest, and kind in-person conversation. It’s like a clean, painful but necessary amputation. It respects the other person’s humanity and provides the closure that both people need to heal and move on.
I Compared the “Talking Stage” in My 20s vs. My 30s (Worst to Best)
The “talking stage” evolves with age. In my 20s, it was the worst: a long, confusing, and often non-exclusive period of aimless texting that could go on for months with no clear destination. It was like being on a road trip with no map. The “talking stage” in my 30s, however, is the best. It’s a much more intentional and efficient period of getting to know someone with a clear goal in mind. It’s like having a map and a destination; you’re both trying to figure out if you’re going to the same place.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Communication Problems in Relationships (Worst to Best)
Bad communication can sink a relationship. The most common and frustrating problem is the belief that your partner should be a mind-reader. Getting angry because your partner didn’t do something you never actually asked for is like being mad at a builder for not including a window that was never in the blueprint. The solution, and the foundation of a healthy relationship, is clear, direct communication. It’s the boring but essential work of creating a shared blueprint so you can build a strong, happy life together.
I Tried to Plan the “Perfect” Date Night on 3 Different Budgets (Worst to Best)
My date night experiment proved that money has nothing to do with romance. The “worst” and most stressful date was the expensive, high-pressure one at a fancy restaurant; it felt more like a performance than a real connection. The absolute best and most memorable date night was the cheapest. We packed a picnic, went to a free concert in the park, and just talked for hours under the stars. The lack of fancy distractions forced us to focus on what really mattered: each other. It proved that creativity and intention are far more romantic than a big budget.
Ranking the Best and Worst “Green Flags” to Look for in a Partner (Worst to Best)
It’s easy to be fooled by superficial green flags. The “worst” and most misleading green flag is something like having the same taste in music or movies. It’s a nice bonus, but it’s ultimately shallow. The absolute best and most important green flag to look for in a partner is how they treat people in the service industry, like a waiter or a barista. Their kindness and respect (or lack thereof) in that simple, unguarded interaction is a powerful and incredibly accurate window into their true character. One is a shiny paint job; the other is the engine.
I Analyzed the “Love Languages” to See How They Apply in Real Life (Worst to Best)
The concept of “love languages” was a game-changer for my relationship. The worst feeling is when you and your partner are showing love in completely different languages. It’s like you are shouting “I love you” in French, and they are shouting it back in Japanese; you’re both expressing the same thing, but neither of you can hear it. The best and most magical feeling is when you finally learn your partner’s love language. You can finally give them the specific kind of “love” that they can truly feel and understand, which is the key to a deep and lasting connection.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Qualities in a Long-Term Partner (Worst to Best)
When looking for a long-term partner, we often focus on the wrong things. The most overlooked but important qualities are not the exciting, superficial ones. The absolute most important and life-changing quality in a long-term partner is not a sense of humor or a great job, but a shared definition of respect and a willingness to grow and change together. It’s the boring but essential foundation of the house. The exciting stuff is just the paint color; the shared values are what will keep the house standing for a lifetime.
I Tried to Stay Friends With an Ex: The Awkwardness Ranked (Worst to Best)
Trying to be friends with an ex is a delicate dance on a minefield. The absolute worst and most awkward stage is the beginning, where you’re both trying to pretend that a massive, heartbreaking thing didn’t just happen. It’s like trying to have a normal conversation in a room where the house just burned down around you. The “best” and most successful version of an ex-friendship is the one that happens after a significant amount of time has passed, when you’ve both truly healed and moved on. Only then can you build a new, different friendship on the ashes of the old one.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Things Couples Post on Social Media (Worst to Best)
A couple’s social media can be sweet or sickening. The most common and annoying thing, by far, is the “inside joke” caption on a photo of the two of them. It’s a deliberately exclusionary act that is designed to say, “Look at this amazing, secret connection we have that you are not a part of.” It’s not just a post; it’s a performance of intimacy for a public audience, which often feels more insecure than it does romantic.
I Compared Meeting People at a Bar vs. Through a Hobby vs. on an App (Worst to Best)
My search for a connection revealed three very different environments. The bar was the worst; it was like trying to have a deep conversation in the middle of a loud, chaotic concert. The app was more efficient but felt like scrolling through a soulless catalog. The absolute best and most successful method, by far, was meeting someone through a shared hobby. The activity provided a natural, low-pressure way to get to know someone’s personality, and we already had a genuine, built-in connection. It was a friendship that had the potential to become something more.
Ranking the Best and Worst Anniversary Gift Ideas (Worst to Best)
An anniversary gift is a symbol of your relationship. The absolute worst gifts are the generic, thoughtless ones that feel like an obligation, like a cheap box of chocolates from the drugstore. The absolute best and most meaningful anniversary gifts are the ones that are not things, but experiences. Planning a trip to a place you’ve always talked about, recreating your first date, or simply taking a class together is a gift that creates a new, shared memory, which is a far more valuable and lasting treasure than any object.
I Polled 50 Couples on How They Handle Finances: The Methods Ranked (Worst to Best)
My poll on couple’s finances revealed a clear winner for harmony. The worst method was the one with no method at all, where finances were a constant source of unspoken tension and surprise arguments. The absolute best and most successful method, according to the happiest couples, was the “yours, mine, and ours” system. Each person has their own account for personal spending, and a joint account for shared bills and goals. It was the perfect balance of individual freedom and shared responsibility, turning a potential source of conflict into a simple, collaborative system.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Conversations to Have Before Marriage (Worst to Best)
Before you say “I do,” you need to have the tough conversations. An often-overlooked one is about how you will handle holidays with your respective families. The absolute most important and overlooked conversation to have before marriage, however, is about debt. Walking into a marriage without a full, honest understanding of your partner’s financial situation is like buying a house without doing an inspection. It’s a massive, life-altering commitment, and you need to know if there are any hidden, foundational problems before you sign on the dotted line.
I Tried to Win an Argument With My Partner Using “I Statements” (Worst to Best)
My attempt to use “I statements” was a communication game-changer. The worst and least effective way to argue is to use “you statements,” like “You always do this,” which immediately puts the other person on the defensive. It’s like throwing rocks at them. The best and most surprisingly effective method was to switch to “I statements,” like “I feel hurt when this happens.” It was like building a bridge instead of a wall. It de-escalated the conflict and turned a fight into a conversation about my feelings, which is a much more productive and loving place to be.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Reasons People Ghost Each Other (Worst to Best)
Ghosting is a modern dating plague. The most frustrating and cowardly reason people ghost is simple conflict avoidance. Instead of having a brief, uncomfortable conversation to end things, they choose to just disappear, leaving the other person in a confusing, painful limbo of unanswered questions. It’s the emotional equivalent of a hit-and-run. The lack of closure and the feeling of being completely disposable is a uniquely cruel and unnecessary part of the modern dating experience.
I Compared the Advice from 5 Different Relationship Therapists on YouTube (Worst to Best)
My deep dive into YouTube therapy revealed a spectrum of advice. The worst were the channels that focused on gimmicky, manipulative “tricks” to make someone like you; it was the emotional equivalent of a get-rich-quick scheme. The absolute best and most helpful therapists were the ones who focused on the fundamentals. They didn’t offer quick fixes; they taught the boring but essential skills of healthy communication, setting boundaries, and understanding your own attachment style. They were not just giving dating advice; they were teaching you how to build a healthy, lasting relationship with yourself and others.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Handle a Disagreement With Your Partner (Worst to Best)
A disagreement can be a destructive force or a productive tool. The absolute worst way to handle one is to try to “win” the argument, which means your partner has to “lose.” It turns you into opponents. The absolute best and most effective way to handle a disagreement is to remember that it’s you and your partner vs. the problem, not you vs. your partner. This simple shift in perspective turns a battle into a collaborative, problem-solving session, and it’s the secret to navigating conflict without damaging your connection.
I Tried to Reconnect With a Long-Lost Friend: The Results (Worst to Best)
My attempt to reconnect with an old friend was a nostalgic gamble. The worst part was the initial, awkward small talk, trying to bridge the gap of years in a few text messages. It felt a bit like talking to a stranger with a familiar face. The absolute best and most heartwarming part was when we finally met up in person. After a few minutes of awkwardness, the years just melted away, and we fell back into the easy, familiar rhythm of our old friendship. It was a beautiful and powerful reminder that the strongest connections are often timeless.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Things About Being the “Single Friend” (Worst to Best)
Being the single friend in a group of couples is a unique social position. A common annoyance is being the default third wheel. The most common and annoying thing, however, is when your coupled-up friends treat your singleness like a problem to be solved. The constant, unsolicited advice and the well-meaning but often terrible matchmaking attempts can make you feel less like a friend and more like a project. It’s a frustrating and often patronizing experience that completely ignores the fact that you might be perfectly happy being single.
I Analyzed the “Stages of a Relationship” and Compared Them to My Own Experience (Worst to Best)
The classic “stages of a relationship” model is a neat but flawed map. The worst part is the idea that it’s a linear, predictable progression, which can make you feel like your relationship is “failing” if it doesn’t follow the script. The best and most realistic part of the model is its acknowledgment of the inevitable shift from the euphoric “honeymoon phase” to a more stable, comfortable “companionate” love. Understanding that this is a natural and healthy evolution, not a sign of failure, is one of the most important lessons in any long-term relationship.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Meet Your Partner’s Parents for the First Time (Worst to Best)
Meeting the parents is a high-stakes performance. The absolute worst way to do it is to try too hard to be someone you’re not, which comes off as insincere and awkward. The absolute best and most successful way to meet the parents is to just be a polite, engaged, and authentic version of yourself. Don’t pretend to love football if you don’t; instead, ask them genuine questions about their own interests. They are not looking for a perfect person; they are looking to see the real person that their child has fallen in love with.
I Compared the Experience of Living Alone vs. Living With a Partner (Worst to Best)
Living alone versus with a partner are two different worlds. Living alone is the best for pure, selfish freedom. You can leave your dishes in the sink, watch whatever you want, and the entire space is yours. The worst part is the silence and the occasional loneliness. Living with a partner is the best for companionship and shared joy. The best part is the simple, quiet moments of just being together. The worst part is the loss of that selfish freedom and the constant, necessary act of compromise. Both are beautiful in their own way.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Aspects of Maintaining a Friendship (Worst to Best)
A good friendship requires effort. The most overlooked but important aspect is celebrating their successes with genuine, unjealous joy. The absolute most important and overlooked aspect of maintaining a friendship, however, is simply showing up during the boring, difficult, and unglamorous times. Anyone will come to your birthday party, but a true friend is the one who will come over and sit in silence with you after a tough breakup or a bad day at work. It’s in the quiet, supportive moments that the deepest bonds are forged.
I Tried to Use Cheesy Pickup Lines in Real Life: The Rejections Ranked (Worst to Best)
My cheesy pickup line experiment was a masterclass in public humiliation. The absolute worst and most cringeworthy rejection was a slow, pitying head shake followed by a simple, devastating “no.” The “best” rejection, and the only one that didn’t make me want to crawl into a hole, was the one that was met with a genuine, surprised laugh. She still said no, but the shared moment of humor and the acknowledgment of the ridiculousness of the situation turned a rejection into a brief, funny, and surprisingly human interaction.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Things About Wedding Planning (Worst to Best)
Wedding planning is a gauntlet of annoyances. A common one is the “wedding tax,” where the price of a service magically doubles the moment you mention the word “wedding.” The most common and annoying thing about wedding planning, however, is managing the unsolicited opinions and expectations of your family. The constant pressure to invite people you don’t know and to adhere to traditions you don’t care about can turn a celebration of your love into a stressful exercise in pleasing everyone else.
I Compared Long-Distance Relationships vs. Being Single in the Same City (Worst to Best)
My comparison of long-distance vs. single life was a study in different kinds of loneliness. Being single was the “worst” in that I sometimes felt a sharp, acute loneliness on a Saturday night. The long-distance relationship, however, was a constant, low-grade ache of missing someone who was a part of my life but not a part of my day. One was a temporary feeling; the other was a chronic condition. Ultimately, the freedom and potential of being single in my own city was a much happier and healthier place for me to be.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Apologize and Mean It (Worst to Best)
A good apology can heal a wound. The absolute worst and most infuriating apology is the non-apology, “I’m sorry you feel that way.” It’s a cowardly, passive-aggressive statement that takes no responsibility and actually blames the other person for their own feelings. The absolute best and most effective apology is the one that is specific, sincere, and focused on your own actions. A simple “I’m sorry that I hurt you when I said that” is a powerful, direct, and healing statement that takes full ownership and opens the door to forgiveness.
I Tried to Define the Relationship (“DTR”) in 3 Different Scenarios (Worst to Best)
The “DTR” talk is a nerve-wracking but necessary conversation. The absolute worst and most awkward scenario was when I tried to have the talk way too early, which came off as intense and scared the other person away. The absolute best and most successful DTR was the one that happened naturally and calmly, after we had been dating for a while and it was clear we were on the same page. It wasn’t a high-pressure interrogation; it was a simple, happy confirmation of what we both already knew and felt, which is exactly what that conversation should be.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Double Standards in Dating (Worst to Best)
Dating is full of frustrating double standards. A common one is the idea that it’s okay for a man to be assertive, but a woman who is equally assertive is seen as “bossy.” The most common and frustrating double standard, however, is the one that judges women for having the same sexual history as a man. A man with multiple partners is often seen as a “stud,” while a woman with the same history is unfairly and cruelly labeled. It’s a persistent, sexist, and deeply ingrained double standard that has no place in a healthy, modern dating world.
I Analyzed the “Attachment Styles” and How They Show Up in My Relationships (Worst to Best)
Learning about attachment styles was like being given a secret decoder ring for my relationships. The most frustrating style to deal with is the “anxious-avoidant” trap, where one person’s need for closeness triggers the other person’s need for distance, creating a painful, self-perpetuating cycle of push and pull. The absolute best and healthiest dynamic is a “secure” attachment, where both partners feel safe, confident, and independent, and can give and receive love without fear. It’s not just a theory; it’s a powerful framework for understanding ourselves and our partners.
Ranking the Best and Worst Things About Being in a “Situationship” (Worst to Best)
A “situationship” is a purgatory of ambiguity. The absolute worst part is the constant, low-level anxiety and emotional confusion that comes from not knowing where you stand. It’s the emotional equivalent of being perpetually ghosted, but by someone who is still in your life. The best and most appealing part of a situationship is the perceived freedom and lack of pressure. It can be fun and casual, but that temporary benefit is almost always outweighed by the eventual, inevitable pain of its undefined nature.
I Compared the Dating Scene in a Big City vs. a Small Town (Worst to Best)
The dating scene is a completely different game in a big city vs. a small town. The worst part of dating in a small town is the tiny dating pool; you’ve likely already dated or are friends with everyone’s ex. The worst part of dating in a big city is the “paradox of choice”; the seemingly endless options can lead to a constant, nagging feeling that someone better is just one swipe away. One is a shallow pond where you know all the fish; the other is a massive, overwhelming ocean.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Ways to Show Appreciation for Your Partner (Worst to Best)
Showing appreciation is the glue of a relationship. The most overlooked but important ways are not the big, grand gestures. The absolute best and most powerful way to show appreciation for your partner is to notice and acknowledge the small, invisible, everyday things they do. A simple, specific “thank you for making the coffee this morning” is a thousand times more powerful than a generic “I love you.” It shows that you are not just in a relationship; you are paying attention, and you see and value their effort.
I Tried to Get Over a Breakup Using 5 Different “Proven” Methods (Worst to Best)
Getting over a breakup is a messy process. The absolute worst and least effective method was trying to immediately jump into a new “rebound” relationship, which was just a cheap, temporary distraction that avoided the real pain. The absolute best and most effective method was the simple, painful, and non-negotiable “no contact” rule, combined with a focus on reconnecting with my own friends, hobbies, and sense of self. It wasn’t about finding someone new; it was about the slow, difficult, and ultimately beautiful process of finding myself again.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Pieces of Unsolicited Relationship Advice (Worst to Best)
The world is full of bad, unsolicited relationship advice. A common and annoying piece of advice is the tired cliché, “never go to bed angry.” Sometimes, the most mature and loving thing you can do is get some sleep and revisit a problem with a clearer head in the morning. The absolute worst and most toxic piece of advice, however, is “if they really loved you, they would know what you want.” This promotes the childish and destructive idea that your partner should be a mind-reader, which is the exact opposite of healthy, open communication.
I Compared the Expectations vs. Reality of Moving In Together (Worst to Best)
Moving in together is a big step. The expectation is a romantic, 24/7 slumber party. The reality is a constant negotiation over the thermostat, the toilet seat, and whose turn it is to take out the trash. The worst part of the reality is the loss of your personal space and alone time. The absolute best and most beautiful reality, however, is the simple, quiet intimacy of building a shared life together. It’s not about the grand romantic gestures; it’s about the small, everyday moments of just being home, together.
Ranking the Best and Worst “Cheap Dates” That Are Actually Fun (Worst to Best)
A great date doesn’t have to be expensive. The worst “cheap dates” are the ones that just feel cheap and low-effort, like just “hanging out.” The absolute best cheap dates are the ones that are creative, interactive, and fun. A trip to a local farmer’s market followed by a “cook-off” with the ingredients you bought, a competitive game of mini-golf, or a hike to a beautiful viewpoint are all experiences that create a shared memory and a genuine connection, which is a far more valuable and romantic outcome than an expensive, boring dinner.
I Tried to Explain a Modern Dating Term to My Parents: Their Confusion Ranked (Worst to Best)
My attempt to explain modern dating to my parents was a hilarious communication breakdown. The hardest term for them to grasp was “situationship.” Their brains are wired for a world of clear, binary definitions—you’re either dating or you’re not. The idea of a long-term, undefined, non-exclusive romantic entanglement was a completely foreign and baffling concept to them. The conversation ended with my dad shaking his head and saying, “So, you’re just very confusing friends?” which is honestly a pretty accurate summary.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Things About Family Gatherings (Worst to Best)
Family gatherings are a beautiful, chaotic mess. A common frustration is the awkward small talk with relatives you see once a year. The most common and frustrating thing about family gatherings, however, is the inevitable, well-meaning but incredibly personal and intrusive question about your life choices. “When are you getting married?” or “When are you having kids?” can turn a pleasant conversation into an uncomfortable, public interrogation of your entire life plan. It’s a classic and unavoidable part of the holiday experience.
I Analyzed the Portrayal of Romance in Movies vs. Real Life (Worst to Best)
Romantic comedies are a beautiful lie. The worst and most damaging portrayal of romance is the “grand gesture,” the idea that a relationship is built on a series of dramatic, movie-perfect moments. Real life love is not a highlight reel. The best and most realistic part of a real relationship is the quiet, unglamorous, and deeply intimate moments in between the highlights—the inside jokes, the comfortable silences, the unwavering support during a tough day. One is a fantasy; the other is a real, lasting partnership.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Deal With Jealousy in a Healthy Way (Worst to Best)
Jealousy is a normal emotion, but how you handle it is what matters. The absolute worst and most destructive way to deal with it is to act on it through snooping, accusations, or trying to control your partner’s behavior. This is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline. The absolute best and healthiest way to deal with jealousy is to first, look inward and understand where the insecurity is coming from, and then to communicate that feeling to your partner in a calm, non-accusatory way. It turns a destructive emotion into a productive conversation.
I Compared My Dating Profile from 5 Years Ago to Today: The Cringe Ranked (Worst to Best)
Looking back at my old dating profile was a cringeworthy time capsule. The worst and most embarrassing part was the list of generic, clichéd interests and the heavily filtered photos where I looked like a blurry, plastic-skinned alien. The best part of my new profile is its specificity and confidence. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, it’s an honest and quirky reflection of who I actually am. The old profile was a desperate, generic advertisement; the new one is an authentic, confident invitation, and it has attracted much better matches.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Signs of a Toxic Relationship (Worst to Best)
Toxic relationships often start with subtle red flags. An often-overlooked sign is “love bombing,” where a new partner is excessively and overwhelmingly affectionate at the very beginning. The most important and dangerous sign of a toxic relationship, however, is isolation. A partner who slowly, subtly, and deliberately tries to cut you off from your friends and family is not protecting you; they are trying to control you. It’s a quiet, insidious tactic that is a massive, blaring siren of a red flag that should never be ignored.
I Tried to Make a New Friend as an Adult Using an App (Worst to Best)
Making friends as an adult is like dating, but weirder. My friend-making app experience was an awkward journey. The worst part was the initial, stilted conversations that felt like a series of job interviews. The best and most successful connection I made was with someone who I immediately moved from the app to an in-person coffee date. It was a powerful reminder that a real friendship is not built on texting; it’s built on shared experiences, laughter, and the simple, irreplaceable magic of being in the same room together.
Ranking the Most Enduring and Fading Reasons People Stay Together (Worst to Best)
Not all reasons for staying in a relationship are good ones. The “worst” and most fading reasons are the ones based on fear—the fear of being alone, the fear of change, the fear of what other people will think. These are a weak, crumbling foundation that will not last. The best and most enduring reasons people stay together are the ones based on a positive, active choice—a deep, mutual respect, a genuine enjoyment of each other’s company, and a shared vision for the future. One is a prison; the other is a partnership.