self-respect | Dating Dave

The Ghosting Phrase That’s Killing Modern Dating

July 14, 2025

You’ve been chatting for weeks. Maybe you’ve gone on two or three great dates. There’s chemistry, inside jokes, little rituals forming—Spotify playlists swapped, memes shared at 11 p.m., the giddy kind of energy that makes you grin at your phone. Then you hit that inevitable moment: you [...]

Are You Their Back-Up Plan? Here’s How to Tell—and What to Do About It

June 26, 2025

Let’s talk straight, because I reckon someone out there needs to hear this loud and clear: if someone keeps you around but never fully commits, there’s a good chance you’re not their Plan A. You’re the safety net. The “just in case.” And mate, you’re worth a whole lot more than being [...]

Stop Making Excuses for People Who Barely Try

June 25, 2025

There’s a moment in dating where your gut knows the truth—but your heart tries to explain it away. You wait for a reply that never comes, and say, “Maybe they’re just busy.” You suggest meeting up, and they flake again, so you say, “They probably had a lot on.” You try to connect [...]

Stop Trying to Win Them Over – You’re Not in a Competition for Love

June 23, 2025

We’ve all been there. You meet someone who seems perfect. They’ve got that spark, that smile, that mystery. You find yourself leaning in, showing up, doing everything right—maybe even doing more than you normally would. You listen intently, you compliment them often, you initiate plans, you [...]

When He Says He’s Not Ready for a Relationship… But Still Talks to You Every Day

June 23, 2025

We’ve all heard it. That classic, softly delivered line: “I’m just not ready for a relationship right now.” And at first, it sounds honest. Respectful even. So you nod. You understand. You say it’s okay. But then… he keeps texting. Keeps liking your stories. Keeps calling late at night [...]

When She Tests You Without Realising It

June 18, 2025

You’re having a great time with her, everything’s flowing, and suddenly she throws out a comment that makes you stop in your tracks. Maybe she says something sarcastic. Maybe she flirts with a guy in front of you just to see how you react. Maybe she cancels plans last minute with a casual [...]