Date #1: Dating in My Comfort Zone
From the Archives: Do you give off "Fucks on the First Date" vibes?
In 2023, Ashley went on a new first date every week of the year until she fell in love. In 2025, she’s revisiting these weekly pieces on Deep Trouble to see how well this experiment really worked.
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Originally published 1/7/2023, Updated on 1/6/2025
I’m doing this project because I’ve had the hardest time forcing myself to get out into the world since the pandemic. I’m happy! Life is great! I saw that tiktok where the guy is like “I think I healed too much cuz…I don’t like anyone,” laughed and went “same.” But, true healing is when you look at the world and the people in it with openness and optimism, right? I guess. I am trying. Just like, not too hard.
For my first date, I played it very casual. I tried scheduling and arranging a date for the week, but that was pretty difficult. Usually, I use dating apps the way most people do: chat a bit and let’s hook up TONIGHT. I’m not looking for midnight apartment visits, though. I want real dates! Like the great Meredith Grey said: I want heat, romance. Let’s grab a coffee or a drink. Let’s see a movie or go dance. These are things that require planning.
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