I typically send out a “thank you for lunch/dinner/meeting me” text, but don’t mention a second date. I wait to see if they initiate.

Prior to 2018 I initiated a lot more. Some guys and my therapist discouraged me from doing that, so 2018 has been a test. (Not a game, but a test to see if that approach might bring me more success.) I’m going to write a story about it, but the short version: it’s only meant way fewer dates. I’ve barely dated at all this year.

Of course, much of my results also have to do with my age and the fact that I don’t do casual sex.

Thanks so much for reading, Dawn! Looking forward to hearing how your dating experiences are progressing!