Do you like casual dating?

I love romantic comedies. So, naturally, many of my favorite movies and TV shows revolve around people dating other people. Friends, New Girl, Seinfeld and Will and Grace are just a few shows where a group of people are constantly dating new people in search of “the one.” And while I wouldn't trade my current relationship for anything, watching the ups and downs of those TV dating lives always makes me feel just a little left out, because I’ve never really had similar experience in that sort of dating, where you might see a person a few times and then break it off. 

I’ve gone on “dates,” obviously, but I’ve never been a "casual" dater. Most dates I’ve had have led to relationships, whether they lasted a month or a year. But I can count on one hand the number of guys I’ve had less than five dates with and then never spoke to again. I think that’s why watching this type of show is so interesting to me, because it’s such a normal experience — a rite of passage for young adults. It's something I came to expect out of adulthood when I was younger, but I still can't actually relate to it. 

The other part of it is that I don’t really know many people who have casually dated a lot either. Many of my friends have similar situations to me, where the majority of their dating experiences have led to relationships. Maybe it’s my age group, or maybe it’s more of a location thing, and people here just don’t do as much casual dating? I can’t say for sure one way or the other, but I feel pretty confident in saying that the dating scene around Iowa is definitely not close to the ones shown in the aforementioned TV shows.

So I’m curious — what do you think of the concept of casual dating? Is it more normal for you? Do you know people who have dated a lot? I’d love to know…

P.S. How to make your relationship feel new and how to fight successfully

Sometimes fiction is better than reality

I heard that quote once—in a TV show or movie probably, but I can't remember for sure—and thought of it today after seeing "If I Stay." I read the book several years ago, and the previews practically had me grasping for tissues already. It was so good. Heartbreaking and devastating, but also incredibly beautiful.

I won't give away any spoilers, but I have to talk about how the characters and their relationships in the story. Chloe Grace Moretz plays Mia, who has these amazing punk-rock, hippy-esque parents who encourage her to chase her dreams and live her life, even when it gets scary. And then she has this incredible boyfriend Adam, played by Jamie Blackley, who has his own band, a huge following and isn't afraid to show his emotional side. The family dynamic is so free and supportive, it's impossible to not want be a part of it. Her parents are the most understanding, fun and unselfish people. And Mia's relationship with Adam is beautiful to watch, even through the hard parts.

I love living through stories like this in books, but watching it unfold on-screen makes it seem so much more human—like someone really is out in the world living that life right now. Mia's relationships with her parents and boyfriend are so precious, you can't help but wish reality was a little bit as poetic as it is in fiction.

(Image via That's Normal)