Let’s be real: what started off as a joke about there being pee and poop in the dating pool… doesn’t feel so funny anymore. These days, modern dating feels like trying to swim in murky waters—with floaties on, a blindfold, and someone shouting conflicting advice from the shore.
 
The basics of attraction and connection haven’t changed much—flirting, chemistry, shared laughs—they’re still the foundation. But now, the rules of engagement shift faster than your favorite podcast lineup. One moment you’re told to “be mysterious,” the next you’re shamed for not being vulnerable enough. It’s dating by trend: swipe left, swipe right, ghost, breadcrumb, love bomb, repeat.
 
We’ve managed to polarize men, women, and everyone in between so thoroughly that dating feels less like a courtship and more like a courtroom drama. Everyone’s either confused, guarded, or just straight-up emotionally jet-lagged.
 
Welcome to the dating pool. Don’t forget your life vest.