What Can You Do When You Feel Disappointed?

"Listening to clients, friends, and acquaintances who are looking for romantic partners, it has seemed to me that online dating is declining. A recent New York Times article reinforced my anecdotal 'research,' citing significant evidence that 'dating app burnout has become rampant, and platforms are struggling to attract and retain users.' It appears that people are turning back to old-fashioned techniques for meeting people in real life (IRL)."

"But whether meeting someone through a blind date, a dating site, or a meetup of some sort, there is always the possibility of disappointment. People don't live up to expectations. Dates don't live up to expectations. For better or worse, disappointment is a natural part of the dating equation."

"We have our first lessons on managing disappointment as children. Parents often feel the need to protect their children from the pain, shame, and hurt that often go along with disappointment. But the feelings, including being disappointed in their parents, are an important part of a child's development."

Online dating has experienced declining popularity as users face burnout, with people increasingly returning to traditional in-person meeting methods. Despite the venue for meeting romantic partners, disappointment remains an inherent part of the dating experience, as people and dates frequently fail to meet expectations. Disappointment extends beyond dating into broader life experiences. Managing disappointment begins in childhood, where parents naturally want to protect children from pain and hurt, yet these experiences are crucial for development. Early exposure to manageable disappointment helps children build emotional resilience and coping skills necessary for navigating adult relationships and life challenges.

Read at Psychology Today