Welcome to romance in the 21st century, where dating apps give us endless profiles to swipe through, yet half the time we don’t even get a reply. There are catfish in the sea, lovebombers on the loose, ghosters vanishing mid-chat, and even the occasional date who disappears before paying the bill.
Still, if there’s one upside to modern dating chaos, it’s the comedy gold it produces. The Instagram account Texts With Benefits captures it all, sharing some of the funniest and most painfully relatable posts about love, dating, and everything in between.
Scroll down to see them and upvote the ones that made you laugh (or cringe) the hardest!
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Be real, are we laughing with the people behind these posts, or crying because it’s all too relatable and modern dating is more of a mess than we hoped for?
Sometimes it feels like finding the one requires a full-on quest we never signed up for, with no map and no idea when it ends. Still, that faint hope for a light at the end of the tunnel keeps us swiping, chatting, and trying again.
Quite often, though, the biggest problem with dating today is exactly that, the illusion of endless options. We’re told there are millions of potential matches out there, but how many of them are actually right for us?
Sure, technology has made it easier than ever to meet people. A simple swipe right can lead to a match or at least a funny story to tell later. But just because there are plenty of profiles doesn’t mean there are plenty of connections.
100% of men I've ever met / interacted with who use "female" as a noun were a human equivalent of stepping on a Lego in a wet sock. There's even a whole subreddit that mocks these losers (r/MenAndFemales)
“With the advent of online dating where the norm is to look at virtual swipes on mobile apps, people have become reduced to profiles pages and photos on a screen,” clinical psychologist Mehezabin Dordi told Harper’s Bazaar India. “It’s almost as though people are partner shopping—much like for products on e-commerce sites.”
This approach has turned dating into something overly focused on appearances and instant gratification, leaving little room for depth or authenticity. Dating apps make it easy to fall into the same trap: the paradox of choice.
“Too much choice causes the feeling of less happiness and less satisfaction with the constant search for what’s better out there,” Dordi explained. “The paradox of choice creates a real sense of anxiety for people looking to find a long-term partner.”
IMO it's always better to be alone than to be with a disappointing man, and I say it as a man. Y'all queens deserve only the best.
But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Modern dating may feel chaotic, but it’s something we can navigate more mindfully. Therapist and life coach Tess Brigham says one of the best ways to do that is to decide what you actually want before diving in.
Most people, she says, don’t even know how to answer the question “What kind of relationship do you want?” because they’ve been conditioned to accept whatever shows up on the screen.
People out there hitting two dates in one night, meanwhile me not being able to score one in 30 years 😅
Brigham suggests making your own “ideal partner” list. Not one built on what society tells you to want, but one that’s genuinely yours. Include everything, from values and lifestyle goals to small preferences.
Then, highlight your non-negotiables. What are your true deal breakers? What kind of behavior are you unwilling to overlook? Knowing these things upfront saves a lot of time, heartbreak, and confusion.
And when you start meeting people, online or off, those boundaries become your compass. If someone tells you they “don’t do relationships,” believe them. If they’re inconsistent, distant, or make you feel small, walk away.
The truth is, no one who’s genuinely into you will make you question it. As Brigham notes, people show you who they are through their actions, not their words.
"My boyfriend's family won't let us date!" "Well who are they to stop you?" 'His wife and kids."
On the other hand, pay attention to the ones who follow through and make you feel valued. Those are the green flags we often overlook while chasing excitement or trying to “fix” people.
Dating doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes, consistency and calm are what real compatibility looks like.
As you wade through the dating world, hold on to your standards and remember, being single isn’t a failure, it’s simply part of the journey toward finding someone who truly fits. Don’t compromise on the things that would make you unhappy just to make something work.
At the end of the day, dating isn’t about finding someone perfect; it’s about finding someone right. So swipe with intention, laugh off the fails, learn from the chaos—and above all, don’t lose yourself in the process.
What delightful sarcasm. You’d have to be a fool not to find that funny.
Lol, I had the opposite happen to me TWICE. Two dudes who had ignored me after a date a couple years ago messaged me on Hinge because they didn't remember me. Ignored them back 🤷🏻♀️
Commas are a good thing, had to reread three times. And wondered why Sarah wore white pants just because the ex also did? Did they know each others and coordinated their pants colours? Also wṭf!!
1) Who cares, you ghosted him. 2) How tf do all these people remember all these other people they come across on these apps?... jfc
Altogether weird. Another thing: please everyone click on the three dots and report kristinmurphy and others who post such spam.
We are, believe me we are, but it doesn't appear to do much good.
Load More Replies...Is a site where people take unadvisable romantic risks called "bumble" for a reason?
It's actually because it's women-focused (women initiate the conversations), like a hive of bees are focused on the queen bee
Load More Replies...I got peeved.. spent hrs getting ready, hair styling/ face nask, a French Connection dress and high heels. He turns up s****d in a hoodie and wide baggy jeans which were frayed and filthy at the ends from being dragged along the ground. Nice bloke.. we had a few dates and then he ghosted me. Prob for the best . Coudknt see him ever not smoking weed despite being 40
Altogether weird. Another thing: please everyone click on the three dots and report kristinmurphy and others who post such spam.
We are, believe me we are, but it doesn't appear to do much good.
Load More Replies...Is a site where people take unadvisable romantic risks called "bumble" for a reason?
It's actually because it's women-focused (women initiate the conversations), like a hive of bees are focused on the queen bee
Load More Replies...I got peeved.. spent hrs getting ready, hair styling/ face nask, a French Connection dress and high heels. He turns up s****d in a hoodie and wide baggy jeans which were frayed and filthy at the ends from being dragged along the ground. Nice bloke.. we had a few dates and then he ghosted me. Prob for the best . Coudknt see him ever not smoking weed despite being 40
