I’ll never forget the day I decided to embark on an unconventional journey – I dated 10 different guys in 30 days. It was a bold move, to say the least, and one that left me feeling both exhilarated and exhausted. But what started as a silly challenge ended up becoming a transformative experience that taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined.
The Why
I’d recently gone through a rough breakup, and my friends and family were urging me to get back out there. But instead of diving into another serious relationship, I wanted to take a step back and focus on myself. I realized that I’d been so focused on making others happy for so long that I’d forgotten what it felt like to prioritize my own needs. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and see what happened when I put myself first.
The How
I set a rule for myself – no more than three dates with each guy, and no hookups or serious relationships. My goal was to get to know each person as a friend, not as a potential partner. I created a spreadsheet to keep track of my dates, and before I knew it, my schedule was filled with coffee dates, hikes, and dinner parties.
The Dating Process
The first few dates were awkward, as you’d expect. There were some instant connections, while others were complete disasters. But as the days went by, I started to relax and enjoy the process. I met guys from all walks of life – some were charming entrepreneurs, while others were struggling artists. Some were hilarious, while others were downright awkward.
One date in particular stands out – we went on a group hike with a group of friends, and it was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. We laughed, we joked, and we shared stories like old friends. It was easy and natural, and for the first time in months, I felt like myself.
The Lessons Learned
As the experiment progressed, I started to notice patterns emerging. Some guys were consistently kind and respectful, while others were selfish and dismissive. Some were passionate about their work, while others seemed apathetic about everything. And through it all, I learned more about myself than I ever could have anticipated.
I realized that my relationships in the past had been defined by external validation – whether it was the thrill of the chase or the comfort of being in a partnership. But as I dated these 10 guys, I began to understand that true fulfillment comes from within. I learned to appreciate my own company, to enjoy my own thoughts and feelings without needing someone else’s validation.
I also discovered that my expectations had been way too high. I’d been holding onto this idealized version of love and relationships in my head, and it was exhausting. Dating 10 different guys in 30 days forced me to confront my own flaws and imperfections, and it was liberating.
The Turning Point
Around date #5 or #6, something shifted inside of me. It wasn’t just about trying new things or having fun – it was about growth and self-awareness. I started to see patterns in my behavior and attitudes that needed changing. I realized that I’d been prioritizing others’ needs over my own for far too long.
It was then that I knew this experiment wasn’t just about dating – it was about becoming the best version of myself.
As the 30 days came to a close, I felt like a different person. The experience had been exhilarating, exhausting, and transformative all at once. Looking back on those 10 dates, I’m grateful for the lessons learned – about myself, about relationships, and about what truly matters.
Dating 10 different guys in 30 days wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. It forced me to confront my fears, challenge my expectations, and discover what truly makes me happy. As I look back on that journey now, I know that no matter what comes next – whether it’s another relationship or solo time – I’m ready for whatever life has in store.