Hi Shani, I really enjoyed your article. As a midlife marriage first-timer, I saw a lot of myself in it. I'm older, was single longer than you've been alive, and have to respectfully disagree with some of your points though:

1. Effort is absolutely required to meet the right partner.

2. You can be told where to meet your husband/wife/partner.

3. Effort, searching, and trying is life, not just dating.

4. Compromise isn't horrible when you love someone.

5. Relationships & love can be goals.

I'm all for empowered singlehood (I lived it for over 50 years) but I have to say, love is worth it. It's also true that disappointment & heartbreak, pain & suffering are unavoidable sometimes. It's not a new phenomenon! But yes, dating apps just show you the pain faster, that we can agree on. We can also agree that letting go is the ultimate freedom, that surrender is liberating, and having a death grip on love doesn't make it appear any faster. As I always say, action + acceptance = dating. Keep a healthy balance and one just might find love.

Keep up the great writing, and being such an inspiration to single people everywhere!