A Date Without The games

New York City dating was exhausting. The endless texting, last-minute cancellations, guys too caught up in their own sh*t to truly see me—it all felt like a waste of time.

For a young, ambitious, and beautiful girl with relative success in my 20s… dating should be easy. But finding a man who could actually match my energy and give me what I needed? Impossible.

That’s when I decided to do something different. Instead of waiting for a man to step up, I booked one.

The anticipation of the evening felt different—exciting but effortless. No stress, no wondering if he’d cancel, no questioning whether he’d actually put in effort. When he arrived, there was no awkward small talk or ego games. He was dressed impeccably—polished but relaxed, like he belonged in my space. From the moment he stepped inside, his attention was fully on me.

The night was tailored to exactly what I wanted. We sipped wine in the candlelit comfort of my apartment, the city skyline glowing behind us. He listened—actually listened—to me talk about my work, my dreams, my frustrations. There were no interruptions, no one-upping, just undivided attention. His calming voice, the way he leaned in, how he touched my wrist just lightly enough to send a thrill up my spine—it was intoxicating.

For once, I felt seen. Cherished. Beautiful in a way that had nothing to do with filters or fast compliments. He knew exactly how to make me feel desired, appreciated, and completely at ease.

By the time the night ended, I wasn’t left with the usual post-date doubts or unsatisfying goodbyes. Just a lingering warmth, a reminder of what it felt like to be completely taken care of, even if just for a night.

Is this what dating is supposed to feel like?

A date without the games.

A simple, yet unforgettable evening.

— S.