The Mindful Dating Framework

How to stay sane while dating:

• Lower the stakes — it's coffee, not a marriage proposal. Treat each date as practice
• Set a time limit — 60 to 90 minutes max for first dates, and leave while energy is high
• Ban the post-date spiral — no analyzing texts for 24 hours; sit with your own impression
• One date at a time — don't try to multi-track six people at once
• Check your body — do you feel expansive or contracted around this person?

Dating should be exploration, not endurance. If it feels like suffering, your approach needs adjusting.