Boston Herald

Dear Abby: She thinks first dates are potholes on true love’s path

- By abigail Van buren Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com.

Dear Abby: I am a 30-yearold woman who very much wants to find someone to share my life and start a family with.

The problem is I hate dating, at least the early stages. To me, first dates aren’t exciting; they’re just plain awkward and nerve-racking.

I have tried everything to change my outlook on dating, but I still go into every first date with the same enthusiasm as I’d have for a root canal.

I truly want a partner in life, but I hate first dates so much I Googled, “Is arranged marriage for me?”

Please, do you have any tips for how to have a more positive outlook on dating?

— Hates Dating in Maryland

Dear Hates Dating: As a matter of fact, I do. I don’t know what kind of first dates you are having, but it might benefit you to make them more casual — a lunch, a coffee, a movie or some other entertainm­ent, so a conversati­on won’t become a third degree. Rather than stress, if you regard a first date as a chance to make a new friend rather than an audition for a life partner, you might enjoy it more and so would your date.

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