In 2010, London was buzzing about the upcoming Olympics. My life seemed just as exciting on the surface.
Good job? Check. Fun friends? Check. A cosy flat? Double check. But underneath, I was a mess.
A year after ending a long-term relationship, I was convinced a new boyfriend was the missing piece to make everything perfect. So, I dove into online dating, hoping to find the one.
After several awkward coffee dates, the only thing brewing was my frustration. I needed a fresh take.
In a moment of desperation (or genius?), I signed up for a free dating seminar hosted by Matthew Hussey, who later became a New York Times bestselling author with his book, Get the Guy. His website seemed legit, so why not?
The thought of getting out of bed and facing a room full of strangers was daunting, but I dragged myself there, hoping for a quick fix to my love life.
It was eye-opening.
The dating seminar
The West London hotel’s conference room was packed with well-dressed women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, all eager to learn the secret to escaping the single life.
Matthew, with his handsome looks and easy charm, quickly had us captivated. He challenged us to reflect on our opportunities to meet men:
“We’re often too distracted to see the opportunities right in front of us. How many men - strangers, not guys you know - have you spoken to this week?”
Despite Matthew’s confidence-boosting and practical dating advice, some women clapped back with stories of heartbreak and betrayal. For some, these experiences had hardened their hearts and left them lonely, despite their professional success.
We’d built walls around ourselves, clinging to the idea that only the perfect man could make us whole, while subconsciously pushing potential lovers away.
Matthew’s next piece of advice hit me hard.
