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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'And Just Like That…' Season 3 dabbles in dating app fatigue
"I spend every waking hour scrolling, swiping, texting, and it's all just hurtful or meaningless." In one brief venting moment, over a couple of Gimlets in a crowded Manhattan bar, And Just Like That… Season 3 takes aim at dating in 2025. In episode 2, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her former neighbour Lisette (Katerina Tannenbaum) are catching up in a New York hotspot, when Lisette expresses her frustration at how involved technology is with her dating life. "It's actually not about him, it's about this," she says, pointing to her iPhone. "My phone is who I am in a relationship with…I'm so sick of it, I'm so done." To drive home the point, Lisette then accidentally tosses her phone across the bar and conveniently hits a handsome stranger, who then buys them both Gimlets, wheels in motion. It's not a subtle message: meeting IRL is the way. Lisette's not alone at this moment; she's embodying dating app fatigue. SEE ALSO: Sick of dating apps? Try a dungeon sound bath instead. "Is it any wonder 79 per cent of Gen Z daters and 80 per cent of millennial daters feel burnt out by dating apps, according to a 2024 study by Forbes Health?" writes Mashable's Rachel Thompson in her book, The Love Fix. "This is unsurprising given that these apps are now engineered to keep people active on these apps for as long as possible. To the apps, you're at your most valuable when you're an active user — trapped in the revolving door of swiping, matching, chatting. Where's the incentive to make dating apps work better, to allow your most valuable assets to break free?" Featured Video For You 'Babes' and the portrayal of period sex on screen Lisette even projects assumptions about single women "having it better" when courting in the 19th century — a trend that rears its head every time a new season of Bridgerton lands. When Carrie mentions that her house in Gramercy was built in the 1840s and that she loves picturing the women who lived there before her, Lisette cannonballs into venting about dating in 2025, describing being stood up by a psychiatrist whose text messages are deeply patronising. "It must have been so much easier to be single back then," Lisette says. "I mean, it's such a messed-up time to be dating." "It's no secret that singles have been disenchanted with dating apps lately," Mashable's Anna Iovine writes. "Users complain that apps are copying each other with similar features and encourage bad behavior like ghosting, and they're trying to branch out into IRL activities instead (even dungeon sound baths)." Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon in "And Just Like That..." Season 3. Credit: Craig Blankenhorn / Max Sex and the City and And Just Like That… have always dipped a toe in the relationship between sex, dating, relationships, and technology, though the former ended in 2004 before the dating app boom of the 2010s. Sex and the City dabbled in the online dating space in Season 2, episode 12, when Carrie's best friend Stanford (Willie Garson) met user "Bigtool4u" in a chatroom as "Rick9+" then IRL at a bar. And Just Like That… tried its hand with dating app discourse in Season 1. In episode 7, Carrie, a longtime tech agnostic, tries dating apps for the first time after the death of her husband (her publisher Amanda (Ashlie Atkinson) encourages her to go on a date to give her readers "some element of hope" at the end of her book on grief). Signed up by Seema (Sarita Choudhury) to an ambiguous dating platform, she swipes through a couple of profiles before she matches with 53-year-old widower Peter (Jon Tenney) and goes on a decent date with him (yes, it ends with them puking in the street, but it's still nice). Here, And Just Like That... missed an opportunity to connect with modern dating as it actually stands, as Carrie's experience really doesn't do justice to the real dating app fatigue users might identify with. Swiping through countless profiles has become synonymous with dating apps, with some apps like Tinder adding swiping limits and others like Bumble prone to cutting you off if they think you're on a swiping frenzy As Thompson writes in her book, "Dating, especially online dating, often feels like a numbers game — with emphasis on 'game.'" And luckily for Carrie, her experience doesn't include the complex "talking stage," the pressure around meeting up IRL, and the possibility of being ghosted, cloaked, or stood up. It's pretty breezy, right up until they both vomit in the gutter together. Seema (Sarita Choudhury) has a terrible experience with an IRL matchmaker. Credit: Craig Blankenhorn / Max Despite flouting real 2025 dating woes, Season 3 of And Just Like That… seems to be actively spurning all forms of digital connection at every turn. In the first episode, Seema quite literally sets her apartment on fire while waiting for a video call from her long-distance partner. But dating IRL doesn't get much easier for our characters — Miranda's (Cynthia Nixon) "dating bingo" goes terribly initially, and Seema's decision to use an in-person matchmaking service is a very disempowering experience for her. Entirely defined by Aidan's (John Corbett) set boundaries of communication, Carrie's long-distance relationship is portrayed as awkward and solitary — and mostly played out on smartphone. For the most part, branded with an unattainable "easy breezy" Cool Girl energy this season, Carrie is allowed fleetingly human moments of frustration over Aidan's lack of contact, constantly checking her phone for responses that come in mere emoji form. "Texting and emojis are not a relationship," Carrie vents to Miranda. "A relationship is standing across from someone and saying, 'What you do think?' and then they say, 'What do you think?'" Phone sex is deeply unsexy in Season 3, with a cringeworthy scene between Carrie and Aidan in the first episode. Thrown off by her staring kitten, Carrie fakes an orgasm on a call with Aidan and feels uncomfortable afterwards, deeming herself disingenuous. "I faked phone sex…and now I feel dishonest," she says to Miranda and Charlotte. Essentially, nobody wins when it comes to technology, sex, and relationships in And Just Like That... Season 3. It's reminiscent of a broader fatigue beyond the show, and may have people throwing their phones across bars just to fuck around and find out. And Just Like That... Season 3, episode 2 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes out Thursdays.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
4 Clear Signs You're Experiencing ‘Dating Burnout,' By A Psychologist
A 2024 Forbes Health/OnePoll survey found that 79% of Gen Z and 80% of Millennials report feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted from using dating apps. That exhaustion isn't just imagined. A 2024 longitudinal study published in New Media & Society tracked nearly 500 dating app users over 12 weeks and found that emotional exhaustion and feelings of inefficacy increased the longer people stayed active on these apps. Users who were already experiencing depression, anxiety or loneliness were especially vulnerable to these damaging effects. The study also found that compulsive dating app use predicted more burnout, even though it made some users feel they were 'trying harder.' Over time, the effort often stopped feeling hopeful and started feeling hollow. Here are four signs you're likely experiencing dating burnout and how to recover from it without losing hope. When you're burned out, you may start losing interest in dating. While you still want to find love, you might be too depleted to enjoy the process. Even when a date goes well, you may feel detached or unimpressed. A qualitative study published this January in SN Social Sciences explored how dating app users become more emotionally desensitized over time. Participants described a sharp drop in excitement, replaced by fatigue, emptiness and a sense of just going through the motions after consistently using these apps. A 27 year-old female participant said, 'I go on dates, but when I am honest, I am tired before getting there, tired of telling the same stories and hearing the same stories.' The study found that repetitive, non-committal interactions gradually wore down users' emotional engagement, leading to feelings of sadness, self-doubt and disconnection even while actively dating. Another female user mentioned, 'I was looking for fun and to experience something, instead, I feel nothing, and that concerns me.' This type of burnout isn't always obvious at first. You might not realize how emotionally checked out you've become until you're halfway through another date, already hoping it ends soon. You delete the app, then download it again. You swipe for a while, close it and return the next day. The routine is familiar, perhaps even instinctive by now, but it often leaves you feeling more disengaged than connected. Researchers of the January study found that many dating app users described this pattern as repetitive and difficult to break, even when it no longer brought enjoyment. A 32 year-old male participant shared, 'All the swiping, payments, unmatching and writing the same repeatedly, it depresses me.' Another added, 'I regret swiping and chatting over a weekend. It feels like a waste of time with zero value.' This kind of usage can reflect a deeper sense of fatigue. When such behavior continues without a sense of meaningful progress or connection, it may be a sign that what began as intentional effort has now shifted into burnout. When you're experiencing dating burnout, your ability to emotionally regulate may be affected. Messages left on read, slow replies or canceled plans can begin to feel disproportionately significant. Even minor dating setbacks may trigger self-doubt or discouragement. A 2025 systematic review published in Computers in Human Behavior found that dating app use is associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety and lower self-esteem in nearly half of the studies examined. One key driver of this was the constant exposure to judgment and perceived rejection. Even low match rates or being ghosted can trigger distress and self-doubt, especially in users who engage frequently. The review also introduces the idea of 'quantified popularity,' where likes, matches and responses become metrics of self-worth. This dynamic encourages users to monitor their 'performance' and appearance closely, particularly after experiencing rejection. To add to feelings of being ignored, dating app use can highlight both instances of external validation as well as rejection, perhaps at a rate we were never meant to witness. Over time, this cycle of constant evaluation and perceived rejection can wear down your emotional resilience, until dating no longer feels like an opportunity but a test you keep failing. Burnout doesn't just affect how you feel, but also how you act. You might notice yourself saying things you don't fully mean, tolerating behavior you wouldn't normally accept or trying to impress people who don't align with your values. After a while, the dating process might feel less like showing up as your authentic self and more like shape-shifting into someone else. In the January 2025 study, several participants described this gradual loss of self. They reported feeling detached from their own personalities as if they were performing for the sake of being liked. The researchers noted, 'Many do regret these interactions, yet often proceed — either by agreeing to dates against interest and intuition, staying in uncomfortable settings, or engaging in intimacy contrary to their own desires.' This shift doesn't happen overnight. But when dating starts to feel like a burden you're struggling to let go of, it may be a sign that you're no longer intentionally choosing connection — you're just trying not to be alone. Once you recognize the signs of dating burnout, the next step isn't necessarily to quit, but to pause with intention. Here are a few ways to reset and recharge before stepping back in: Dating is meant to bring connection, not depletion. If it starts feeling like pressure or like you're performing a version of yourself you can't relate to, it's important to pause. You don't have to earn your rest or prove your resilience by pushing through something that's wearing you down. If your dating experience starts feeling like too much, it's not a failure to step back. It's an act of self-awareness and self-care. After all, the most important relationship to protect is the one you have with yourself. Are you overusing dating apps? Take this science-backed test to find out: Problematic Tinder Use Scale
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Best Protein Powders Of 2025: Lab Tested And Nutrition Expert Approved
Protein powders, which are mainstays in supermarket supplement aisles, provide a hefty hit of protein in just a few scoops. This extra protein may offer myriad health benefits, ranging from enhanced muscle mass to weight management. But not all protein powders are created equal, and some may contain fillers, additives and even contaminants, such as heavy metals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't validate the safety of protein powders before they hit store shelves, so it's up to consumers to find an effective—and safe—product. To assist in your search, the Forbes Health editorial team has highlighted the top protein powders of 2025 based on expert recommendations, ingredient lists, cost per serving, lab testing and more. We sent each featured protein powder to a third-party laboratory to test for contaminants like heavy metals, as well as label accuracy, ensuring the products meet quality standards. Read on for our top picks. When reviewing protein powders, including the results of the third-party laboratory certificates of analysis (COAs) generated by Labdoor, it's important to clarify several key terms: Note: Forbes Health submitted specific batches of each protein powder to Labdoor for testing, and batch results may vary. Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons Lab Testing Results What Experts Say Pros Cons To determine the best protein powders of 2025, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted four accredited nutrition experts, who provided their product recommendations. Star ratings were then determined solely by the editorial team, factoring in data points like cost, protein per serving, nutritional profile, number of expert recommendations, flavor availability and third-party laboratory test results. The breakdown of each data point is as follows: Read more about our vitamins and supplements review methodology. Forbes Health facilitated independent, third-party laboratory testing for the top protein powders on our ranking through Labdoor in California. The laboratory was selected to evaluate protein powder quality due to its strict standards and commitment to consumer safety. Lab technicians tested and evaluated our top protein powders on the following metrics, according to Labdoor: Labdoor generated COAs for each top-ranking protein powder based on these testing results, detailing specific labeling accuracy and purity claims, as well as any indication of potentially harmful contaminants. The Forbes Health editorial team carefully examined each laboratory-provided COA. Protein powders are popular supplements featuring processed protein, designed to increase protein intake and enhance performance, recovery and muscle mass, among other benefits. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build muscle, tissue, bone, skin and hair. This macronutrient contains 20 amino acids, nine of which are considered essential, meaning they must be obtained through diet, as the body cannot create them on its own. 'Protein plays an important role in multiple bodily functions including muscle repair, hormone production, boosting our immune system and overall metabolism,' explains Brittany Werner, registered dietitian nutritionist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. 'Supplemental protein can be beneficial when someone is struggling to meet their protein requirements through whole foods.' 'Adequate daily protein intake aids in recovery, muscle repair and growth and helps keep us full and satisfied between meals,' she adds. There are several types of protein powders, each categorized by protein source and processing style. Additionally, protein powders can be categorized as concentrate, isolate or hydrolysate, which is based on the concentration and the processing of the protein. With concentrate products, processing of the protein removes water, ash, lactose and some minerals. Meanwhile, isolate products provide the highest concentration of protein (90% or higher), and processing removes significant amounts of fat and lactose. Hydrolysate is often considered the predigested form of protein and may allow for easier and faster absorption, as it's already broken down into peptides. 'Whey protein, especially whey isolate, is often considered superior due to its rapid digestion, high leucine content and strong support for muscle protein synthesis,' adds Jose Antonio, Ph.D., the chief executive officer and co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. 'Casein, a slower-digesting protein, is ideal for prolonged amino acid release. Plant-based proteins like pea, soy and rice can also be effective, especially when combined to provide a complete amino acid profile,' he summarizes. Protein powder instructions often advise mixing one or two scoops of the dry powder in with a beverage of your choice. 'While both pre- and post-workout consumption can be beneficial, the timing of intake is much less important than the total daily intake,' says Dr. Antonio. Indeed, research on when to take protein powder is conflicting. One 2023 meta-analysis notes that while some studies show consuming protein after a workout leads to greater benefits of increasing protein synthesis and muscle growth, others have found taking protein before resistance exercise offers more benefits, as it replenishes amino acids and increases protein synthesis before the workout begins[1]. 'The body will utilize supplemental protein no matter what time of day it's consumed,' notes Werner. 'If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to avoid drinking a protein shake within 60 minutes of starting an intense workout. Consuming protein after your workout will help with recovery and muscle repair.' While often touted by athletes and fitness enthusiasts, many people can benefit from protein powder. 'Protein powder supplementation is beneficial for individuals who struggle to meet their daily protein needs through whole foods alone,' says Dr. Antonio. 'This includes athletes, bodybuilders, older adults, individuals recovering from injuries and those following plant-based diets with limited protein sources.' Additionally, 'protein supplementation can be particularly useful when aiming for muscle gain, weight loss or convenience in a busy lifestyle,' he adds. Research suggests protein powder supplementation may enhance muscle mass and performance, as well as manage weight. '[Protein powder] can improve body composition by enhancing lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss, particularly when paired with resistance training,' notes Dr. Antonio. Additionally, research suggests protein powder supplementation may improve aerobic capacity, positively affect metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors and even provide better glycemic control in people with diabetes. Protein powder may help with weight loss, according to research. One 2022 systematic review that examined the effect of whey protein on weight, body fat, lean body mass, fat-free mass and waist circumference found that evidence supports the use of whey protein to improve body composition, particularly when paired with resistance training and a reduction in calorie consumption[2]. 'The macronutrient protein helps support a calorie deficit by helping to keep us full and satisfied between meals,' explains Werner. 'Protein also aids in preserving our lean muscle mass while in a deficit, allowing our body to prioritize burning body fat.' Indeed, research links high-protein diets to an increase in satiety and a decrease in body weight and fat mass[3]. If you're using protein powder for weight management purposes, Werner recommends opting for whey or casein varieties. 'Whey protein is typically lower in carbohydrates and overall calories, making it a great option for those eating in a calorie deficit,' she says. 'Casein protein offers a slower release and will help keep you full for longer periods.' Researchers note complications related to protein powder supplements include undigested protein and impaired gut health, which may lead to symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, dehydration and decreased appetite. Meanwhile, protein powders may not be suitable for everyone. 'There are a few groups that may need to avoid protein supplements,' says Werner. 'Those with chronic kidney disease should discuss their protein intake with their medical provider. Anyone with severe allergies or intolerances should be diligent about label reading to avoid any potential issues.' Despite the numerous health benefits associated with protein powders, the quality of these products varies widely. Research notes that some protein powder supplements may have detectable levels of heavy metals (though it's worth noting a 2020 analysis in Toxicology Reports found that typical intake would not result in adverse health effects due to heavy metals[4]). 'You always want to choose brands that have been third-party tested for quality,' says Werner. 'NSF Certified and Informed Choice are two very reputable testing corporations.' When selecting a protein powder, experts recommend taking the following factors into consideration: It's important to be skeptical of marketing claims that sound too good to be true. Be wary of products that offer quick fixes, as protein powders are not a magic bullet for health and wellness. 'While protein supplements are a great way to add to your overall protein intake, it's important to remember they are supplements meant to add to your balanced diet,' advises Werner. 'Consumers should also beware of flashy marketing claims such as 'fat-burning' or 'metabolism boosting.' Often, these products are traditional whey protein with added ingredients, such as stimulants or fillers.' As noted above, a high-quality protein powder can provide an array of health benefits, ranging from enhanced muscle mass to weight management. 'Whey protein is often recommended for beginners as it's typically well-tolerated and provides all the amino acids, making it a complete protein replacement,' says Werner. Dr. Antonio agrees, adding, 'beginners should consider whey protein for its high bioavailability and muscle recovery benefits.' The recommended daily allowance for protein is currently 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for adults 18 and older. However, the exact amount of protein you may need varies based on factors such as sex, age, weight and whether you're pregnant or lactating.
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
CBD For Inflammation: Does It Work?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular supplement for a range of purported health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects. But does research support the anti-inflammatory claims often touted by CBD retailers and some health care practitioners? While research indicates CBD may reduce inflammation in the body, scientists and experts agree further clinical trials are necessary to understand this specific effect of CBD. Read on to learn more about what experts know about CBD's potential effect on inflammation, including types of CBD available, pros and cons of using CBD for inflammation, recommended dosages and more. Forbes Health covers CBD and cannabis products in accordance with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines. Learn more about Forbes Health's practices and policies regarding how we cover CBD and cannabis as a publisher. Thanks to its potentially beneficial health effects, CBD—a naturally occurring active ingredient in the cannabis sativa plant—is popular in products like CBD oils, CBD gummies and topical CBD creams and lotions. Unlike the intoxicatingly psychoactive effects of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another abundant cannabinoid in hemp, CBD is not psychoactive. Among health benefits like supporting sleep and reducing anxiety, researchers believe CBD may help reduce inflammation. While inflammation is a natural and protective bodily response to injury and illness, excessive and chronic inflammation can lead to negative health effects, such as chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, heart disease and more. 'As CBD has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory properties, there is clear interest and investment in exploring CBD-containing products for inflammatory conditions,' says Staci Gruber, Ph.D., director of the Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core and Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) program at Mass General Brigham's McLean Hospital. Along with other naturally occurring cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex and widespread network of cannabinoid receptors and enzymes that influence metabolism, appetite, movement, emotional regulation and many other biological functions. Researchers are still working to understand exactly how the ECS functions in the human body, as well as how consuming external cannabinoids, such as CBD oils or gummies, interact with and affect its functions, including reducing inflammation. A 2019 review in Antioxidants confirms early research is promising regarding CBD's ability to lower systemic inflammation, noting CBD's favorable lack of psychoactive effects. Additional research suggests CBD may be beneficial in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic digestive condition in which inflammation may play a role, according to a 2023 review in Current Developments in Nutrition. Researchers agree further clinical studies are needed to fully understand CBD's role in mitigating inflammation. Potential CBD Side Effects and Risks of CBD for Inflammation CBD is often touted as a natural and holistic remedy, but using CBD products may pose risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), potentially harmful side effects of CBD may include: Damage to the liver Appetite changes and digestive problems, such as diarrhea Potentially harmful interactions with prescription medications Sedation Mood changes, including irritability The CDC advises pregnant and breastfeeding individuals against using products containing CBD due to lack of comprehensive safety data. Consumers can find retail CBD products in various forms, from topical creams and ointments to orally administered oils, tinctures and edibles. 'Some individuals find clinical benefit from using products that are applied directly to the skin, either in forms like topicals or transdermal patches,' says Dr. Gruber. 'Importantly, however, bioavailability (the amount of a substance which actively enters circulation in order to have an effect) is considered fairly low for skin-based applications, and as a result, many choose to supplement these products with an orally administered, more 'systemic' approach.' With any type of CBD product, bioavailability is difficult to predict, says Dr. Gruber. She suggests that CBD oils held under the tongue for several seconds before swallowing may have enhanced bioavailability and therefore a more potent effect. 'Some newer formulation types are designed to have exponentially greater bioavailability, and I look forward to actual empirical data regarding their impact,' notes Dr. Gruber. Those interested in using CBD for acute or systemic inflammation should first consult a health care provider to ensure the cannabinoid is appropriate for their unique needs. 'First and foremost, it is important for anyone with an inflammatory condition to be highly vigilant and mindful of what is in the [CBD] product and what is not,' advises Dr. Gruber. 'Insist on certificates of analyses (COAs) that match the batch of product you're choosing to ensure the specific amounts of cannabinoids on the label are actually contained in the product.' COAs should confirm the absence of health-compromising contaminants, including pesticides, yeast, mold and heavy metals, among others, she adds. In addition to COAs, individuals interested in using CBD for inflammation may want to consider whether a product is organic, taste preferences for orally consumed products like oils and gummies, known allergies, personal budget and more. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't provide official dosing recommendations for retail CBD products, so consumers should consult a knowledgeable health care professional about appropriate dosing and duration of treatment, as well as carefully read manufacturer recommendations. A 2024 review in Molecules found that daily oral doses of CBD between 15 to 160 milligrams demonstrated no negative side effects. However, Dr. Gruber notes that oral CBD dosing is highly nuanced. 'Dosing depends so much on a variety of individual factors, including age, sex, previous history with cannabis, genetics, family history (if considering products that contain THC), metabolism and use of other medications or substances, to name a few,' she explains. 'There is no 'one size fits all' or even 'one size fits most' when it comes to cannabis and cannabinoid-based therapies.'
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This cornhole league inspired a bounty hunt for single men. It's now sold out.
Determined to find enough men to sell out his cornhole league for singles, Tommy Flaim decided to take an extreme, and somewhat comical, measure. He put out a bounty for straight single guys. The offer? Fifty dollars to any person who would refer their straight single friends to sign up for the New York City edition of the event, which drew over 100 participants this week. It's a marketing strategy that Flaim has successfully used since he started the event in Chicago in November. His league, Silly Sports, has been such a success that it has sold out events in 20 cities. 'IRL' (in real life) dating events have surged in popularity since the Covid-19 pandemic as people grow increasingly tired of the revolving door of dating apps. A Forbes Health study last year found that 80% of millennials and 79% of Gen Z singles are burned out on apps. The alternative has become a rise in speed-dating events or run clubs to meet people. But some organizers of these events have said they've struggled to attract enough single straight men for an even ratio. 'We've noticed the girls are going to show up regardless, like they're willing to try anything,' said Flaim, whose videos on TikTok about the league have garnered thousands of views. 'And the guys are the ones we have to be very sensitive and calculated about in regards to how you attract them, how you recruit them, how you make them feel comfortable.' The idea for the league came when Flaim was working at a bar that was looking to use its cornhole equipment more during weekdays. Having already run a pickleball league where people were looking to meet, Flaim realized it could be an opportunity to cater to the many singles sick of dating apps and looking for real-life connections. And while pickleball requires some skill and exertion, cornhole is one of those casual lawn games that's much more accessible to the athletically impaired. Singles are paired up on a team and rotate out to meet new people over the course of an hour in a league that lasts about five weeks. In nearly every major city, no matter how many marketing tactics he's tried, Flaim said 'finding men is ubiquitously difficult.' 'I feel like girls, there's an effort discrepancy,' Flaim said. 'I think girls are willing to do something that's as ridiculous sounding as speed-dating cornhole. … It's corny, no pun intended. And the guys that signed up, it was because of the bounty.' Flaim, a gay man who had no prior experience with the heterosexual dating scene, added that his heart goes out to women. 'It seems very, very rough out there,' he said. During Tuesday's event, held at Lawn Club in New York City's financial district, friends Jeniea Howard, 31, and Lacey Smith, 35, decided to come together. Howard makes dating content on TikTok and was excited when she saw Flaim's videos about his dating league coming to New York. The two women have been on the dating scene for a while and agreed that no matter how often they go out, they had difficulty meeting men who were serious about dating. 'There's a weird tension between men who want a relationship, but they don't want to come off as eager, or they don't want to be tied down too quickly,' Howard said. 'I feel like a lot of men, even on dating apps, they'll say they're still figuring out what they want. But what they want is a relationship, they're just afraid to say it.' Smith doesn't blame men for being nervous or hesitant because she admitted to working on her own bad dating habits. Both of the women felt the cornhole league was low-pressure, even if they didn't end up meeting their match. 'If everyone can just want something, we can all change,' Smith said. 'This doesn't have to be permanent, but, you know, that's hope. Hope is a valuable currency.' Dating coach Stevie Bowen has seen the rising trend of dating events and the challenge of finding men to participate. Some of her own male clients have been hesitant to take the risk, she said. 'When you're going to a dating event, you're like, 'Hey, I'm looking for someone,'' Bowen said. 'You know, 'I'm trying to find someone.' And for a man — and for anyone — that's really vulnerable to say.' Bowen says the men she speaks to perceive a lot more pressure around dating events, whereas women see it as more of an opportunity to build community. Women take the risk thinking they could make new friends or have a fun time even if they don't find a relationship in the end, Bowen said. Bowen encourages her clients to see the events as a tool to try new things and work out their social muscles. 'You know, practice makes almost perfect, is what I like to say,' Bowen said. 'And I think that's what comes with dating and meeting people in real life. ... You just have to go up and do it, and it's gonna get easier the more you do it. And I think that's what these dating events are helping daters do.' Everardo Montoya, 31, learned about the cornhole league from his friend Katie, who saw Flaim's TikTok call for men and encouraged him to go. Sick of the dating apps and struggling to meet people organically, he said he decided to step out of his comfort zone. A bit of an introvert when meeting new people, Montoya said he's hesitant to approach other people because he doesn't want to feel like he's bothering anyone. But he found Tuesday's event fun and low-pressure. 'It's definitely less intimidating, for sure, because you know that everyone here is trying to find their person, right?' Montoya said. 'So it's like, even if you get rejected, it's just like, it's fine.' Joe Wilhelm, 31, was actually looking to join a sports league and happened to start getting ads for the cornhole league on Instagram. Dating can be pretty horrible, he said, but even as a more personable type of guy, he wasn't sure about a speed-dating league. 'Maybe girls are a little more emotionally open to events like this — for a guy, not so much,' Wilhelm said. 'I mean, even for myself, I could talk to a wall, very social, but I had one of my friends kick me in the ass to tell me to come here.' He guessed that maybe men could be 'a little hardheaded' about stepping out of their comfort zone. But once there, Wilhelm said most of his interactions felt easy and organic. 'I feel like everyone here that I met knows how to socialize … but I feel like today's generation is far from it,' Wilhelm said. 'Everything's behind a screen, and that's how they communicate. So I like how we're bringing back the history of dating and meeting people organically.' This article was originally published on
