Most modern dating advice is 180° wrong because it’s optimized for neoliberalism, HR- and algorithm-friendliness and most certainly not for personal flourishing.

Modern Advice: Date only those exactly like you in every way.

Actual Good Advice: Date people with some overlapping interests but not identical to you — having some divergent interests can really enrich both of your lives, and/or allow you to have some time apart.

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Modern Advice: Don’t date anyone you know.

Actual Good Advice: Friends and acquaintances are most likely to have enough similarities to be worth dating, and you can vet someone over time that way. Remember: Tinder wants you to stay lonely and longing.

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Modern Advice: Date people only born the same year-ish you are.

Actual Good Advice: Date people of a wide variety of ages (if legal). Such restrictions harm you more than they help you (or anyone).

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I could go on. But modern dating advice is purpose-built to please neoliberal HR departments and the algorithm. It’s terrible as it applies to real humans. Ignore it all. Or don’t, if you wish to be unhappy.