Dating can be really fun, so don't be afraid to meet new people.

In the wise and light-hearted words of Amelia Dimoldenberg, creator, humorist, and modern observer of human connection, we find a truth that glimmers softly amid the noise of modern love: “Dating can be really fun, so don't be afraid to meet new people. Think of it as a fun activity to do to make a connection with someone, even if you're not a match romantically, you could still end up being taken for a nice meal or having an interesting conversation with someone.” At first, her words seem simple — a piece of cheerful advice for those weary of romance. Yet beneath their humor lies a deeper wisdom: that life itself is an unfolding of encounters, and that joy is not reserved only for the perfect match, but can be found in the simple act of meeting another soul.

Amelia Dimoldenberg, whose charm and intelligence have made her a beloved figure in contemporary culture, speaks here not as a philosopher in robes, but as a sage disguised in laughter. Her work — especially in her famed “Chicken Shop Date” series — is built upon the art of conversation, of connection, of finding warmth and humanity in the most unassuming moments. When she says that “dating can be fun,” she is not trivializing love; she is redeeming it from fear and expectation. Her teaching is one of lightness and courage: to approach others not with anxiety or pretense, but with curiosity and openness — to see every meeting, whether fleeting or lasting, as a chance to grow, to learn, and to share joy.

The ancients, too, understood this philosophy. The Greek philosopher Epicurus taught that happiness arises not from grand triumphs or perfect unions, but from simple pleasures — friendship, conversation, and the exchange of understanding. In a world that often confuses romance with conquest, or dates with destiny, Dimoldenberg reminds us to return to the essence of companionship: the delight of meeting another mind, the laughter shared between two strangers, the comfort of being human together for a brief moment in time. Love, after all, begins not in thunder but in warmth — and that warmth is born when we dare to approach one another without fear.

There is a story told of Rumi, the poet of divine love, who once met a wandering dervish on a dusty road. Their conversation, though brief, transformed him — not because they became companions or lovers, but because in that exchange, something within Rumi awoke. The encounter itself was sacred. So it is with dating, as Dimoldenberg suggests. Each meeting, no matter how ordinary, carries within it the spark of transformation. Even if romance does not bloom, one may find a story, a memory, a lesson — or simply the pleasure of sharing bread and words with another living soul. To see dating in this way is to turn what many fear — rejection, awkwardness, disappointment — into an adventure of discovery.

Her quote also speaks to the freedom of detachment, a wisdom much needed in our time. Many approach dating as a high-stakes pursuit, burdened with expectation and fear of failure. But Dimoldenberg’s view is a call to reclaim playfulness — to remember that joy can exist without possession, and that value does not depend on outcome. To meet someone new is to stand for a moment at the threshold of the unknown, and in that act alone, there is courage and beauty. The meal, the conversation, the laughter — these are gifts, not transactions. To embrace them with gratitude is to walk the path of the wise: present, open-hearted, and unburdened by the illusion of control.

Consider also the story of Eleanor Roosevelt, who was known for her courage in seeking understanding across divides. She once said, “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Her life was a testament to engagement — with people, with ideas, with the world. Though her words were not about dating, the principle remains the same: connection requires bravery. To meet another person honestly, to risk vulnerability, is an act of quiet heroism. Dimoldenberg’s wisdom teaches that one need not wait for perfection before stepping forward — that even a simple conversation over a shared meal can expand the soul.

The lesson, then, is clear and enduring: approach connection with curiosity, not fear. When you meet another person, whether across a table, on a quiet walk, or through the shifting glow of a screen, let your first question not be “Will this last?” but “What can I learn here?” The one who opens themselves to experience will never be truly disappointed, for even when love does not blossom, life does. Every meeting refines the spirit, every exchange teaches patience, humor, and empathy.

So remember Amelia Dimoldenberg’s gentle wisdom: dating, like life, is not a test to be passed, but a journey to be enjoyed. Step into each encounter with warmth and curiosity. Laugh when it is awkward. Listen when it is quiet. Give without demanding, and receive without clinging. For in doing so, you will discover that every soul you meet — friend, lover, or stranger — becomes a mirror, reflecting not only who they are, but who you are becoming. And that, above all, is the truest reward of all human connection.