The Realities Of Modern Love
Her World Singapore|October 2023
While we often hear about charming meet-cutes and quirky tales of soulmates connecting through unconventional means like Duolingo, the truth is that most of us will encounter numerous road bumps before finding the one’. Her World's features writer, 25-year-old Cheryl Lai-Lim, sheds light on navigating today’s complex and frustrating) world of dating.
The Realities Of Modern Love

It’s 7.30pm on a Saturday night, and I’m on my first date with Jack*, a 29-year-old finance executive.

Jack and I have only met once at a mutual friend’s party, where we exchanged contacts. We’ve been casually texting back and forth since, but the banter is nothing much to write home about (that should have been my first warning).

All is well for the first few minutes as we settle in at a cosy Japanese restaurant nestled in Amoy Street, get the small talk out of the way, and order our main courses. And then: Jack begins recounting his dating life in painstaking detail. Starting with his “first real girlfriend who was chill, but it got quite boring after a while” when he was 18. As the night proceeds, the list grows longer. At one point, between his third “huge K-pop fan which, to be honest, wasn’t a big deal at the start, until it turned out she was maniacally obsessed” (this is not verbatim, of course, because I had tuned out by this point) and fourth situationship, I ask what he’s interested in doing in his free time.

“Oh, we can talk about that later,” he dismisses my question, picking up a slice of aburi salmon belly and slurping it up, before continuing his chronological report of his dating life. Lovely.

This monologue lasts until his last bite of the main course (I’ve already devoured my beef donburi since, well, there isn’t exactly a conversation).

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HER WORLD SINGAPOREView all
Heritage in a Bottle
Her World Singapore

Heritage in a Bottle

Crafted by Swiss perfumer Christine Nagel, Barenia is the first chypre fragrance from Hermes, a seductive scent that is a dance between the delicate butterfly lily and the vibrant burst of miracle berry.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Is my adult acne caused by hormonal changes?
Her World Singapore

Is my adult acne caused by hormonal changes?

Quinn Chen answers.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
BEST IN CLASS
Her World Singapore

BEST IN CLASS

MOVING AWAY FROM INTRODUCING ENTIRELY NEW PRODUCTS, BRANDS SUCH AS SHISEIDO, CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE AND SULWHASOO HAVE CHOSEN TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD TO ELEVATE TRIED-AND-TRUE FORMULAS. THESE ICONIC CLASSICS ARE MORE EFFICACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS THAN BEFORE.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Sneak Peek
Her World Singapore

Sneak Peek

We've got our sights set on these new must-haves that promise to breathe new life into tired-looking eyes.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
ACTS OF SERVICE
Her World Singapore

ACTS OF SERVICE

Beauty brands are enticing customers with a range of in-store treatments and services that offer expert tips, demonstrations and pampering.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
BREAKING DOWN THE BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID
Her World Singapore

BREAKING DOWN THE BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID

Here's why this popular skincare ingredient is a potent fix for dehydrated complexions.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
November favourites
Her World Singapore

November favourites

Here are some of the must-haves you will not regret adding to your beauty shelf.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Against the rules
Her World Singapore

Against the rules

Step into the dark side with grunge-inspired moody tones and smoky, smudgy eyes.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Is it ever a good idea to engage in online discourse?
Her World Singapore

Is it ever a good idea to engage in online discourse?

Sarah Bagharib answers.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
GO WITH THE FLOW
Her World Singapore

GO WITH THE FLOW

Half a month in Mongolia living with nomadic families and exploring the country's storied beauty taught senior advertising strategist Uli Chan the beauty of impermanence.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024