Always Say Yes
March 28th, 2025
Photo: Libby Zufi
Writer: Keely Conan
Editor: Hana Pitchon
“Always say yes”
That's what my mom told me to do whenever I got asked out on a date.
“Always say yes because what if...what if he just ends up being the one”
As any single girl in her college years, I took that advice and ran with it. Being single is kind of comparable to having a one-way plane ticket: you have endless possibilities, zero commitments, and no one that you need to text back when you are out having fun with your friends. It’s freedom at its finest, and if I’m being honest, it's kind of the best.
Yet, somehow, being single carries an oddly condescending reputation. People tend to categorize you–the fun, cool, independent one –but you must be missing something because you're single. Being in this phase it almost feels like you are stuck in a waiting period, a limbo between relationships, always in search of the next possible option.
Recently, my friends and I decided that we are no longer accepting the negativity that often comes with the “single” label. So, when I shared my mom’s advice, it completely shifted our perspective on dating in our 20’s. Instead of viewing it as something that we have no control over, we decided to frame it as something that we get to experience on our own terms.
Because being single isn’t about waiting for the right person or avoiding dating altogether. It's about saying yes– to new experiences, new people, and most importantly, to ourselves.
A few weeks ago, we made a collective decision: we're going on more dates. Not in a desperate, “I must find my soulmate before graduation” kind of way, but in a “let's have fun while we’re young and see what happens” way. Dating doesn't have to be a high-stakes, emotionally exhausting game. It can be an adventure–something lighthearted, entertaining, maybe even educational.
For example, I learned that I despise going on dates with entitled and snobby boys who seem to think they are already the CEO of Goldman Sachs.
Here's the thing: dating isn't about finding out if you like them– it's about discovering what you like. It's about figuring out what kind of personality you enjoy the most, what makes you laugh, what gives you the ick, and what makes you feel something. Every date is a chance to learn something new, even if that something is “Wow I am never going to go out with someone who ______ again”
And if the date is a flop? Great. That’s a new found piece to your puzzle, a new piece of information to add to the list of do’s and don'ts. There is no need to spiral, no need to overanalyze– just say “next” and move on. The beauty of this phase of life is that there's no rush. We are only this young for so long, and we owe it to ourselves to explore all our options.
My friend is a perfect example. This guy had asked her to get a drink, they knew each other through mutual friends. He seemed nice, funny, and –most importantly– normal. When she showed up she said he greeted her with a firm handshake. Odd, but she was willing to see it through. They went to the bar and the first thing he did was start quizzing her on finance terms. “So do you know what an ETF is?”. She said she awkwardly brushed off the questions because she thought he was joking, however, he was not. Better yet, at the bar he ordered two drinks for both him and her, only to later tell her that he doesn't drink. She was then forced to drink both by herself and at that point she realized this date was going nowhere. It was safe to say she was never going to see this guy again, but at least this story is a fan favorite amongst our friends, and the guy, wherever he is now, may just be a good contact for financial advice in the future.
So if you or anyone you know are up for it, join us in our new philosophy: saying yes. Because you never know! That random coffee date or that small meet-cute at the bar might turn into a funny story, a new friend, or even –who knows- a connection you want to explore further. And if not? Well, at least you have a story to tell.
So if someone asks you out, and you’re on the fence, Say yes!!! If you're debating whether or not to put yourself out there? Say yes. If your friends are encouraging you to meet someone new but you’re hesitant? Say yes.
The worst that can happen is you get a free coffee, have a new familiar face around town, and maybe even a new perspective. The best that can happen? Well.. you'll never know you if you don’t go.
So here's to being single, thriving, and saying yes to all the possibilities ahead. Because this is our time–and we’re making the most of it.
