Is Anybody Still Dating? Trends, "Alpine Divorce," and the Return of Commitment

Is anybody still dating? Nearly half of U.S. adults are unpartnered, but that doesn't mean they're all out there swiping. On this episode, Jessica, Ariele, and cultural chatteress Kathleen sit down to talk about what's actually happening in the current dating landscape — the stats, the shifts, and the very online terms (looking at you, "alpine divorce") that are shaping how people feel about putting themselves out there. We go there on the hard parts first: red pill manipulation tactics, dating app burnout, and what it means to build felt safety with someone new — including an honest conversation about how race and fetishization show up in dating for women of color. But we don't stop in the bad. We flip it and talk about what's genuinely good about dating: what it teaches you about yourself, why dating yourself matters just as much as dating anyone else, and why long-term partners need to keep dating each other, too. And because we can't be serious the whole time, we close it out with a new segment — What Kind of Dater Are You? — to help you figure out your dating type once and for all. This one's for the folks actively swiping, the folks who took a step back, the folks who are happily partnered and want to keep the spark alive, and the folks who are just here for the tea. In this episode: What the current dating statistics actually say about who's out there — and who's opted out Red pill tactics and how manipulation shows up in early dating "Alpine divorce" — the viral term behind the trend, and what it signals about safety Dating app fatigue and the pull back toward in-person, community-based connection Race, fetishization, and the dating experience for women of color Felt safety: what to notice about how someone shows up when things get inconvenient The upside of dating: what it teaches you about yourself Dating yourself: pleasure, self-compassion, and enjoying your own company Keeping the romance alive when you're already partnered New segment: What Kind of Dater Are You? (coffee house, fancy restaurant, diner, brunch, or activity dater)   🌧️ Jessica's Cozy Book Nook "After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love" by Alexandra Elle Whether you're dating yourself this season or working on staying present with a long-term partner, this one's a gentle companion either way — its short chapters and end-of-chapter meditations make it easy to dip into for a few minutes of reflection on self-love and self-forgiveness, no matter where you are in your dating journey.   🪞 Reflection What kind of dating season are you in right now: dating others, dating yourself, dating your partner, taking a pause, or redefining what connection means for you?   💛 Support the Show If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Emboldened with Jessica, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating dating, relationships, self-discovery, or personal growth. Every share and review helps more people find their way to this table — and keeps this community growing. ☕ Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/emboldenedwithjessica   This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or other mental health services provided by a licensed professional.   🎙️ Show Credits Host: Jessica Jackson Cohost: Ariele Produced by: Ariele & Jessica Edited by: Ariele Cultural Chatterist: Kathleen Onyejekwe   Sources: Dating and partnership statistics referenced in this episode draw on Pew Research Center's ongoing analysis of unpartnered U.S. adults.