Although I have engaged in casual hookups in the past, I personally do not endorse them. I used to think that I needed to demonstrate my worth to a man by engaging in sexual activities, in order to stand out amongst other eligible women. However, I eventually came to the realization that this was a foolish belief. I stopped entertaining the advances of men who were only interested in something casual, and my dating life significantly improved as a result.

1. I Became More Secure With Myself

I experienced a newfound sense of security after I stopped hooking up with guys. The anxiety of waiting for a call or wondering if he was just using me no longer plagued me, which helped me keep my mind at ease and prevented me from getting my hopes up. This realization helped me understand my self-worth and that I didn't need to rely on my sexuality to catch the attention of the right person. It was a very empowering experience.

2. I Started Weeding Out The Jerks Early On

When I made it clear that I was looking for something more than just a casual hookup, the guys who were only interested in that quickly disappeared from my life. It was disappointing to be seen as just a hookup option by so many men, but I was content knowing that one day, someone would see me as the long-term partner they were looking for. What one man might reject as being "not ready," another might see as a perfect fit from the moment they meet me.

3. I Started Having More Quality Connections

I decided to browse through dating apps out of curiosity and unmatched with guys who initiated sexually aggressive conversations. Rather than receiving unsolicited compliments about my body or deflecting unwelcome advances, I went on dates with guys who showed genuine interest in having meaningful conversations and getting to know me on a personal level. It was a refreshing change of pace.

4. I Became Truly Comfortable With Being On My Own

By focusing on my own happiness and not seeking validation from men, I became more confident and content with myself. I realized that I didn't need a relationship to feel complete, and that being single was actually empowering. This new mindset allowed me to see myself in a new light, and I started to feel sexier and more desirable than ever before. It was no longer about settling for any guy who showed interest in me, but rather finding a man who shared my values and was looking for a committed, long-term relationship.

5. I Stopped Punishing Myself For Failed Attempts At Love

I used to regret my past dating choices and beat myself up for making rookie mistakes. But, those experiences helped me raise my standards and realize the importance of only pursuing guys who are genuinely interested in me. From now on, I'm choosing to go against the hookup culture and only take the next step with someone who's truly worth it.

6. I Started Dating Guys Who Were Genuinely Interested In Me As A Person

I was tired of guys who would deceive me with sweet words to get what they wanted. Rejecting the hookup culture reduced the frequency of my dates, but it sharpened my instincts to weed out the players. Consequently, I began dating men who appreciated me for who I am, not just for what I could offer them physically.

7. I Stopped Dwelling On The Guys Who Weren't Into Me

I rejected lazy attempts at dating and stopped feeling upset when guys fell off the map quickly. I learned that if a guy couldn't make any real effort to know me, he wasn't worth my time.

8. I Started Having Fun Again In My Dating Life

I stopped obsessing over the future and the unknowns that come with it, and started living in the present moment. I began to pay more attention to the person I was with, taking the time to truly get to know them. By doing this, I found it much easier to understand their intentions. I came to the realization that the emphasis on physical attraction is too prevalent in today's dating culture. Instead, I prioritize finding someone who connects with me on a deeper level.

9. I Actually Found Love

Perhaps it was because I stopped caring or because I held myself to higher standards by avoiding the chaos of hookup culture. I may never truly know. However, what I do know is that rejecting casual hookups eliminated the stress and pressure in my dating life, and surprisingly, I found what I had always been searching for – true love. It's funny how things work out sometimes.