Dating in 2025: Lies, Levels, and the Love Drought
By Ashley Wardlow – Private Investigator | Forensic Psychologist | Relationship Expert
Let’s be honest—dating in 2025 feels like a wild psychological experiment, and most of us didn’t sign up for it. Whether you’re a Millennial wondering if anyone still believes in monogamy, or Gen X looking for consistency instead of chaos, you’re not alone in asking: What happened to dating?
As a PI turned relationship expert with a Master’s in Forensic Psychology, I’ve seen both sides—behind the scenes of people’s hidden lives, and front and center in my own dating journey. From ghosting to gaslighting, from dating app scams to double lives, modern love is no joke. It’s strategic, exhausting, and sometimes—unfortunately—dangerous.
The Lies Start Early
One of the biggest problems in dating today is people lying from the jump. They lie about their careers, their relationship status, their intentions—even their identities. I’m not just talking about a little filter finesse. I’ve investigated men living entire double lives, with full-blown families or criminal records they conveniently forgot to mention.
Catfishing has evolved. In 2025, it’s not just fake profiles—it’s fake ambition, fake values, and fake futures. Many are out here branding themselves, not just dating. And the victims? Those of us who show up authentic.
Settling for Potential Is a Trap
Here’s another issue: dating someone who doesn’t want to grow.
They’re great in some areas, but stagnant in others—and they’re comfortable staying stuck. You try to be the motivating partner, the "ride or die," the one who pushes them toward more. But here’s the truth: if they don’t want more for themselves, it will never work.
Trying to transform someone into your dream partner only leads to resentment—for both of you. They’ll feel controlled. You’ll feel drained. Eventually, someone walks—and it’s usually the person who had more to give in the first place.
Poly Confusion vs. Monogamy Misalignment
No shade to polyamory—if that works for you, do your thing. But here’s the issue: poly is becoming so mainstream that monogamous people are starting to feel like an endangered species.
Dating apps are flooded with “ethically non-monogamous” profiles, couples looking for thirds, and individuals dating five people at once. And while everyone deserves the relationship style that fits them, the lack of clarity upfront is creating chaos for those of us who still believe in one-on-one connection.
Other Challenges We’re Facing in 2025:
Hyperavailability & dating fatigue – You can swipe endlessly, but meaningful connection is rare.
Emotional unavailability masked as “being busy” – Hustle culture has replaced vulnerability.
People collecting experiences instead of building relationships – It’s vibes over values, always.
Overexposure to content telling us to “walk away fast” – Some advice is good, but we’re also scared to stick around and do the work.
Watch + Learn With Me
That’s why I created Love N Layovers—a docuseries where I take these topics off the blog and onto the screen. As I date in real-time across different cities and cultures, I’m applying all the tools I’ve sharpened as a PI, forensic psychologist, and relationship strategist.
This isn’t just about finding love—it’s about exposing what’s really going on out here and giving YOU the insight to protect your peace, elevate your standards, and choose better.
Final Thought:
In 2025, you have to be part investigator, part therapist, and part visionary just to survive the dating pool.
Luckily, I’m all three—and I’m here to help you navigate it all.