Written By Mimi Mikhael ( ig @meeemers_ )

Every girl dreams of wearing that big white Cinderella ball gown and marrying her prince charming, inviting 300 guests, and dancing the night away with her loved ones. The moment her glass slipper falls off marks the beginning of a new chapter. How does this fairytale relate to dating? Let’s delve into the realm of love.

Here is my story. There was a time when I was engaged or in love. Which term better encapsulates it, I ponder? I prefer not to broadcast to the world that I was once engaged to someone I truly cared about. As the saying goes, “When there is love, there is life.” I genuinely believe that in relationships, where there is a will, there is a way. Couples, deeply in love, find avenues to overcome obstacles and compromise. My past relationship taught me valuable lessons, especially the importance of having a support system of family and friends who genuinely care about your well-being.

Now that I find myself single, dating in the post-COVID era has proven to be challenging. Following therapy, I learned that establishing boundaries is crucial in any relationship. Hailing from Los Angeles but with roots in Egypt, I’ve observed the Middle Eastern culture, particularly Egyptian, to be quite strict about dating. While watching Egyptian movies, I used to perceive love as either overly romantic or non-existent, often portrayed in extreme scenarios. For instance, dating an Egyptian man can be challenging due to cultural differences, where boundaries might not be as defined. Navigating through these cultural disparities, I often question whether this lack of boundaries is normal or if it’s an attempt to protect me, even when going out with friends late at night.

In recent months, my church has conducted relationship talks, providing valuable advice on modern dating. As a Christian Coptic Orthodox, the discussions highlighted three key points that have significantly influenced my approach to dating: honesty from the beginning, mutual respect (including setting boundaries), and building trust. Trust, in particular, is a challenging aspect in today’s dating scene, requiring time and patience.

Beyond these three points, an observation I’ve made is the concerning lack of communication in society. Both men and women struggle to express their needs and preferences openly. Women, in particular, seem hesitant to speak up. It’s crucial for women to embrace their authenticity and never fear expressing their desires. If a woman desires a deep, committed relationship leading to marriage and family, it’s essential to communicate these aspirations early on. Staying in a relationship where goals misalign can lead to wasting precious time.

Before delving into the dating world, I’ve learned the importance of healing and self-love. Taking time each day for self-reflection, engaging in activities like walks or gym sessions, maintaining a journal, and investing in personal development through books are all steps toward self-improvement. Before delving into the dating world, I’ve learned the importance of healing and self-love. Taking time each day for self-reflection, engaging in activities like walks or gym sessions, maintaining a journal, and investing in personal development through books are all steps toward self-improvement. In essence, understanding that as an individual, you are the decision-maker and no one can dictate your path. 

Embrace your own fairy tale, where the glass slipper symbolizes not just a dreamy ending, but a powerful journey of self-discovery and empowerment, paving the way for a love story uniquely yours.