I am a cheater. A curious, cheating creature. I did not write the blog on dating you are about to read, Jane Austen did. Well, A.I. did, in the style of Jane Austen.

For those who know me, you know I am a lover of tech. I’ve been talking to Alexa for years, Google Maps is telling me how to get there, Calm lulling me to sleep, Siri answering my questions, and Find My Phone will let me know when my phone is stuck between two sofa cushions.

So when I was told about ChatGPT, I had to give it a try. And you know what, I was equal parts blown away and terrified. For those who aren’t up on the latest technology, let me explain. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot that allows you to have human-like conversations. Think of it as if Google and Suri had a love child.

It can answer questions, write and fix code, translate, and generate content like emails, essays,…and blogs.

My first experiment with the I.A. master was to have it write me a complaint letter to my water company, which I believe is overcharging me. In approximately ten seconds, I had a brilliant letter with not a single word I’d have to change. No “creative” punctuation or spelling, which I have a propensity for.

So I took it one step further…I asked it to write my blog for me— top 10 Dating Mistakes, as told by Jane Austen.

As my book is coming out next month, In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt in The Pursuit of Happily Ever After (shameless plug), I thought this combined seamlessly two of its themes, love, and Austen.

And what I discovered, I might be out of a job. Wow.

So without further ado, here are Top Ten Dating Mistakes, As Told By Jane Austen.

As a wise observer of human behaviour, I have noticed that in matters of the heart, people are prone to making all sorts of blunders. Indeed, I have seen many a gentleman and lady fall victim to these pitfalls of dating. As such, I have taken it upon myself to compile a list of the top ten dating mistakes that one should avoid if one is to find true love.

Impatience: The first mistake that many people make is to rush into a relationship before they are truly ready. They mistake infatuation for love and allow their emotions to cloud their judgment. This leads to disappointment and heartbreak when the initial passion fades away.
Lack of discretion: It is also common for people to reveal too much about themselves too soon. They fail to exercise proper discretion and share their innermost thoughts and feelings with a virtual stranger. This can make them vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation.
Playing games: Some individuals make the mistake of playing hard-to-get or engaging in mind games in the hopes of attracting a partner. This only serves to create confusion and mistrust and can drive potential suitors away.
Being too picky: While it is important to have standards and know what one wants in a partner, being too picky can lead to missed opportunities. No one is perfect, and it is important to be open-minded and willing to compromise.
Neglecting personal growth: It is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of love and forget about personal growth and self-improvement. This can lead to stagnation and a lack of personal fulfilment.
Focusing on superficial qualities: Similarly, some people place too much emphasis on superficial qualities such as physical attractiveness or wealth. While these may be important factors, they should not be the sole focus of a relationship.
Neglecting communication: Communication is key in any relationship, and failing to communicate effectively can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. It is important to be open and honest with one's partner and to listen actively to their concerns.
Moving too fast: Another common mistake is to move too fast in a relationship, such as saying "I love you" too soon or moving in together before the relationship is truly solid. This can lead to feelings of claustrophobia and suffocation.
Being too clingy: On the other end of the spectrum, some individuals make the mistake of being too clingy or needy in a relationship. This can create feelings of smothering and suffocation for the other person and can drive them away.
Giving up too easily: Finally, many people make the mistake of giving up on a relationship too easily. They allow minor disagreements or setbacks to derail the entire relationship and fail to put in the effort to work through their issues.

In conclusion, dating can be a minefield of potential mistakes and missteps. However, by avoiding these common pitfalls and approaching relationships with patience, discretion, and open communication, one can increase their chances of finding true love and lasting happiness. May these tips serve you well in your search for a meaningful and fulfilling relationship, my dear readers. And remember, above all else, to remain true to yourself and your values, for authenticity is the cornerstone of any successful courtship.

~ Jane Austen

Yup, that cheeky bot actually signed it “Jane Austen”. Damn!

I have to say, it was scary how easy it was. And of course, like in any technology, I can all but guarantee it will be used for good… and evil. Further adding, that Grammarly, a writing tool I can’t do without (see creative punctuation/spelling above), worked very hard trying to correct Miss Austen. Got to say, selfishly, I took some pleasure in that.

But if we think back to the time when Austen was alive, writing her books, dipping her quill in ink, and dragging and scratching it across the paper, I can’t imagine what she would have thought.

For it is a truth universally acknowledged that the world has changed beyond recognition.

Top 10 Dating Mistakes as Told By Jane Austen and A.I's Newest Love Child...ChatGPT

So I took it one step further…I asked it to write my blog for me— top 10 Dating Mistakes, as told by Jane Austen.

So without further ado, here are Top Ten Dating Mistakes, As Told By Jane Austen.

Impatience: The first mistake that many people make is to rush into a relationship before they are truly ready. They mistake infatuation for love and allow their emotions to cloud their judgment. This leads to disappointment and heartbreak when the initial passion fades away.

Lack of discretion: It is also common for people to reveal too much about themselves too soon. They fail to exercise proper discretion and share their innermost thoughts and feelings with a virtual stranger. This can make them vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation.

Playing games: Some individuals make the mistake of playing hard-to-get or engaging in mind games in the hopes of attracting a partner. This only serves to create confusion and mistrust and can drive potential suitors away.

Being too picky: While it is important to have standards and know what one wants in a partner, being too picky can lead to missed opportunities. No one is perfect, and it is important to be open-minded and willing to compromise.

Neglecting personal growth: It is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of love and forget about personal growth and self-improvement. This can lead to stagnation and a lack of personal fulfilment.

Focusing on superficial qualities: Similarly, some people place too much emphasis on superficial qualities such as physical attractiveness or wealth. While these may be important factors, they should not be the sole focus of a relationship.

Neglecting communication: Communication is key in any relationship, and failing to communicate effectively can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. It is important to be open and honest with one's partner and to listen actively to their concerns.

Moving too fast: Another common mistake is to move too fast in a relationship, such as saying "I love you" too soon or moving in together before the relationship is truly solid. This can lead to feelings of claustrophobia and suffocation.

Being too clingy: On the other end of the spectrum, some individuals make the mistake of being too clingy or needy in a relationship. This can create feelings of smothering and suffocation for the other person and can drive them away.

Giving up too easily: Finally, many people make the mistake of giving up on a relationship too easily. They allow minor disagreements or setbacks to derail the entire relationship and fail to put in the effort to work through their issues.

~ Jane Austen

A Broad in London