I Sat on More Planes Than Men Last Year — And Honestly, Thank God
Some people measure their year or success in relationships, milestones, or personal growth. I like to measure mine in boarding passes.
Last year, I sat on more planes than men — and before you feel bad for me or judge me on this, don’t. If I had said this 5 years ago when I thought I had life figured out, I most definitely would not be admitting this publicly out of shame or embarrassment. In reality, it was the best accidental life choice I’ve ever made. I wasn’t lonely. I wasn’t heartbroken. I wasn’t “focusing on myself” in that sad, post‑breakup way. I was thriving. I was glowing. I was collecting passport stamps last year like they were Labubus. I was genuinely the happiest I had been in a while. Not a single relationship yet living the dream.
Because while men were sending mixed signals, airplanes were sending me confirmation emails. While men were inconsistent, flights were on time (well… some of them). And while men were asking “wyd,” airports were asking, “wyltu” (would you like to upgrade). While men found a way to ruin my day before 9am, I chose to board flights off to my next adventure at 9am instead. It’s ironic that the excitement I get when the staff crew shows up for the flight is nearly the same level of excitement I get when a situationship actually shows up to something.
I got tired of getting excited for the bare minimum when there is a world of excitement to explore out there. I don’t remember the last time a man made me light up with excitement the way the Eiffel Tower did when I saw it light up at night. Now I’m supposed to get excited when a man confirms plans on a Saturday?
Travel Gave Me What Dating Used To But Doesn’t Anymore
Dating last year felt like a series of plot twists written by a bored intern or a group project where I did all the work but still failed. I didn’t want to be bothered by the drama, inconsistency and the inability to make plans. Travel, on the other hand, gave me:
clarity
excitement
adventure
peace
and an excuse to buy cute outfits (spoiler: it used to be for men!)
Men gave me… well, mostly anxiety and a reason to drink. 🍷
Every time a situationship fizzled, I booked a flight. Every time someone said “I’m not ready for something serious,” I said “Perfect, because I’m not ready to stay in this city.” If I ever felt stuck, I got myself unstuck real quickly at 30,000 feet.
Travel became my rebound, my therapist, and my escape plan all in one.
I Found Myself in Airports, Not Relationships
Airports became my happy place. Not because they’re relaxing or always reliable (because they’re not), but because they represent possibility and new experiences.
When you’re walking through a terminal alone with your carry‑on and your iced coffee, you feel like the main character. You’re not waiting for someone to choose you — you’re choosing yourself.
I learned more about myself wandering foreign streets alone than I ever learned from a man who couldn’t decide if he liked me or just liked the attention. I found confidence in navigating new places. I found joy in being alone. I found peace in knowing I don’t need a partner to live a full, exciting life.
And somewhere between Gate A12 and Gate C7, I realized something important: I’d rather be single and stamped than cuffed and miserable.
🧳 Travel Filled My Life With Stories — Not Excuses
Men gave me excuses: “I’m busy.” “I’m confused.” “I’m not ready.” “My ex came back.” “My phone died for three days.”
Travel gave me stories: “I got lost in Paris and found the best bakery.” “I met a couple on the cruise who became lifelong friends.” “I watched the sunrise in a place I’d never been.” “I tried something new and didn’t die.”
“I remembered who I am.”
One of those lists is worth writing home about. The other went in the friend group chat for comedic relief to which they said “you should write a blog and share your dating experiences.” So, here we are.
💛 Choosing Planes Over Men Wasn’t Avoidance — It Was Alignment
I didn’t travel because I was running away from love. I traveled because I was running toward myself.
I wanted adventure. I wanted growth. I wanted to feel alive after consistently being disappointed by what was waiting for me at home.
I wanted to stop shrinking myself for people who couldn’t meet me halfway.
And the truth is, when you stop waiting for someone to join you, you start living the life you actually want. If a man wants to be in my life, he’s going to have to keep up — emotionally, mentally, and maybe even at the airport. Maybe I’ll meet him on the journey to my next destination or at the hotel bar when we arrive. You never know who is around the corner, especially when you’re going places!
Because last year taught me something I’ll never forget:
A boarding pass will never break your heart.
And if I end up sitting on more planes than men again this year—Well… that sounds like a win to me.
✈️ This Year, I’m Still Choosing Flights Over Fights
Will I date again? Sure. Will I lower my standards? Absolutely not. Will I stop traveling? Not a chance. And if I’m lucky, maybe this will be the year I catch flights and feels.