Hi, I’m Stephanie Endlish. My first dating relationship lasted 7 years. We started dating in high school at the ripe age of 15 and stayed together until we were 22 even though we had drifted apart long before. Neither one of us knew how to break up with the other and it became a game of “well we’ve been together this long, shouldn’t waste that time.” But that’s the fun part of dating–it’s never time wasted. Meeting new people is entertaining and also allows you to dig deeper into yourself.
I believe dating is not merely a means to an end, but an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. Every dating experience, no matter how insignificant or challenging it may seem, has the potential to enrich our lives, broaden our perspectives, and guide us closer to our authentic selves.
I moved from Ohio to Virginia in 2019 and began the adventure of being on my own, making new friends, and dating– just as the pandemic hit the US. As a result, all of the traditional places to meet people and go on dates were closed. Using the various dating apps, I have met many guys. I went on a lot of first dates. I even went on some second dates. I have talked to many guys and each has been memorable. I have found myself growing from each experience–good or not so good.
I wanted to come up with a way to document this significant time in my life and hence the idea for a dating journal was born!
My unofficial nickname is ‘Detnie’ because as a child, I could not say ‘Stephanie.’ I wanted to honor this little piece of my history by dedicating a group of like-minded women to the name: DETNIE stands for “Dating Everyone ‘Til Nuptials In Existence.” We are the DETNIE Babe Brigade!