Genuine question: are they looking for a romantic partner, or recruiting for a full-time position as carer, housekeeper, and personal ATM? 😄

Because neuroscience tells us that when someone leads with neediness, entitlement, or dependency instead of curiosity, reciprocity, and emotional availability, they’re often not seeking connection — they’re seeking regulation, rescue, and resources.

In psychology, this is called instrumental relating: approaching relationships based on what someone can provide rather than who they are. In dating terms, that translates to “love, but with benefits… for them.”

So yes — romance isn’t dead… but sometimes it’s stuck behind a job description and a very long list of unpaid duties. 😂