Our story
Born from personal embarrassment.
After one too many disastrous dates, sharing the details with friends became a ritual. The pity, the laughter, the “surely that didn’t happen” faces—it was clear these stories deserved a home.
The people behind the plot twists
Dating is weird.
Let’s talk about it.
Nightmare Dates is for the dates that made you laugh, cringe, stare into the middle distance—or immediately message the group chat.
BAD DATES
WELCOMESince the group-chat recap
WELCOMESince the group-chat recap
This started with a simple idea: if dating can be an absolute car crash, we may as well make it feel less lonely. Here you’ll find real stories, straight-talking articles and enough second-hand embarrassment to make your own bad date feel survivable.
The person behind it
Dating-site veteran. Tech nerd. Survivor.
Nightmare Dates was founded by someone who previously ran two large dating websites, studied computers at Sheffield University and has spent more than two decades working in SEO and tech.
The point
Less shame. More perspective.
Dating apps can be exhausting, hilarious and occasionally baffling. We make room for the funny stories, but also for advice on staying safer and spotting the nonsense early.
A small promise
Your story can be yours.
Share with a pseudonym if you like. Every submission is moderated with care, so the site stays respectful, human and fun—without turning someone else’s worst day into a pile-on.