Seven women. Seven men. Seven minute speed dates. On Zoom. The concept of speed dating isn't new to me, yet being confined to a small box on a screen added unexpected emotions. Is this what being on a dating reality show feels like? Plus, trying it in Italy adds an extra layer of charm and comedy, and it’s exactly what I needed after my post-quarantine breakup.

Living in Italy makes me incredibly happy, and I almost always have a huge smile on my face. Italians tend to be attracted to this joy, and I often meet new people (single men included) while living my daily life in places like restaurants, museums, the beach, and the airport.