A man and a woman on a date on the quest to find love.
Image: Unsplash
In a world where the pursuit of love has been transformed by technology and social media, one American woman has decided to take a bold step in her romantic life - spending a staggering $10,000 (R195 000) on a dating coach.
Shirley Vernae, a 39-year-old TikTok user, has gained attention for her unique approach as she embarks on the journey to find her happily ever after.
After a two-year hiatus from dating, Vernae consulted renowned dating expert Anwar White, who is known for guiding women of colour towards successful romantic relationships.
With a significant investment aimed at enhancing her love life, Vernae shared her journey via a viral TikTok video that sparked a heated debate among viewers.
“People will spend $20,000 on Doctor Miami, $100,000 on higher education, but there are some people in my comments literally cringing at the idea of investing their money and protecting their hearts and future love lives,” Vernae explained in her candid video.
She reflected on her past experiences, which included wasting 13 years with the wrong partner, and emphasised the importance of being educated on dating choices.
Her investment seems to have paid off. In a surprising twist to her story, Vernae recently announced her engagement, suggesting that consulting a professional was a game-changer for her.
Yet, while her tale may inspire some, it has also prompted backlash and criticism from netizens.
Many commenters expressed scepticism about the price tag attached to love advice.
TikTok user @onlycarrington declared, “$10,000 for a man that can leave still? Education is forever,” highlighting the doubts surrounding the longevity of her investment.
Another user, @homietingz, accused dating coaches of exploiting women’s yearning for connection, stating, “These dating coaches prey on the fact that women are desperate for a life partner.”
Some, however, showed support for Vernae’s decision. @itslivthegemini, agreeing with her viewpoint, commented that “based on the money, time, and years that I wasted dating the wrong men, $10,000 isn’t even a lot.”
This sentiment reflects the growing trend of individuals reevaluating their past relationships and the costs associated with emotional turmoil.
If there’s one takeaway from Vernae’s story, it’s that the search for love is deeply personal and can come with hefty financial implications.
Whether this sets a precedent for others to follow in her footsteps remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly elevates the conversation surrounding the investment some are willing to make to find lasting happiness.
