If you’re single, you’ve probably heard it — or said it to yourself: Dating feels impossible right now.

The numbers back it up. A Pew Research study found that nearly half of Americans say dating is harder than it was a decade ago.

So, what’s changed? Why is dating so difficult for so many people?

Dating apps have transformed how we can meet, but it’s not clear if they are helping or hurting. In the 1990s, nearly 20 percent of couples met in a bar or restaurant. Today that number is down to just 8 percent.

MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation she had earlier this year with a dating coach and a therapist to help break down the challenges of modern dating — and provide some advice for what you can do to make it easier.

Guests:

• Deanna Pelley is a public speaker, podcaster and mental health therapist with Emerge Therapy based in Minneapolis.
• Alex Merritt is a Minneapolis-based dating coach, known as the “Love Engineer.” Alex leads relationship workshops and does one-on-one advising on how to find love.  

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.