Author lifts the lid on NZ dating scene

• Published date: 01 December 2022

Wanaka-based journalist Olivia Caldwell interviewed women from across the country to gather their stories in her first book

Miss Caldwell was inspired through her own strange tales from the dating game.

‘‘I have become what I’d call an accidental Bridget Jones. I didn’t intentionally set out to accomplish that, certainly not. But I have run into a few blunders in my time, and you can only laugh and retell the stories to make others smile too.

‘‘I am sort of the friend that keeps everyone entertained, whether I like it or not,’’ Miss Caldwell said.

Her friends suggested she write a book telling some of her own stories.

Motivated by the concept, Miss Caldwell connected with women from around the country in search of similar dating disasters.

‘‘Sometimes there are those beautiful stories [from dating apps]. I have friends that have got married from meeting men off apps, but more often than not you are running into mismatches and oddities,’’ she said.

The book highlighted how men and women can struggle in the dating game, especially with the introduction of apps and online dating.

Miss Caldwell had adopted a fun and honest approach to dating.

‘‘You’re going into it thinking of making a friend, thinking of the story, thinking of the chapter, not finding love ever after...