Saturday, October 3, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

ConnectionUpworthy

Single woman’s ‘husband application’ Google form goes viral, attracting over 240 ‘applicants’

In a bold departure from traditional dating norms, Arin Patterson, a 36-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, turned to a Google Form in her quest for love, attracting over 240 hopeful applicants. Frustrated by the limitations of modern dating apps and inspired by her parents’ enduring 44-year marriage, Patterson crafted a thorough 'husband application' that not only assessed basic compatibility but also delved into personal aspirations and values. Her innovative approach, described as both hopeful and strategic, underscores a desire for clarity and intention in romantic pursuits.

Patterson's initiative reflects a blend of humor and earnestness, as she positions herself as an 'Equal Opportunity Employer' in the realm of love. By taking control of her dating narrative, she not only challenges societal norms but also invites a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of relationships. Her story, while playful on the surface, is a testament to the power of creativity and self-advocacy in seeking authentic connections.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
The challenge of finding meaningful romantic connections in the age of dating apps.
The actions
Patterson created a detailed 'husband application' Google Form to screen potential partners.
Evidence of progress
She received around 241 submissions and 'anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500' direct messages, indicating significant interest and engagement.
What we can learn
Others can learn the value of clarity and intention in dating, and the potential of creative approaches to overcome conventional barriers.
PERMA profile of this story

How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.

Positive Emotion
8
Engagement
7
Relationships
6
Meaning
6
Accomplishment
7
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Hope

    Patterson shared that her parents' 44-year (and counting!) marriage inspired her to seek long-term love.

  • Courage

    Arin Patterson grew tired of the modern dating scene so she decided to find her future husband a different way: having him fill out an application.

  • Curiosity

    Potential beaus were asked to share a topic they could talk about for hours, inviting depth beyond surface-level traits.

Try this today

Reflect on an area of your life where you feel stuck, and brainstorm one unconventional method to address it. Write down the steps you would take and the desired outcome, just as Patterson did with her husband application.