A new book by Stephanie Van De Ven is taking a bold and humorous approach to the complexities of modern dating. Dating Dicks: Dating Guide Book & Journal blends personal anecdotes, humor, and practical advice to help readers identify red flags, build confidence, and develop healthier dating habits.
Van De Ven draws inspiration from her own experiences navigating relationships and hearing similar struggles from others. “The idea came from a long queue of bad dating choices on my part,” she said. “I kept hearing horror stories and thought—what if we could share these experiences, create community, and inspire women to date great men? That’s 100% possible.”
Despite its provocative title, the book is more than a collection of humorous stories. It provides readers with tools for self-reflection, exercises for building self-awareness, and tips for recognizing and avoiding toxic relationships. The goal, Van De Ven explains, is empowerment through self-improvement and boundary-setting.
“It’s not about bashing men,” she said. “There are so many great men out there—we just have to learn to find them while also working on ourselves.”
Balancing humor with more serious themes, the book includes real-life stories that range from shocking to laugh-out-loud funny. “You have to laugh, but you also have to own your choices,” Van De Ven said. “I’ve learned so many lessons, and now I want to help others evolve, too.”
Sharing personal stories wasn’t without challenges. The author admits that this project marked a shift from her previous professional pursuits and required embracing vulnerability. “This project was mapped out years ago, but the timing wasn’t right,” she said. “I finally felt ready to be open about my experiences, and it’s been both scary and thrilling. Vulnerability can be a superpower, and I’m embracing that.”
The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Readers have connected with the book’s humor and relatability, often sharing their own dating experiences in response. “It’s creating room for connection, support, and healing,” Van De Ven said. “That’s exactly what I hoped it would do.”
Modern dating culture plays a central role in the book, which describes today’s dating landscape as “complex, overwhelming, and unrealistic.” The author highlights the challenges posed by online dating, catfishing, and an abundance of red flags.
“In today’s dating scene, gut instincts are more important than ever,” she explained. “In my book, I talk about setting boundaries, staying safe online, and learning to trust yourself when something doesn’t feel right. It’s tough for good guys, too. They often have to work harder to prove themselves while the so-called ‘dicks’ seem to run wild.”
Looking ahead, Van De Ven is already working on the second installment of Dating Dicks and is encouraging readers to submit their own dating horror stories anonymously for inclusion. “I want this to be a community effort,” she said. “We all have stories, and sharing them can be both therapeutic and empowering.”
The first book in the series is available for purchase on Amazon, while updates and submissions for the second edition can be made through the author’s website and social media.
In addition to her work as an author, Van De Ven continues to focus on personal growth and community-building through her wellness business, Country Spirit Wellness Farm in Paris. Readers can follow her journey and updates on Instagram at @datingdicksinc and @countryspiritfarmbrant.
For anyone navigating today’s often chaotic dating scene, Dating Dicks offers a humorous yet insightful guide to breaking unhealthy patterns and building better relationships. With honesty, humor, and vulnerability, Van De Ven provides readers with tools to approach dating with confidence, self-awareness, and a renewed sense of purpose.
