Self-described as “a woman who’s been through just enough therapy to monetise her emotional chaos,” comedian and Gaeilgeoir Aideen McQueen is back in Galway this week bringing with her her new show, Waiting for Texto. Before all that, however, she decided to take it upon herself to offer us some hard learned ‘truths’ about dating in Galway and what there is for us to do in this modern day dating scene. Check it out below.
An hilarious, interactive comedy about the agony of unanswered messages, this show is all about online communications’ tendency to create misunderstanding, and the universal frustration of modern dating. Described as ‘Bridget Jones meets Baby Reindeer,’ this fresh, witty play is perfect for anyone who’s ever obsessed over a WhatsApp message.
“If men are such visual creatures, why can’t they see my texts?!” Brilliantly relatable and funny with a positive message, Waiting for Texto is a must-see show.
Aideen McQueen: Waiting for Texto is coming to Galway’s Róisín Dubh this April 3rd, doors at 8pm. Book your tickets before it’s too late here.
Introduction by Gráinne Thornton.
Words by Aideen McQueen.
There are two types of women in Galway right now: The ones in relationships… and the ones in Róisín Dubh bathroom telling their friend, “I actually don’t want a boyfriend right now,” while reapplying lip gloss like they’re about to go to war. I know this because I am her.
‘Truth’ no.1 - Galway Doesn't Have a Dating Scene — It Has a Dating Petri Dish
Dating in Galway is unique. This is a town pretending to be a city, which means every man you’ve ever kissed is either in Monroe’s Tavern, going out with someone you know, or suddenly “into sea swimming” and emotionally unavailable.There’s also a very specific Galway man: he has a moustache, a tote bag, and a vague job in “creative.”
You will never know what he does.
He will never pay for a drink.
But he will ruin your mental health with one voice note.
‘Truth’ no. 2 - Dating Apps Have Turned Us into Lunatics
Dating has turned into an admin job with emotional damage. You’re lying in bed at night thinking: “Should I reply?” “Was that too much?” “When he wrote ‘haha’ was he flirty or actually laughing at me?” (Meanwhile, he’s sent ‘haha’ to six women and gone to sleep like a drunk labrador.)
I came off the apps because I couldn’t handle it. It felt like I was a product:
Here I am hiking (I hate hiking).
Here I am with a dog (not my dog, but it shows I’ll be a good mother).
Here I am in Florence (so you think I can read).
You’re basically a yoghurt competing with other yoghurts: “Pick me, I’m fun and low-fat and I won’t ask where this is going :)”
Going on dating apps and expecting to find love felt a lot like going into Paddy Powers expecting to become rich - some win, but more lose.
above: photo by @lisahamiltonphotography
‘Truth’ no. 3 - Situationships are Emotional Hunger Games
We don’t even have relationships anymore. We have situationships, which is when you’re texting every day, sleeping together, and mentally planning your wedding …and he’s like:
“Let's just go with the flow.”
Sure, I’ll “go with the flow,” but where is the flow going? - I NEED TO KNOW!!!
Women don’t want to “go with the flow.”
Let’s be honest.
We want a flowchart.
‘Findings’- Galway Men: A Case Study
There are a few key categories:
1. The Salthill Sea Swimmer
Up at 6am, in the Atlantic, healing.
Will absolutely not text you back.
2. The GAA Head
Emotionally repressed.
Will marry you.
Will never discuss feelings.
Will die beside you in silence-ideal.
3. The DJ
Avoid.
Just avoid.
You will end up in a nightclub in Galway at 4am questioning your life choices.
4. The ‘Sound Lads Only’ Man
He’s actually lovely.
You’re not attracted to him.
He will marry someone from Mayo and be happy forever.
‘Findings’ point 1. Everyone Wants a Unicorn
Women now want a man who is:
Sexy, sound, solvent.
A man who makes the bed, breaks the bed and makes money out of the bed by leveraging it on Airbnb.
Men want a woman who is:
Hot, chill, low-maintenance, and somehow never inconvenient.
We’ve all created this fantasy person, and then we’re shocked when we can’t find them in a smoking area in Eyre Square.
‘Findings’ point 2. Sex Has Become… Confusing
Here’s the uncomfortable bit: Sex is easier than ever.
But connection? Harder than ever.
Men are coming in with confidence, expectations, and absolutely no emotional follow-through.
Women are coming in like: “I will not get attached this time” …and then immediately: “This is my husband.”
There’s a gap. A massive gap.
I've been a victim myself of the dreaded oxytocin that flattens a woman after sex, making her fall for a man she really didn't want in the first place. Porn has made it worse - people now expect things on a first encounter that your mother wouldn’t even say out loud at Mass.
You’re on a date thinking: “Is this romance… or am I about to need medical attention?”
‘Findings’ point 3. The Bit No One Says Out Loud
Here’s the truth: we all act like we’re thriving.
“I love being single.”
“I’m focusing on me.”
“I don’t need anyone.”
And yes — sometimes that’s real. But also… sometimes you’re in SuperValu buying a single chicken fillet thinking: “Is this it now?”
We’ve made being single empowering — which is great.
But we’ve also made it… permanent.
‘Conclusion’ - So What Now?
Honestly? You either compromise slightly or become incredibly good at entertaining yourself.
Build a life: friends, nights out, hobbies, trips, chaos, joy. Because the apps aren’t saving us. The algorithm is not Cupid.
Modern dating might be unhinged, exhausting, slightly humiliating…but we’re all still doing it. Still checking the phone. Still hoping. And honestly? That’s the most Galway thing of all - standing outside in the cold, pretending you don’t care… while absolutely caring.
Main photo of Aideen McQueen by @lisahamiltonphotography
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