Carolyn Travis met a man during an entrepreneurship class and fell in love. However, an Excel spreadsheet created by her friends using a special application suggested the relationship might not last. The analysis showed incompatibility across several key areas. This is part of a growing trend where people are using data and technology to improve their romantic lives, often referred to as "hackers of love." These individuals are tired of traditional dating methods and believe that data analysis can help them make better decisions in relationships. They argue that with so many choices on dating apps, people often overlook important details about potential partners. Minnie Lane, a dating coach, acknowledges that it's reasonable to have clear expectations in a relationship. However, she cautions against assigning a score to someone before even getting to know them. On platforms like Etsy, some creators have recognized this trend and are selling customizable spreadsheet templates for relationship analysis. Prices range from as low as 1 British pound for basic versions to 45 British pounds for more detailed ones. In the U.S., a developer named Sampson Ezieme created an app called "Spread," which helps users make relationship decisions based on their personal preferences, deal-breakers, and long-term goals. This movement is part of a larger trend known as self-optimization, where people apply efficiency and logic to various aspects of life. According to Cosmopolitan, some singles are trying to "optimize" their romantic lives by setting clear goals and analyzing their dating experiences like a professional case. One woman, who goes by "Molly," explained that she wants to approach dating with a more analytical mindset, looking at her choices and behavior to improve her chances of finding a compatible partner. However, this approach can be exhausting, especially for young singles who are already tired of endlessly scrolling through dating app profiles. While the idea of using data to improve relationships may seem logical, it doesn't always lead to happiness. The excitement of waiting for a message from someone you like—often described as "butterflies in the stomach"—is something no AI or algorithm can replicate. Life and love are complex and cannot be fully captured by spreadsheets or mathematical formulas. People are more than just a list of likes and dislikes, and reducing them to numbers may not lead to meaningful connections.