Relationship Status: My survival guide to love, dating and heartbreak

by Anastasia Kingsnorth

The world of dating has never been more complicated, from situationships to soft launches, red flags, beige flags and everything in between. Let’s face it, it’s a lot of fun, but it can also be confusing! I’ve recently re-entered my single girl era and want to take you along for the ride as I dive into the world of modern relationships and how to navigate them, sharing the awkward, the cute and the cringey moments that come with it. I’ve held nothing back, spilling my dating secrets, funny stories and top tips. You’ll also get to hear from some familiar faces serving the tea on their dating experiences.



Whether it’s getting the ick or being ghosted, holiday flings or becoming friends with benefits, I’ve been through it all and I’m here to help you with the lessons I’ve learned along the way. The main one being, whatever your status, the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. So get ready girlies, let’s do this!



Anastasia x

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

Reviews

[Caitlin Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Please stop giving influencers book deals when there are genuinely talented people out there desperate to write a book. Having said that I did buy it, so.

Just like her and Saffron’s podcast, there isn’t enough life experience or knowledge I don’t feel to speak deeply and meaningfully on such topics. Very surface level analysis (if you can even call it that) of relationship caveats in the modern day. It feels like I am being spoon fed the most crude and basic things I already know but in a way that’s supposed to make me feel as though I’m learning something? Nothing scratches the surface or makes you actually think. A lot of the content is also rehashed from the podcast so it feels as though I’m consuming the same content over and over again… I can’t help but think what’s the point in writing this?

Having been in 5 long term relationships in my life I feel I would be better placed to speak on the topic, however I don’t have an influx of Instagram followers so instead we must listen to this drivel. Anyway as I said, I did buy it so I can’t complain too much. But yes don’t follow in my footsteps and save yourself the space on your book shelf for something better.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook out of morbid curiosity. Did I find this groundbreaking? No. Did I enjoy the gossip? Yes.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this mainly as i used to watch Anastasia on YouTube constantly, and still currently watch some of her videos. i was interested on her take on love, predominantly romantic love, as she has always been private about her relationships and doesn’t post about them much online. although i found some aspects of this book to be a little repetitive (hence a star knocked off), overall i found the book interesting, easy to read, entertaining, reflective and insightful. it’s so readable as all the chapters are interesting and focus on different aspects of love, relationships, dating, sex, break-ups and so much more. i don’t typically rate non-fiction as it is someone’s personal account/advice, however this one was very well done in my opinion and therefore deserves a rating. i also loved the parts that were written as diary entries and advice from her friends. it was interesting to get multiple perspectives on the topics covered. i think the only reason a star was knocked off was due to some of the content not being relevant to me and also parts becoming repetitive. overall i thoroughly enjoyed this one and read it within a few days!

[Laura Platt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an easy listen and gives interesting insights to dating in your 20’s. It was fun lighthearted and I really enjoyed it

[Katie Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I zoomed through that in basically one sitting🤣
I’m leaning towards 3.5/3.75, it was such an easy read and I really enjoyed reading her view on relationships.

I related a lot to what was written in this book and I really enjoyed that. I also enjoyed the outlook that she gave on love, and finding love for yourself as I feel like that’s something I’ve tried to focus on doing.

Enjoyed this book more than I expected to :)

[Kitty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time and patronising

[Harriet · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was fine, the author is only 23 so mostly dealt with very generic relationship stuff mixed into a retelling of her dating history. However, the narrative is so confusing and meandering that I would really like to speak to the editor because I'm not convinced this book was proofread beyond a spellcheck.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Ana from the very beginning I'm so so proud of everything she has accomplished so far and love her so fkin much 💖💖

[Katie Oconnor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mijas holiday read👙☀️🍉

[Kylah Dooner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a religious watcher of Ana’s YouTube, I thoroughly enjoyed the read! Done over a few days!

[Mia Lenton · Rating 3 out of 5]

To clarify I ready this book not as someone who was after dating advice but as someone who used to watch Anastasia on YouTube and still watch some of her videos now… I was interested in her stories about her dating life as she’s quite private about it online, and I really enjoyed it - found it an easy and entertaining read, and I also loved the parts written by her friends for different perspectives! I just did find it a bit repetitive and not all relevant to me… plus non-fiction just inane hence the rating

[Ellie Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm dunno how I feel about it personally

[Zara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Skipped through some of it, felt quite repetitive and wasn't too engaging as far as biographical books go. Its was very jumpy, I found the "I'll get to that later in the book" quite confusing after the first few times and was skipping forwards and backwards to know what she was talking about. I did however like the casual tone of the writing, it was like having a friendly catch up. I just wish it was structured better and gave me a bit more

[Amy Fraser · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is fine, most of the chapters are enjoyable and really easy to read but some of the dating stories seem so fabricated. I guess the book is pitched as an authentic experience of navigating modern dating but I just didn’t get that vibe at parts

What brought this from a 2.5/3 to a 2 star review is the fact that borderline abusive behaviours are pitched as “red flags” which seemed off and how this validates ick culture- taking it from a joke to something that seems to be tangible

[Daria Ageeva · Rating 1 out of 5]

I must admit I have watched Anastasia Kingsnorth grow up through YouTube for many years so I listened (audio book) to this more for the gossip then I did the life and love advice.

The book covers Anastasia’s unlucky in love stories and how’s she’s on a journey to love herself, with a few inserts from Byron and Saffron here and there. There is nothing new or revolutionary about the experiences that Ana has gone through that will give an insight to the reader (or listener) on how to handle their dating life however it was interesting just to get to know what the dating scene is like now.

Anastasia reveals that her and Byron have actually slept together and not just once and while Byron explains Grindr to the reader/listener there is no POV from him regarding this, which would of been good as Byron is considered Ana’s “Gay best Friend” … I know I haven’t slept with my gay best friends… so it would of been good to get two points of view and have a discourse about friendships and boundaries being crossed. Also I am listening to this now knowing that Ana is in a new relationship but Byron still has an active role in her life and so makes me wonder has her new partner read the book, and what his feeling are about Byron and Ana remaining to have a strong friendship despite their history.

I wouldn’t rush to recommend this book to anyone, especially if you don’t follow or know Anastasia as mentioned before nothing new or revolutionary here, unless maybe you live in Manchester and want to know where to go to find a specific type of guy. However it was an easy listen and I assume would be an easy read and if you are probably over 40 and want to know what dating is like now compared to when you was younger then this would be a good all rounder to compare the modern dating scene.

[Johanna Weiss · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half. It’s an easy ready and I really enjoy Ana’s videos and used to listen to the podca a lot, so this just seemed like an extension at first. I thought Saffron’s and Byron’s takes were a nice touch.

However, halfway through this book it just gets repetitive. This might be because she has limited experiences in relationships and dating, which makes sense because she is in her early twenties. But any analysis or “deep dive” of those situations just feels like a surface level thought without questioning any of her own behaviours, societal norms or things that go past what you’ve seen on social media countless times. This is by no means bad for a video or a podcast but seems a bit like the book is lacking substance in some parts, which is also backed by the constant definition of terms and overall repetition. I might have been wrong for expecting more than this.

I’m sure this book is a great guide for someone who is just starting their dating life (if you can look over the fact that basically every tip includes “getting drunk” or “going to a bar, because you can have a great date sober!!!!) but for anyone above the age of 21….maybe just stream the audiobook for free somewhere.

[Niamh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Having followed Anastasia online for a few years, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a book about relationships - particularly since she keeps her love life online so quiet. I really enjoyed how this book was about loving yourself and how that should be everybody’s first priority. She dove into the challenges she has had to face, both in herself and through the wrong doings of others. This book felt very raw, which must have been difficult to write at some points. Anna did a fantastic job at writing witty lines and then going to a more serious outlook, I felt like this was done very well.

I enjoyed her writing style, it was easy to read and felt like Anastasia talking. The insights from her friends were a lovely touch as well.

Overall, a fantastic book which must have taken a lot of courage to be so vulnerable with her audience as well as herself.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

I read this out of sheer intrigue because I watch Ana on YouTube.

I don't really think that she has enough relationship experience to have written a book like this - it seems like a random choice for her, though it is also on brand with her podcast. I think this book really depicts how young she is and shows how the majority of her experience is outside of romantic relationships. This is absolutely fine but I don't think she is best placed to advise on long term relationships or committed partners.

As someone who IS in a healthy romantic relationship and is pretty good at not getting involved with people who are considered 'red flags' or 'toxic', I would say that there wasn't really any take home advice or messages from this book. It felt like generic, repetitive and obvious advice but perhaps this is more appropriate for a younger audience.

However, I did enjoy Ana regaling some of her funny situationship stories and it was an easy read.

[Tee 💘🎀📖 · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a subscriber of Ana’s youtube videos for the last 9 or so years, I wanted to read this out of curiosity, rather than actually using it as a self help book or “dating advice”.

I LOVED the gossip within the book itself, finding out about flings and dates Ana and her friends have been on, however I don’t think this book as it is supposed to be about dating and relationship advice is 100% accurate coming from someone who has only had failed relationships and never actually been in a relationship more than 1 year.

I also found the book just not relatable, a lot of the conversations that could’ve been really thought-provoking stayed super surface level. If you’re a fan of Ana, you may have listened to her podcasts: Sex, Lies & Dm Slides or Entirely Accurate. I felt a lot of the content in this book was repetitive to what has been mentioned on the pod, but still entertained me, hence the 3 stars.

[Jack Sisson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give this a 3 stars - this book was something out of my comfort zone as I don’t normally read non-fiction but it has been written by someone that I have followed on socials for many years and kept up with her content. Considering the situation I am in, a book on loving yourself and relationships would be perfect, right? Some parts of this book was pretty difficult to get through - not with it being boring but seeing what the situationship I had for the past 1 and a half years was and how in comparison to what I could have had seemed small and insignificant. One thing this book gave me the clarity that the decision I made with my situationship was the right decision and that journey towards self love and healing is so important before entering a new situation (oops). This may be a book that I come back from time to time to find some clarity or advice when in time of need.

[Katya Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have watched Anastasia on YouTube for several years and loved her videos, it's like being on facetime to a friend. SO, when her podcast with Saffron came out, I was ecstatic - now that's a ritual for me too.

This book made me so happy! The informal writing style was comforting, and each chapter led smoothly onto the next. I've seen some reviews mentioning their confusion when she referenced situations from past chapters, however this wasn't a problem for me, most likely because I have followed her closely on YouTube and now Spotify. This was a light-hearted read, and perfect if you're generally interested in understanding interpersonal relationships better.

[Jodie Boast]

A very easy read and I mainly picked it up because I watch Anastasia's YouTube channel. I enjoyed listening to her view on the topics but being in a long term relationship, didn't find any of it relevant to me but found it interesting to hear her dating stories. I do think she is only 23 and she speaks as if she has been dating her whole life so depending on what you're looking to get out of this book, it is more specific to teen/early 20s dating.

It was quite repetitive but an easy, positive reading experience with some interesting anecdotes. If your a fan of Anastasia I would pick it up.

[Lucy Sanderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have just started listening to audiobooks and thought this would be a good one to start with seen as I love watching Anastasia’s YouTube videos. It was so easy to listen to and I enjoyed her take on love and relationships.

I am only rating it 3 stars as a lot of it wasn’t relevant to me as I’m in a long term relationship and I feel the book is more directed to someone who is single and dating. I hadn’t realise this when I first purchased it however I still enjoyed listening to Ana’s experiences.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Pip Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

- I am not a non-fiction girlie, I tend to find them boring but I absolutely loved this. It didn't drag like I usually find non fiction does.
- It felt like I was just sat talking to a best friend.
- Even though I'm engaged and planning my wedding and this isn't the kind of book I 'needed' it was really enjoyable and definitely something 19 year old me could have done with.
- I've been a fan of Anna's for around 6ish years now and I was so so happy when she announced this book was coming and it did not disappoint!

[Emily Whyte · Rating 2 out of 5]

as an Anastasia Kingsnorth STAN🤠 had to give this a go. As a book it’s a no from me probably a 1 or 2 at a push, as a source of gossip it’s 5*🤭 it’s more of a ‘guide’ than anything else but I fear this is hard to do given how young she is and the lack of experience in the dating & relationship world. I get triggered over a lot of audiobooks because the narration is so jarring but seeing as I listen and watch her YouTube so much it just sounded familiar which I liked!
Ps. The acknowledgments are very sweet

[Charley Costello · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook bc I got it for free with an audible deal, and I definitely wasn’t paying £20 for it.. which I’m glad about because it wasn’t great. I wanted to know the drama on her and Byron tbh and it was cringy as expected lol “am I right in thinking we’re taking condoms to Santorini”🤢
It was just badly written tbh but I do love ana and her videos so I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy this very much :(

[Caitlin Vernon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very intrigued about this book as I’ve watched Ana on youtube for years and she has always been private with her relationships.

I listened to this which felt more personal and more like a gossip, however it was very repetitive and I’m not convinced she really has enough experience to have written a book about relationships🫣

It was interesting to find out some of her stories and get to know her a bit more🫶🏻

[Melissa Lea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Will I read this again? Absolutely not. Do I regret reading it? No, it was an easy read and I'm a nosey gal. Wish she gave me more gossip TBH.
I do feel like a lot of this was very surface level stuff which didn't benefit me but, however, a younger fan of Anastasia may learn somethings (I'm talking, mid teens).
I have also never read an acknowledgements page that was 4 pages long and thanks pretty much all their friends? That was wild and it kinda made me cringe but each to their own.

[Maitha Mayed · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest I didn’t expect much from the book when I initially purchased it. However as I was reading the chapters I could relate to most things Ana has mentioned when made me realize that many people face the same things I went through. I wish to see all the single ladies reach their accepting themselves stage in life and become ready to be partners or I should say great partners and great mothers ! Thank You Ana !

[Elinor Dixon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this purely out of intrigue. It was absolute TRASH. I’m not convinced an editor was involved; there were several sentences throughout that did not make sense which really irked me. It was the most basic totally non-revolutionary book I have ever read. If you want to read something like this that will actually make you think rather try Dolly Alderton…