People Got Real About Online Dating — Here’s the Wildest Advice

If you’re in a tough spot, please step away from the dating apps for a bit. A friend of mine tragically lost his battle recently, and in his note, he talked about how lonely he felt trying to find someone. That pain? It’s real.

Ghosting and toxic vibes are part of the game, but they can seriously mess with your head.

For anyone struggling, turn off those apps, take care of yourself, and remember: your mental health comes first.

Just needed to say it - this stuff can get too heavy.

Heads up: You’re NOT the entertainer in this show! Find someone who matches your energy - no need to always be the one chasing texts or asking questions.

Had to remind myself of this today, and hey, maybe it’s a good reminder for you, too.

If you’re always the one dialing up the action, it’s time to swipe left on that energy zapper.

I’m 6’2”, and I’ve seen some wild height requirements in dating bios. One tried to save the day by saying “no pocket men” - whatever that means.

Funny thing: every one of them turned out kinda dry or rude.

Having a type? Cool. Being rude? Nah. Now I instantly swipe left on any profile with a height rule. Sorry, short kings, we’re sticking together!

Ghosting after meeting up? That’s just cold.

Whether it’s one date or five, if it’s not working, just say so. Don’t leave someone hanging with the silent treatment.

Remember: they’re human beings, not ghosts to ignore. Be kind, say a quick goodbye, and let them move on.

PSA! If a guy says he deleted his dating profile for you BEFORE you even met, run.

Not cute. Not romantic.

It’s just way too much, too soon.

We’re not exclusive; we haven’t even met. Please, don’t do this.

Waiting three days to text back or ghosting to look “cool”? Nah, not needed.

If you like someone, just go for it! Being interested isn’t a crime. Be genuine - people dig that.

Don't fib about the important stuff. Trust is like the foundation of a house - without it, everything falls apart.

So yeah, maybe living with your parents or in between jobs isn’t glamorous, but lying about it? Instant swipe left.

Keep it honest and keep it classy.

Why are people putting their kids’ pics on dating apps? Super weird.

Your date doesn’t care what your kids look like (okay, maybe a little, but still). Plus, those kids are too young to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to millions of strangers seeing their faces.

Trust me, when they grow up, they’ll cringe.

Nothing screams 'swipe left' faster than grown folks rocking dog or bear face filters in their dating pics - especially as the first photo.

Looks like you’re hiding something or just insecure. Either way, it’s baffling.

Does anyone actually fall for this? Why’s it such a huge thing?

Men, don’t hide your nerd flag! I love when a guy casually mentions gaming or geeky hobbies.

I’m looking for someone to chill with, play Nintendo, or geek out at a Ghibli fest.

If it’s part of who you are, shout it out on your profile. It’s more charming than you think.

Knitting in your recliner while pizza rolls bake in the air fryer? That’s the vibe you should rock.

Find someone who loves your quirks as much as you do.

Be your dorky self, always.

Stop swiping like your life depends on it. Seriously. Overdoing it fills your phone with meh matches and endless texting with no payoff.

Take a break if you need it. When you’re back, don’t waste time on generic profiles with zero smiles or skimpy pics.

Being picky means fewer matches - but better convos and less heartache.

Nothing grinds my gears more than someone who matches, sends a long message, and then vanishes before I can reply.

I get it - life happens! But isn’t it rude to ghost someone who took the time to say hi?

Play it cool, but don’t be the ghost in the machine.

Pics of you as a baby on your dating profile? Uh, creepy and weird! Just... no.

Keep your dating profile about what you WANT, not what you DON’T want.

Loads of folks fill their bios with breakup drama and rants about "bad" daters.

Instead, show off your cool hobbies and what makes you awesome. And maybe if you’re not over your ex, hold off swiping till you are.

Dating’s tough enough without a grudge.

Why do some people have EVERY photo be with the same 2 friends? How are we supposed to tell which one is you?

It’s a strange flex but it’s confusing AF.

Lying about kids or relationship status is just asking for trouble.

I once followed a woman on social media and it turned out she got married recently - but said nothing on the app. Worse? A “Christian” girl I met turned out to be pregnant.

Honesty might not win every time, but trust me, lying backfires.

Pick a first date spot you know inside and out.

Know parking, the menu, and good nearby hangouts if things go well.

Taking the lead looks confident - and less awkward.

Matched with someone, unmatched, then found them on another app and messaged them asking why? Creepy, just stop.

A friend did this and it seriously freaked her out. Let it go, folks.

Chase love, not people. Stalking is not the vibe.

Heads up: Most first dates end up going nowhere.

It’s not just you. Don’t take it personally.

Keep swiping and laughing at the craziness.

Just broke up? Online dating is NOT your rebound playground.

The past year? Every match I've had was someone freshly single and looking to bounce back.

One girl told me they weren’t officially broken up but didn’t want to be with their partner sexually anymore. Uh, okay?

Take time to heal before diving back in.

Sunglasses-only profile photos? Not helpful.

I saw a guy with FIVE pics and not a single one showed his eyes.

Turns out, when I asked for an eye-showing pic, they either ghosted or looked totally different.

Don’t be mysterious - just show your beautiful face!

If you have kids, shout it out in your profile.

It’s honestly better upfront. People need to know who you really are.

Hiding it only makes things awkward later.

Yes, it’s tough. But honesty’s the best policy.

Fake photos and misleading pics? That’s just sad.

I’ve seen friends with wildly different looks on different profiles. One girl looked so different in person I literally walked right past her.

How does this work out? Spoiler: It doesn’t.

Putting up photos with way hotter friends? It doesn’t work.

If I’m more attracted to your buddies, why swipe right on you?

Nope, the cheerleader effect doesn’t fix this.

We all know it’s a sneaky tactic, but it just confuses everyone.

Body language matters! Notice when she’s hanging close, giving you the eyes, or sticking around after the date.

Women drop hints, too. Pay attention.

Your bio deserves some pizzazz.

Leave out cliches and tired lines.

Make that first sentence count and spark curiosity.

Emotional self-awareness isn’t just knowing yourself - it’s realizing sometimes people are just busy or stuck in traffic.

Don’t jump to blame.

Keep it chill and welcoming. Emotional intelligence is a rare gem.

Dating should be about fun, learning, and growth.

The first couple months are a rollercoaster - so don’t stress over outcomes.

My motto: Enjoy the food, the chats, the sunset - if I never see this person again, no biggie.

Say “I hope I like her,” not “I hope she likes me.”

Dating is a mix of skill and luck.

Sometimes you get a royal flush, sometimes you get dealt a 2 of clubs.

Play smart but don’t stress the stuff you can’t control.

Imagine a 6-month job hunt but for a girlfriend:

10,000 swipes (applications), 100 matches (interviews), 15 convos (phone screens), 3 first dates (in-person interviews), 1 second date (final interview), and if you’re lucky...

A girlfriend (the job offer).

Looking good isn’t just luck - it’s health.

Get a haircut that suits you.

Try skincare masks (they’re not just for Instagram).

Find an exercise you actually like.

Wear clothes that fit and maybe a cool bracelet.

Small style upgrades = big confidence.

Don’t be that guy who asks permission to kiss.

Instead, wait for the vibe, then go for a simple, sweet first kiss.

Make sure she’s into you and wants to see you again before locking lips.

If you hide or twist your body type on your profile and get ghosted after a date - well, that’s on you.

Honestly, many don’t even realize this is their problem.

Keep it real, it saves a lot of pain later.

“Oops, I accidentally said I was 30, but I’m really 56.” Uh, sure.

This age fib happens a lot, always with far-away pics to hide wrinkles.

Guys, do you really expect this to fly? Spoiler: Nope.

Matched? Great! Now don’t drag out the small talk.

Keep your icebreaker short and sweet, then ask her out.

Wait too long and she’ll ghost before you know it.

“Just ask” bios or profiles with only emojis? No thanks.

If you want effort, put some in.

Don’t expect someone to do all the work while you chill.

This also goes for “I won’t message first” types.

Online dating is seriously frustrating - like, super frustrating.

Unless you’re in the tiny lucky fraction who hits it off right away, you’ll face ghosting, confusion, and many “What did I do wrong?” moments.

Try not to take it personally.

Yes, it sucks, but it’s way more common than you think.

Welcome to the wild side!

Keep swiping only to overwhelm yourself with meh convos and zero dates? Nah.

Once you have 1 or 2 good matches, focus on chatting and setting up dates.

Stop swiping unless those go nowhere, or you’ll get caught in the “grass is greener” trap.

This is your profile, not your cat’s or your kid’s.

Make YOU the main star of every part.

Also, more solo pics help people know who’s who.

If all photos are with the same two friends, it’s a guessing game.

Here’s a secret: She’s most likely nervous and wants you to do well.

Relax and be yourself - she’s on your side.

I’m tired of women whining all men are boring or unfaithful, then saying they hate drama but love tattooed biker dudes.

Newsflash: If you hate the drama but go for the edgy types, you’re kinda the common denominator.

You get what you sow.

Dating is like boxing - expect some punches to the heart.

Ghosting, mixed signals, heartbreak? It’s all in the game.

Of dozens of dates, I got closure once - once! The rest? Mystery.

Best advice? Don’t fall in love until you’ve seen her butt at least three times.

If she’s into you, she’ll give you a window of opportunity.

Don’t just hang out like friends for too long, or you’ll get friend-zoned.

Assume she’s having fun, then confidently lean in for the goodbye kiss.