Dating Tips

Use photos from actual life — a dinner, a trip, a genuine moment. Studio headshots look like HR profiles. Candid is more attractive than posed.

One paragraph. Don't list adjectives ("I'm adventurous, kind, ambitious"). Say something specific — a place you love, what a good weekend looks like to you.

Say what you're looking for. People who are vague about expectations create mismatched conversations. Clear early is kind.

Location matters here more than most cities. Buckhead and Old Fourth Ward have different cultures. Let people know where you actually live your life.

The worst opening is "Hey." The best references something real from their profile — a neighborhood, an interest, a photo. Shows you actually looked.

Don't send five questions in one message. One good question is more inviting and easier to respond to.

If you match, send a message within 24 hours. Matches go cold fast — the longer you wait, the less likely you get a response.

Chemistry rarely builds over extended text conversations. Suggest a specific plan within 5-7 messages.

A connection where one person expects experiences and another expects financial support is going to disappoint everyone. Say what you mean.

Not in message one — but before you meet in person. Both parties should know what kind of connection they want to explore.

Not everyone is looking for the same thing. If expectations don't align, say so respectfully and move on.

Always. A cocktail bar or hotel lobby is perfect for a first meeting — comfortable, not too loud, easy to extend or gracefully end.

A timed first meeting reduces pressure. You can always stay longer if it goes well.

Everyone checks their phone. The person who stays present and gives the conversation full attention will stand out.

If something feels off, it probably is. You don't owe anyone a second date.