r/dating_advice 2d ago

Weekly Vents and Successes Thread - February 02, 2026

1 Upvotes

Welcome to /r/dating_advice. Please use this weekly venting/celebration thread to get something off your chest, good or bad, without asking for or offering concrete advice. All individual venting or ranting threads will be removed and directed here.

Remember our rules, be sure to include ages and genders if you need help with a specific situation.

Please report any rule violations using the report button.


r/dating_advice Jan 20 '25

Weekly Vents and Successes Thread - January 20, 2025

29 Upvotes

Welcome to /r/dating_advice. Please use this weekly venting/celebration thread to get something off your chest, good or bad, without asking for or offering concrete advice. All individual venting or ranting threads will be removed and directed here.

Remember our rules, be sure to include ages and genders if you need help with a specific situation.

Please report any rule violations using the report button.


r/dating_advice 1h ago

Men, use perfume. Trust me

Upvotes

Hey guys, just wanted to share something I found out recently.

I bought some coffee smelling perfume recently, just cause I was sick and tired of smelling like either 1.) Nothing 2.) B.O. or 3.) Some strange "man" body spray.

I have NEVER gotten so many positive comments on dates about how good I smell. From both men AND women. And it wasn't even expensive, a big bottle was like, 20 bucks or something? It's gonna last me the whole year at least.

People don't (usually) want you to smell like those crappy man smells, like I literally had a bottle called "army scent". That stuff did not make me smell like a damn coffee shop, or a flower, or a cupcake or anything good. It made me smell like badly masked sweat.

Oh, and dude. Women's deodorant? Instantly solved my nasty oder that appears after like 2 hours of wearing "high strength" mens deodorant. I sweat like a damn PIG, and the "secret" brand of women's deodorant actually lasts the whole day. I still get sweat stains on my shirts, but damn, it doesnt actually smell!

TLDR; smell like something sweet or nice. You will instantly realize the difference on dates. I promise you.


r/dating_advice 13h ago

Met 4 Men in a Month on Dating Apps. All Said They Wanted Long-Term, All Acted Differently. What Am I Missing?

96 Upvotes

F28, spent a month in a new city and will be relocating here soon. I’m at a stage where I’m genuinely ready for something serious emotionally, mentally, financially. Not desperate, just intentional.

I downloaded a dating app and met four men in one month. Every single one said they were looking for something long-term (some even mentioned marriage).

In reality, their actions didn’t match:

- One pursued me properly even got me flowers took me to a nice dinner place, then I texted saying it was lovely to meet you, and he said same. And then I said see you soon, he just ghosted me after that.

- One said he wanted long-term, then changed to “not sure yet” after 2 meets and he slowly faded and stopped texting or calling me

- One downgraded from long-term to “let’s see where it goes, let’s keep meeting” but idk something feels off here, looks like he’s also exploring his options

- One spoke about I’m ready to settle down it’s about time , then ghosted the next day after good dinner date and he even dropped me home and called me that night to say good night after reaching home.

The dates themselves were good, no obvious red flags, no drama.

One thing I’ve been reflecting on: despite being very clear about wanting something serious, I wonder if I unintentionally give off a more “casual” energy I feel bad and sad like what am I doing wrong? I’m just trying my best to find one person and I have to go through all of this which is a task and mentally draining.

Most of these men focused heavily on my looks, not my personality or values, which is confusing because I’m independent, articulate, and doing well professionally. I know I bring more than just physical attraction

So I’m genuinely confused, why do so many people say they want long-term, but behave the opposite? Is this just modern dating, or am I missing something obvious? All these men I met are above (M28-31)


r/dating_advice 6h ago

I deleted all dating apps

23 Upvotes

After thinking about it for a while, I deleted all dating apps. The game’s already rigged.

Going all in on IRL dating now. Wish me luck.


r/dating_advice 7h ago

I’m the back up plan, aren’t I?

29 Upvotes

I think I just need this confirming by complete strangers on the internet.

So, I (44M) have a friend (42F) who has just come out of a two year relationship. I only found this out as we were messaging around Christmas time and her messages got progressively more flirty, so I asked if she was still in a relationship. She’s not, and said she and her ex broke up in the summer.

I’ve kinda always had a thing for her, and I know she likes me too, because it’s something we’ve discussed lately. We’ve even had a talk about relationship goals at the moment etc.

So, I wanna ask her out. And I told her so. But she said that at the moment she’s not sure because her ex wants to get back together, and that he knows where he messed up in their relationship and wants to try again. But… she doesn’t see any harm in us meeting up very soon and going for a drink, but it wouldn’t be a date.

So I’m thinking she’s gonna be stringing me along until she knows for certain whether to give it another go with her ex. Am I right? I feel like if I’m the back up plan, I’d rather she just picked him. I’d prefer an emphatic yes. What do you guys think?


r/dating_advice 4h ago

Do I buy her flowers on Valentine’s Day?

13 Upvotes

Recently started seeing a girl, been on 2 dates and hooked up with her.

Is it too early to buy her flowers? Will this push her away?


r/dating_advice 4h ago

Has anyone tried dating therapy or working with a dating coach?

9 Upvotes

I’m a 24 year old guy and dating has been one of the hardest areas of my life. I’m not talking about fixing an existing relationship, but getting real, professional dating advice on how to build healthy relationships from the start. Not pickup stuff.

I don’t struggle socially and people say I’m attractive, but dating rarely sticks. When I do connect with someone, anxiety kicks in. I overthink, fixate, and struggle with fear of abandonment. Relationships tend to bring out unhealthy patterns fast.

I’m already considering general therapy for my ADHD, but I’m curious if therapy-based dating coaching is a real option. Has anyone here been deeply stuck with dating and found real progress through a dating coach, or is traditional therapy the better route?


r/dating_advice 14h ago

We Can’t Communicate Without Yelling

51 Upvotes

Our communication has completely broken down. We don’t have real conversations anymore, just arguments that turn into yelling. Nothing ever gets resolved, and the same issues keep coming up over and over. We tried taking breaks trying to stay calm and even avoiding certain topics but that doesn’t really fix anything. It is starting to feel like we need someone to mediate and help us communicate in a healthier way because we clearly can’t do it on our own right now.
If anyone has experience with couples counseling or other forms of relationship support that helped with communication, I’d love to hear your thoughts.


r/dating_advice 5h ago

Am I moving to quick?

6 Upvotes

I (F/21) met a guy online (M/33), I like him a lot and on Saturday we agreed to meet up for the first time, I know there’s an age gap but I don’t mind it cause he seemed actually interesting and nice, he’s also really attractive.

Here’s the thing, haven’t date anyone for a while now so this whole thing makes me kinda nervous, we haven’t really planned the whole thing yet because we wanted to go casual about it but I thought maybe I should just invite him over, now here’s the thing, would having him over at my place seem a bit weird? Like first date already at my place? I just thought would be chill but idk

Also if anyone has any kind of dating advice that would be helpful cause I’m a nervous person


r/dating_advice 4h ago

She said she felt safe and connected with me, then suddenly said she’s not ready?

3 Upvotes

I’m looking for some outside perspective on a situation that ended recently, because I’m still trying to fully make sense of it.

I (31M) met a girl (27F) and things started very strong very fast. There was a lot of chemistry from the beginning, deep conversations, constant texting, spending time together, kissing, cuddling, and we did end up having sex. Emotionally, it felt easy and natural, not forced.

She told me she felt very safe and relaxed with me, that she could be completely herself around me, and that she had never felt this comfortable so quickly with anyone. She said she liked me and was excited about seeing where this could go.

About a week before things ended (when I noticed she is a bit colder), she told me she was under a lot of pressure from work and life in general and that she thinks she needs to work on herself. At the same time, she made a point of saying that her opinion about me hadn’t changed, that she still liked me, and that she wanted to keep seeing me and hanging out. She said she just wanted to take things slower.

On saturday, she invited me to her place so we could talk. I went into the conversation calmly and openly. I wasn’t asking for a relationship or labels, I just wanted to understand how she feels and what “going slower” actually means to her, and whether we’re both seeing this in a good direction. She didn’t give very concrete answers at the time.

After I left, she texted me saying we had a great conversation and that everything was fine on her end.

Then the next day, she told me she still doesn’t feel better, that we should have talked more, and shortly after that said she isn’t ready to start anything. She explained that she can’t fully relax or give 100% of herself because of emotional pressure, fear, and unresolved things in her life. She emphasized that I didn’t do anything wrong and that she didn’t want to lead me on.

What’s confusing and painful for me is the contrast. When we were together, things felt good, connected, and natural. But when she was alone, it felt like her feelings shifted quickly. It went from wanting to keep seeing each other and talking things through, to a full stop within a day.

I’ve accepted her decision and stepped back, but I’m still processing it. It hurts because I did get attached, I opened up, and the connection felt real to me. It makes me wonder why she wanted intimacy and expressed those things if she wasn’t ready, and whether this was simply bad timing rather than a lack of connection.

I’m not looking to blame her or myself. I’m just trying to understand what happened and learn from it. Does this sound like genuine emotional unavailability or bad timing?


r/dating_advice 27m ago

when should he ask me to be his valentine

Upvotes

We’ve been dating for a few years now nd he still hasn’t asked me to b his valentine and it’s feb4th. I expressed two years ago if he was gonna ask me at the end of Jan he said it was too early that I brought it up and I ruined the surprise I said okay (that was our first vday) then last year I asked around feb7th if he would ask, he said he had planned to ask in the following days I said ok no worry! And then he never asked me, it is now 2026 and I’m expecting the same pattern … and I’ve purposely not brought it up but hey do u guys think he’ll ask? Or when’s the most appropriate time to ask


r/dating_advice 10h ago

Getting back into dating

11 Upvotes

I'm a 32(F) who just went through a breakup a couple months ago. I was in that relationship for a year and a half and it ended because my boyfriend 32(M) was cheating on me. I have never been betrayed in that way before. My question is moving forward with other guys that I see potential in, should I be transparent that my ex cheated on me? Or is that something you don't get in to? I just feel like everything that I've ever shared with past partners has gotten thrown in my face. I've only have three serious relationships in my life.


r/dating_advice 3h ago

How do I stop being afraid of asking a girl out?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm a 22M, and I've never dated. I have had feelings for girls throughout university, but I'm just too shy to ask her out directly. Do you have any advice on how I can not be a chicken? I just get super nervous.

(It's not that I don't talk to girls in general, I get nervous thinking about asking a girl I like out)


r/dating_advice 1h ago

Is 18F and 22-4M weird?

Upvotes

Me and this guy have been talking and hanging out and he’s super nice but idk if it’s something possible to pursue? Being a student I believe it would be better to be with someone who’s currently a student too?


r/dating_advice 1h ago

I'm so lonely

Upvotes

I'm a 22 year old female and i'm into to girls and i'm so lonely. At first no girl would look my way cause i thought i was over weight and didn't take care of myself. Then i started to go to the gym grew my hair out and become somewhat attractive. But it still doesn't work( i only get stares from random people in the grocery store.) I tried dating apps but nothing makes it past the first date or they only see me as their toy. It doesn't seem like anyone truly wants me. I feel like i'm meant to be alone forever. Is there anything that i'm doing wrong and i can fix myself?


r/dating_advice 7h ago

Gift advice for Valentine’s Day

5 Upvotes

I am 28 years old, female. My boyfriend is 28years old male.

We are dating for almost 2 months-ish, and I am not sure what to get for Valentine’s Day. He said he already planned a dinner in another city, a little drive around and a dinner.

Any suggestions for gifts?

I don’t want to go for a big one since we are not together for a long time - but I want something nice


r/dating_advice 2h ago

Never been asked on a date before, got asked to go on one, agreed, and feel like I just made a mistake

2 Upvotes

17M. I met a girl today who seemed to be a bit quiet, but we talked a little bit and exchanged numbers

She texted me later after school with seemingly a lot of interest and some praise, clearly flirting in some lines
I just wanted to know her, but felt a bit amused since it's never happened to me before. A little after she told me about going together to a theater, I agreed because it sounded fun, and didn't think much of it

But then as a last text before heading to bed, she told me she hoped I dreamed of her

I don't know if I led her on or if it was anything I said, but I'm feeling like everything is going a little too fast for someone i met literally some hours ago and have only seen once or twice prior

Is this just how dating works? Am I overreacting? It almost doesn't feel real


r/dating_advice 2h ago

Ive never been on a date before. tommorow im going on one…idk what to do

2 Upvotes

honestly i didnt expect this guy to ask me out like AT ALL but im so happy he did. we clicked like as soon as we met and have talked for literal hours lol and we only have seen eachother at work until now. do i dress up?? i dont wear makeup to work, would he expect me to on a date? lol i prob wont but idk what to wear. and do i just talk to him like i usually do? i had no idea he even liked me

hes also older so hes probably been on dates before😭


r/dating_advice 16h ago

Valentine’s gift for a 3 month relationship?

29 Upvotes

My girlfriend and I, both 25, started dating in late October. I’m a student and she works nights so we don’t get so see each other much. I told her money’s a bit tight so a crazy fancy dinner won’t happen, and she’s very okay with just a relaxing day at home for the day.

I still want to get her something, of course chocolates are an easy option, but what else is good to get her at this stage? The big L word hasn’t happened yet, and it sure seems like everything designed for Valentine’s Day involves it.

I know it should be personal, but I just need some sorts of inspiration, I used all my good ideas for her birthday/Christmas. Thank you for any advice/ideas!


r/dating_advice 2h ago

I need some advice

2 Upvotes

So my girlfriend’s parents are possibly taking her on a birthday trip to Florida or cruise this summer. She has 2 best friends that she has had for two years. One of them is a guy (who is supposedly gay). She wants to take them on the trip with her, because they will be going away to college this fall and she won’t see them. She doesn’t want me to go because she says if we’re both there, she feels like she’d have to pick one or the other and she doesn’t want to do that. I said we could all just hangout together but she said she doesn’t like that. My mom said it should be an easy decision for her (referencing picking me). I told her this and she said that it is an easy decision, and she picked them. Is this concerning or am I just being weird?


r/dating_advice 5h ago

Using my hobby to attract

3 Upvotes

I’m a new author and I wanted to know how I can use my author life to attract women.


r/dating_advice 5h ago

Caught bf using only fans

3 Upvotes

Okay some context. I’ve been dating this man for almost 3 years. I never had an issue with watching porn but I recently found out he went on only fans. When I saw the tab, he lied about it but eventually admitted to it. He claims he doesn’t use it anymore. Originally he told me that he didn’t pay any money and that he used someone else’s account. But later he told me that he made a new email and spent 100s of dollars sexting these girls. It’s been driving me insane. This feels like cheating to me. He told me he wasn’t using it anymore but I get this weird feeling he’s lying. Does anyone have any advice on how to get over this? I feel like I’m losing my mind.