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Let's Talk Self-Worth & Confidence (Page 2)
By:
Amber Brooks
Amber Brooks,Editor-in-Chief
Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted by the Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, and AskMen, among others.
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Editor:
Lillian Castro
Lillian Castro,Senior Editor
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of journalism experience to ensure DatingAdvice articles have been edited for overall clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, The Gwinnett Daily News, and The Gainesville Sun covering lifestyle topics.
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The following articles focus on bolstering self-esteem and self-care in dating. Dating is all about putting yourself out there, which can be scary, but you don't have to put on a suit of armor to feel secure while making new connections.
We are here to help you feel confident in yourself through the ups and downs of dating.
Our experts say confidence is one of the most attractive traits a person can have, especially in dating. Since sharing is caring and gatekeeping isn’t our motto, our experts have written tons of articles to show you exactly how to achieve it.
Our guides empower readers to build their self-worth, with insights from experienced matchmakers, dating coaches, and therapists. We offer advice to help readers overcome insecurity and tap into their true potential in and out of the dating world.
You’ll find articles that encourage personal growth, bold moves, self-care, and belief in one’s value, so you can date with the utmost confidence and speak to your truth. Tackle self-confidence issues head-on with these informational step-by-step resources. No shrinking, no second-guessing.
Emma has been a professional writer for nearly a decade now. She has a degree in English and Creative Writing from Fredonia State University. Her background in satirical journalism and human interest content helps her approach the dating world with humor and heart. She has gotten her byline featured on Tasting Table, Boredom Therapy, Her Moments, and Eternally Sunny, among other media outlets. When she’s not writing, she’s either reading, watching a movie, or losing at bar trivia.
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The Short Version: Matchmaker Jessica Fass gives her clients a movie star makeover in order to raise their confidence, renew their faith in love, and match them up with the person of their dreams. The founder of Jewish matchmaking service Fass Pass to Love, Jessica specializes in transforming secular and conservative Jewish singles alike into the heroes of their own personal rom-coms.
True love never feels more...
Emma has been a professional writer for nearly a decade now. She has a degree in English and Creative Writing from Fredonia State University. Her background in satirical journalism and human interest content helps her approach the dating world with humor and heart. She has gotten her byline featured on Tasting Table, Boredom Therapy, Her Moments, and Eternally Sunny, among other media outlets. When she’s not writing, she’s either reading, watching a movie, or losing at bar trivia.
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The Short Version: Jill Monaco, Christian dating coach and founder of Single Matters ministries, is passionate about helping Christian singles find love by working on a spiritual and emotional level. By focusing on one’s personal health, spiritual growth, and self-improvement journey, Jill guides her clients through the faith-based dating process.
For those driven by religious values, finding like-minded...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: Dating has changed– and dating experts Yue Xu and Julie Krafchick say it’s for the better. The duo, who are active daters and hosts of the podcast Dateable, talked to us about the emergence of intentional dating and how it’s shifting the modern landscape, specifically for millennial women.
Some dating advice online tells you exactly how to show up. It gives directives on what outfits to wear,...
Cassey blends her background in social and human behavior, along with digital marketing, seamlessly into her writing. With a versatile portfolio spanning Tourism, E-commerce, Tech, Hospitality, and Medical industries, she weaves meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences. Connecting words into sentences is her craft, but Cassey also finds joy in forming genuine connections with people from all walks of life on LinkedIn.
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The Short Version: Men’s dating expert Samir Mourani has a passion for creating open, judgment-free environments where men can share their vulnerabilities and redefine masculinity. Through Gent’s Post and Gent's Talk podcast, he fills the gap with practical advice and interviews with notable figures to discuss and promote these important topics. These discussions normalize emotional dialogue to empower men and...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: Welcome to dating with your whole self. Somatic practitioner Maryanne Comaroto, PhD, talked to us about somatic therapy, the wisdom of the body, and how a well-practiced mind-body connection can elevate the dating experience.
Several times throughout the day, I find myself on autopilot. Whether taking out the trash, washing the dishes, or driving to the grocery store – autopilot moments happen...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: Patterns can be hard to break, especially when they appear in our relationships. Relationship coach John Kenny talked to us about negative relationship patterns, why they manifest, and what people who are struggling with them can do to break free and discover more positive dating experiences. John discussed attachment styles and how relationship beliefs can have a huge impact on the trajectory of a...
Cassey blends her background in social and human behavior, along with digital marketing, seamlessly into her writing. With a versatile portfolio spanning Tourism, E-commerce, Tech, Hospitality, and Medical industries, she weaves meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences. Connecting words into sentences is her craft, but Cassey also finds joy in forming genuine connections with people from all walks of life on LinkedIn.
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The Short Version: Dream analysis shines a light on the perspectives of those healing from trauma by inspiring heartfelt dialogues of their unconscious. Daniel Boscaljon and Angela Amias are on a mission to help individuals forge a path to personal growth and develop deeper and more profound connections through Alchemy of Love. When we talked with Daniel, he underscored the importance of understanding and addressing...
Velina has a passion for working with philanthropic organizations and writing all about it! Her background in healthcare and marketing introduced to her the power that creative writing can have in the sectors of humanitarian rights and advocacy. When she’s not working on her nonprofit ACTUM Giving, you can find her traveling around the world and exploring different facets of the human experience.
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The Short Version: Whether you realize it or not, most people choose to click on your online dating profile because of your pictures. So what is the reason someone will swipe left versus right? According to professional online dating photographer German Marin, if your profile does not have three necessary photos that demonstrate your personality in ways words can’t, the chances of finding your “right person” go down...
Over the last 10 years, Karen Belz has written for dating and lifestyle sites such as Zoosk, Bolde, and Elite Singles. She started her career as a professional writer by helping launch HelloGiggles in 2011. Karen graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Broadcasting with a minor in Print Media Studies. She is now happily married and believes that healthy communication is the key to all successful relationships. You can follow her on Threads @karenbelz.
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"Gaslighting" is a popular term when it comes to relationship issues — but this buzzword can be misunderstood and misused. Gaslighting isn't merely lying to or disagreeing with a partner. Gaslighting is psychological manipulation meant to make someone doubt their life experiences and question their thoughts. It's a form of abuse that can lead to anxiety, depression, and extremely low self-esteem.
The term...
Ashayla Blakely is an experienced storyteller who has been writing for DatingAdvice.com since 2021. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Telecommunications from the University of Florida. She also earned her MFA in Film Production at Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts. You can often catch her with a script in her hand, calling out the shots in her many directorial roles on set.
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The Short Version: Flirting and talking to women isn’t always easy for single men. That’s why Absolute Ability, a coaching service for men, is on a mission to give male daters a push in the right direction to attract and talk to beautiful women. Absolute Ability was founded by Tony Depp and offers one-on-one coaching and master classes that can be life-changing!
Men face a lot of pressure and unique challenges...
Mackenzie Buck is an experienced writer who earned a master's degree with distinction from the University of Manchester. Her relationship advice has been featured on the New York Post, and she has contributed stories to US News & World Report. She has worn a variety of hats in the digital marketing space over the years and is excited to bring her unique voice and storytelling chops to DatingAdvice.
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The Short Version: It’s 2024. Women occupy over half the workforce, have flown around the moon, and dominate the music scene in undeniable ways. Isn’t it about time we let moms feel sexy in their own skin? Bestselling author and intimacy coach Alexandra Roxo is leading the way with a message of empowerment for women. She encourages her clients and followers to embrace the sexiness of a mother’s life-giving body.
I...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: Finding love can be tricky, which is why Malaysia’s singles turn to Dateworks Matchmaking for a helping hand. Joanne Ng founded Dateworks in 2017 to help singles learn the ins and outs of relationships. Now, the team works to connect singles for love based on compatibility and shared values. Dateworks matchmakers help their clients learn what’s holding them back in dating and overcome the hurdles...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: Coming off a broken engagement in her 20s, Sophy Singer went on 150 online dates and decided there had to be a better way. But only after exploring her inner turmoil did she understand the connection between emotional health and the capacity for intimacy. That led her to Sophy Love, where Sophy and her tight-knit team take a bespoke approach to matchmaking. Active in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: Insecurities are a big threat in dating. But they don’t have to be. Licensed Clinical Social Worker and host of the podcast "Deeper Dating" Ken Page talked to us about what insecurity is, why it arises, and how it can actually be a beneficial tool for singles as they navigate dating. When singles can explore and understand their sensitivities and what makes them insecure, they can step into their...
Hunt Ethridge is an award-winning dating and relationship expert with 15+ years of experience helping singles and couples build meaningful connections. Founder of the International Dating Coach Association, he’s been featured in Men’s Health, CNN, and Fox News and named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Dating Experts.” Hunt has coached thousands worldwide, blending science-based strategies with practical advice to boost confidence, improve communication, and create lasting relationships.
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While we can alter and improve almost every aspect of ourselves, the one thing we’re pretty stuck with is our height. And the media doesn’t help with its depiction of the ideal man as “tall, dark, and handsome.”
Even small male actors like Tom Cruise and Daniel Radcliffe are presented as tall. Tom Cruise’s 5-foot-7-inches frame appears scaled up to look much more prominent in his action movies. But a real-life man...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: First Date Stories shows single midlife women that where they are in their lives is just right. Jodi Klein is the author and host of the book, podcast, and blog that make up First Date Stories. Jodi collects and shares the stories of real women navigating dating and romance in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond to support other women like them. While dating in midlife can have its challenges, Jodi is...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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Most anthropologists agree that humans started wearing some sort of habitual clothing at some point between 83,000 and 170,000 years ago. Clothing is distinctly human, and the importance of clothing extends into our romantic lives in a big way.
Try to remember the last time you got dressed for a first date. Pretty stressful, right? Now, remember the first thing you noticed about your date. Was it what...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: Cora Boyd’s work as a dating and relationship coach has guided hundreds of clients into the most fulfilling romantic relationships of their lives. She draws from her experience as a matchmaker to provide insight on single people’s dating patterns and relationship needs. The Seattle-based dating coach is passionate about helping her clients acquire the necessary soft skills to succeed in the dating...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: Susan McCord is the voice and expertise behind Dear Sybersue, the online hub for men and women going through breakups. Dear Sybersue is a Certified Coach, published author, and relationship advice show host. Susan talked to us about the issues she frequently observes when people end a relationship and what they can do to make the process a little easier. By taking accountability and learning from...
Mackenzie Buck is an experienced writer who earned a master's degree with distinction from the University of Manchester. Her relationship advice has been featured on the New York Post, and she has contributed stories to US News & World Report. She has worn a variety of hats in the digital marketing space over the years and is excited to bring her unique voice and storytelling chops to DatingAdvice.
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Let me guess: You’re hoping to ring in the New Year with a healthier body, a cooler wardrobe, or a more positive outlook on life. Don’t get me wrong — these are honorable aspirations to have (“health is wealth,” “look good, feel good” — we all know these to be true). But perhaps what you could really use an extra dose of in 2024 is rizz. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, it’s a Gen Z way of...
Over the last 10 years, Karen Belz has written for dating and lifestyle sites such as Zoosk, Bolde, and Elite Singles. She started her career as a professional writer by helping launch HelloGiggles in 2011. Karen graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Broadcasting with a minor in Print Media Studies. She is now happily married and believes that healthy communication is the key to all successful relationships. You can follow her on Threads @karenbelz.
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I still remember one of the first dates I met on a dating site. We clicked online, but something seemed off in person. Despite the fact that my profile openly stated that I was 5 feet 10 inches tall, I don't think that my date — who seemed a bit shorter than his profile stated — thought I was being serious. That was the moment I learned that tall girls often have another obstacle on dating websites compared to...
Lexi joined the DatingAdvice team with years of lifestyle journalism experience. She grew her writing prowess through reporting on the topic of sex and relationships, and she loves continuing to cover this niche content while working toward becoming an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator. You can find Lexi's writing in Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Well + Good, and Women's Health, among other publications.
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The Short Version: Whether it be starting a new job, meeting new friends, or creating a dating app profile for the first time, the idea of “putting yourself out there” can be nerve-wracking for anyone. Self-conscious singles and people getting back on the market later in life often share the same struggles — they lack confidence. Successful dating requires some level of self-esteem and the feeling of security that...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: David Essel is a coach, counselor, and codependency expert. Over the past 40 years, he has helped people from all walks of life overcome what holds them back from achieving their goals. When it comes to relationships, David says singles should date with a knowledge of who they are and what they want. David’s 3% rule, which says that all singles have a small number of relationship non-negotiables,...
Hunt Ethridge is an award-winning dating and relationship expert with 15+ years of experience helping singles and couples build meaningful connections. Founder of the International Dating Coach Association, he’s been featured in Men’s Health, CNN, and Fox News and named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Dating Experts.” Hunt has coached thousands worldwide, blending science-based strategies with practical advice to boost confidence, improve communication, and create lasting relationships.
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The jitters are part of every dating experience. When we meet someone who we like, it’s natural to get a little nervous. The more we like them, the more anxious it can make us — and that feeling can lead to a whole feedback loop. You may ask yourself crazy questions and make wild assumptions. “Does she not like seafood? I bet her ex loved it and that’s why she doesn’t!”
You need to regulate your emotions and,...
Lynn Cadet is an experienced writer and research analyst specializing in relationship and consumer behavior trends. She leverages data-driven insights and comprehensive survey analysis to deliver evidence-based guidance for modern daters. With a strong foundation in research methodology and a commitment to accuracy, Lynn translates complex findings into practical advice, helping readers make informed decisions in their pursuit of meaningful connections. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida.
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The Short Version: Feeling confident is a huge part of dating in a healthy way. You don’t want to walk into a date worrying about your appearance, or your nervous mood may overshadow the night. A top provider in body contouring and skincare, SKINNEY Medspa offers beauty and spa-like services to help singles feel good on the inside and out. Its anti-aging, skin, and body treatments give clients the boost they need to...
Lauren is a professional matchmaker, dating expert, certified dating coach, multi-published self-help author, and founder of The Love Crush Agency™. She has 15+ years of experience as a therapist and a professional background working with the nation’s largest matchmaking agency. Lauren's relationship book "You Deserve the World" encourages women to never settle for anything less than they deserve. Other notable books by Lauren include "Lipstick Faith: A Collection of Inspirational Writings and Rainbows" and "Strawberries: 100 Devotions for the Brighter Side of Life." She has been featured on WikiHow and the New York Times.
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As a professional matchmaker and dating expert, I know the challenges of being single get a lot of attention, but I can also name many surprisingly wonderful benefits to being single. So many, in fact, it may make you think twice about rushing into a relationship.
Living the solo life can be very satisfying and nourishing for the soul — not to mention stress-relieving. Here are 15 amazing benefits of being...
Annie Das is an International Dating Coach specializing in helping Millennial Women find love and committed partners, even after heartbreak and discouraging dates. Her renowned "Confidently Ever After" Dating Method has been featured on Elephant Journal, Tiny Buddha, Thought Catalog, and Medium. Annie's empowering insights and transformative techniques enable women to navigate the complexities of dating, boost their confidence, and find lasting love. Follow Annie for dating and confidence tips on Instagram.
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As a dating coach who works with women, I often see the same limiting beliefs hold my clients back from finding love. And these beliefs once held me back, too. It’s very easy to let fear stop us from trying something new.
But once I realized that I didn’t have to believe the stories anymore, everything changed for me. I learned how to reframe these beliefs and turn them into opportunities for growth. Now I get to...
Doc Love coached men for over 30 years after interviewing thousands of women in his lifetime asking them why they chose one man versus another. What Doc learned directly from women he then taught to men. Doc was a prolific writer and created a lot of timeless dating content for his team to continue sharing his message. Singles can also get additional coaching via his still active blog and podcast at www.doclove.com/blog and www.datingwomenpodcast.com. For more tips visit his official site www.doclove.com.
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There is a difference between being alone and being lonely. Keep in mind, I'm a dating coach, not a mental health professional, so my perspective on this comes from working with singles in the field rather than piling up degrees on the wall.
From what I've seen, singles can make bad decisions when they are lonely. It’s much easier for a man to keep his head when he is alone, but not lonely. I’ll explain exactly...
Chloë Hylkema has covered hundreds of people, services, and ideas in the dating and lifestyle sphere, all explored through the lens of making dating enjoyable. She has earned her bachelor's degree in English from Emory University and worked on animal rights advocacy issues and research in the past. Chloë is passionate about delivering readers the information and resources they need to forge conscious and self-realized connections. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking a vegan feast or at the climbing gym.
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The Short Version: The Date Maven is a dating coaching and matchmaking practice located in Wichita, Kansas. Founded in 2011 by Suzanna Mathews, the practice offers in-person and virtual coaching for singles looking to make more meaningful connections. Their philosophy is focused on building relationships while leading with love and compassion. The Date Maven is committed to helping singles find love, regardless of...
Hunt Ethridge is an award-winning dating and relationship expert with 15+ years of experience helping singles and couples build meaningful connections. Founder of the International Dating Coach Association, he’s been featured in Men’s Health, CNN, and Fox News and named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Dating Experts.” Hunt has coached thousands worldwide, blending science-based strategies with practical advice to boost confidence, improve communication, and create lasting relationships.
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Let’s set the stage: You, outside, enjoying yourself. You just watched your favorite cousin get married and are sitting at a table jovially relaxing with a beer, smiling, watching people on the dance floor. It’s been a great day. Lots of laughter and love, and it was wonderful to catch up with everyone.
Suddenly, you feel a presence looming over your shoulder. A stale waft of Chanel No. 5 permeates the air and a...
Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted by the Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, and AskMen, among others.