Real Dating Stories from UK Men
“I find asking a girl for her phone number intimidating, it’s hard to know if she’s interested or not and I wouldn’t want to make her uncomfortable”—32, Manchester, great shoes
Rejection is rough, but so is the fear of making someone uncomfortable. The pressure for men to make the first move is still very much alive, and most just want to get it right without crossing lines.
“The messages some of my female friends have shown me that they get sent on the dating apps are grim. These guys would never speak to the girls like that in person and it’s disgusting. It also really feels like it ruins it for those of us who are genuinely good guys looking to meet someone”—36, Leeds, glorious beard
There’s a lot of noise out there, and plenty of men too are frustrated by the bad behaviour they see online. Dating apps have created a mean and shallow culture and we are completely over it.
“The amount of girls who still expect us to pay for everything on a first date is a bit of a joke really. I’m successful and I want to date someone who matches that, not expects me to carry them financially”—39, London, lovely tartan trousers
“As a bisexual guy, I often find people can be really judgemental. Sometimes I choose to keep it quiet but I shouldn’t have to”—31, Manchester, gorg linen suit
The fact that anyone feels the need to hide who they are in 2026 is proof we’ve still got work to do…
“Nah it’s the actual trenches. Real life hunger games n sh*t”—28, London, 10/10 tattoos
“Spoke to a girl on b*mble for two weeks. Asked her on a date. She sent me a link to subscribe to her Only F@ns. Dating is cooked”—36, London, also 10/10 tattoos
“Honestly, I find it all emotionally tiring. I’ve got my own business, I have great friends and family, I just want to meet someone who shares my values. I’ve had multiple times now women expect me to buy them dinner then I never hear from them again”—43, London, v cool glasses
The emotional cost of dating is just as real as the financial one. Most people are just looking for something genuine, and getting ghosted after picking up the tab stings, no matter who you are.
“All my friends are settling down and I can’t get a text back… it makes me feel like sh*t really, I’m close to just giving up and getting a dog instead”—38, Cardiff, potentially the best eyelashes we’ve ever seen
“I get so put off by how expensive everything is. We’re expected to pay for everything and sometimes I just feel used. It’s like the respect is gone”—40, Manchester, another glorious beard
“It feels like girls only care about looks. I know I’m a big guy, but I feel like girls write me off straight away because of my weight haha”—27, London, iconic dress sense
Finding Real Connection Beyond the Apps
If you see yourself in any of these quotes, you’re not alone. It’s on absolutely all of us to work together to make dating more fun, more kind and less sh*t. However you choose to date be that at one of our events, on the apps or with one of our competitors, please always keep it kind and full of lols
Lucy, Emily & Matcha (our office dog x)
aka, Team Haystack xx