DateableDateable
The Dateable blog
Straight answers on dating with clear expectations: first messages, first dates, money, safety and ending things well.
How to deal with being judged as a sugar daddy
The stigma around sugar dating says more about the joke than about you. What matters is whether you are clear, reliable and kind.
How to deal with the stigma of being a sugar baby
Stigma is other people's story about you. Your job is to decide whose opinion needs an answer and keep your own reasons clear.
How to handle the low after a trip or a big night ends
The low after a trip is contrast, not emptiness. Plan small things, avoid measuring your life against highlights, and stay grounded.
Handwritten thank-you notes for a gift or trip, with examples
A handwritten note for a significant gift, trip or invitation says what a text cannot. Three to five sentences is enough.
How to help a date feel safe meeting you
Suggest two public places and let them choose. Never collect them. Keep drinks in their sight and end when you said you would.
Helplines to save in your phone before a date
Emergency numbers and support lines for sexual assault, violence and stalking in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US and Canada to call or text 24 hours.
How to stop dating notifications showing on your lock screen
Turn off message previews on your dating app and email so your lock screen shows only an app name, not a match's message.
How to hide identifying details in your dating photos
Scan your photos for street signs, house numbers, landmarks and reflections that might reveal where you live or work before anyone else sees them.
How to hide your Dateable profile from someone you know
Block them instantly with one press, pause your profile if you need a break, or keep photos private until you know who is looking.
Should you hire or buy a dinner suit or evening gown?
Buy if you expect several formal events a year and can have it tailored; hire if it is once or twice. Fit decides more than cost.
How to hold a boundary when a partner keeps bringing it up
State once that a boundary is settled and non-negotiable, then stop discussing it. Repeated asking is pressure, not conversation.
How to hold a regular check-in about how things are going
Set a time every month or two to ask three questions: what is working, what is not, and one thing to change. Each person answers without being corrected.
How to hold your own view with an older, more experienced partner
Your date's experience earns a hearing. It does not earn the final say on your life, your money, your study, your work or your body.
How to host a partner who flies in to see you
Let them stay in a hotel until you trust them. Plan your city's best spots, meet in public first, and settle money before they arrive.
How to host a restaurant dinner for your date
Book ahead, arrive first and set the pace. Your date never waits. Give the better seat, suggest dishes, watch their glass: this signals respect.
What a host sorts out after accepting a guest
Send the venue, time and dress code. Confirm what you are offering, wait for their reply, keep a backup guest, and book the reservation.
Yes: bring something small at the door, not for the meal
Bring something small and thoughtful: flowers or chocolates given at the door. It shows appreciation for the host and respect for your date's social world.
What to check when you arrive at a hotel room
Check the door lock, phone, fire exit, room safe, key name and tell your date the room number. Sort anything wrong at reception straight away.
How Dateable works, from sign-up to first date
Join, choose your side, add photos and verify with a selfie, then search or post on the Board, message, and meet somewhere public.
What to say when someone asks how you two met
Agree a short answer about meeting online before any event. True and brief beats invented, and stops repeat questions.
How long should a first date be?
Plan for an hour to an hour and a half. A short date leaves you both wanting more and gives you a natural place to end.
How many messages before asking for a first date?
Ask for a date once the chat has a rhythm and you have touched on expectations, not after counting messages. A stalled conversation is telling you something.
How much to tip in Australia
Tipping in Australia is optional: restaurants add no service charge, and about 10 per cent for good service is common in upmarket places.
How much to tip in the UK and what a service charge means
Tipping in Britain is optional: check your bill for a service charge first, and if none is added, 10-15% for good service is well received.