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Author & columnist, featured on HBO, NPR, and in The New York Times
Welcome to our no-nonsense guide to the good, the bad, and the ghosted. In this comprehensive collection of gay dating advice, you're going to learn techniques for meeting men in real life (yes, they exist in the wild!), including how to conquer fear of rejection, build confidence, start conversations, create attraction, and get guys to chase YOU for a change (yes, we have tactics for that).
We're also going to help you slay the internet, crafting irresistible dating app profiles (check out our list of what NOT to do) and witty text messages that charm instead of alarm. You'll learn how to go from "seen at 12:47 AM" to "I can't wait to see you," handle ghosting with grace, and lay the groundwork for relationships built on trust and communication.
There is an entire section dedicated to mastering the art of gay texting, with tips on getting numbers, turning texts into dates, handling ambivalence and managing post-date etiquette.
Additional topics covered include overcoming commitment phobias, addressing fears of being forever alone, building trust in relationships, gay dating etiquette rules, first date advice, and second date pointers.
We're going to dispense our dating advice under these main categories:
Shall we begin?
(Bars, parties, events, leagues and more)
Welcome to the IRL (In Real Life) section of our gay dating advice. Say goodbye to the endless swiping in the world of gay app dating and say hello to real, palpable people.
Whether it’s at bars, parties, events, or even in those super-competitive gay sports leagues (where the real competition is looking the best in gym shorts), there's a whole world out there brimming with potential Mr. Rights and Mr. Right Nows and Mr. You'll Do.
We're here to be your wingman, your guide, and occasionally, your reality check. So how do you meet gay men IRL? It startss with:
Ah, rejection – the universal seasoning that gives the dating game its flavor! We've all been there, and if you haven't, you're probably not playing the game right. We're going to transform you from a wallflower into a fearless flirt, because honestly, what's the worst that could happen? He says no? Next!
Turn Your Fear of Rejection Into Jet Fuel For Meeting Guys
The 3 Fears That Stop You From Approaching Guys & How To Deal With Them
How To Smash The Lies That Keep Your Fear of Rejection Alive
Confidence is like fake tan – too little and you're invisible, too much and you're a walking orange. Our gay dating tips will help you find that sweet spot where you stride into a room and think, 'I'm the catch of the day, honey!'
How To Grow Rock Star Confidence Part 1
How To Grow Rock Star Confidence Part 2
How To Grow Rock Star Confidence Part 3
Subtlety is key – you want to be more mysterious, enchanting enigma and less creepy, staring stranger. Flirting is a fine art, and we're about to turn you into the Picasso of winks and playful banter.
An Introvert's Guide to Flirting
How To Flirt With Postures, Gestures & Other Body Language
Are You Unconsciously Sending "Don't Flirt With Me" Signals?
Forget the cheesy pick-up lines. We're talking real, engaging conversation starters that don't sound like you're reading from a bad script. Some of our "openers" are so creative you'll want to share them with friends. You'll find some of the best ones in our
gay texting section.
The #1 Rule To Approaching a Hottie
20 Rejection-Proof Conversation Openers
Throw a "Time Grenade" Into The Conversation
What Never To Do In A Conversation Opener
How To Start A Conversation With A Guy You're Interested In
How To Avoid Conversational Dead-Ends On a Gay Date
Ignore His Emotional Boundaries At Your Peril
Elevate Your Approach With Proven Confidence-Building Techniques
It's all about the allure, the tease, the 'I'm fabulous and I know it' vibe. In this section of our gay dating advice guide we show you how to leave a trail of breadcrumbs that'll have them following you like hungry ducks in a park.
How To Make Yourself More Approachable
Is It Playing Games To Pretend You're Not That Interested?
How To Text Somebody Who's Ambivalent About You
SMS SOS: Rescuing Your Texts from the Bermuda Triangle of Ambivalence
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so let's make sure yours is unforgettable (for the right reasons). It's not just about looking good; it's about feeling good and exuding that from every pore.
The Most Important Quality of Creating a Powerful Impression
The First Thing You Should Say To Create A Great First Impression
It's a challenge, a quest, a mission – and we're your quirky sidekick, feeding you tips and tricks. This is about playing the numbers game and enjoying it.
What To Say When You First Meet a Hottie
How To Approach Guys You Want To Meet
20 Rejection-Proof Conversation Openers
Should You Try "Open Casting" Dating?
Body language speaks louder than words, so let's make sure yours is shouting 'I'm fabulous!' and not 'I'm clinically dead'. It's all in the eye contact, the casual touch, the way you lean in like you're sharing a secret.
Is Your Body Language Unconsciously Sending "Go Away" Signals?
Use Your Body To Catch His Eye
Body Language That'll Wreck Your Chances at Love
How To Make Yourself More Approachable
This is where our gay dating tips get really fun. We're turning up the heat and teaching you the fine line between attraction and making someone file a restraining order.
How To Make Yourself More Approachable
Avoid These Mistakes When You Ask For His Number
Not every fish in the sea is going to bite your bait, and that's okay. We'll show you how to turn around ambivalent guys so they start chasing YOU. And once that happens and you're deep into dating him you'll be ready for our
gay relationship tips.
Let's dive into online gay dating, where the difference between a dream date and a dating disaster is as thin as your phone's battery life. Ah, the digital meat market! A magical place where profile pics are more filtered than a reality TV star's Instagram and bios read like a second-rate copywriter's fever dream.
The research on the effects of using dating apps is seriously worrying (check out our research-based post "Are Dating Apps Helping or Hurting?") But fear not, with our gay dating tips we'll take you through the thorns to the stars.
Here are the topics we're going to talk about at length:
Picking the Right Gay Dating App. It's like choosing a restaurant in a town you've never visited. Some are fancy but overrated, others are popular but crowded, and then there's always that one where you’re pretty sure you saw a rat. With gay dating apps ranked by downloads and user ratings, we're here to help you avoid the rats and find the hidden gems.
How To Write A Smokin' Hot Profile On A Gay Dating App. This is your chance to shine, but remember, it's a thin line between smokin' hot and dumpster fire. You want to come off as the life of the party, not the guy who calls the cops because the music's too loud.
Building a Smokin' Hot Dating Profile
What NOT To Say In Your Gay Dating App Profile
Top 10 Most Overused Gay Dating Profile Headlines
How To Post Great Photos. You don’t date guys with a sense of humor who happen to be good looking. You date good-looking guys who happen to have a sense of humor. Translation: You’re doomed if you don’t post good pictures online. And lots of them.
At the risk of stating the obvious, gay men think with their eyes (and sometimes act with their crotch). You have got to get over the idea that you can attract or meet good looking guys without lots of high-quality pictures. That's where our photo-taking advice comes in. Take a look:
Click Magnet: Post The Kinds of Profile Pics That Attract More Attention
Should You Post Pictures Of Your Junk?
Snap Judgments: Mastering the Art of Picture-Perfect Profiles
Use The Rule of 9's For Gay App Photos
2 Picture Perfect Strategies For Taking Gay App Photos
Why You Need To Change Your Dating App Pics NOW
Why Are You Posting Pictures With Hot Friends, Biatch?
A Guide To Creating Irresistible Dating App Photos
Gay & Disabled Online: "I'm Looking For A Lover Not A Nurse."
Picking the Right Username: This is your first impression. Don’t be 'LonelyGuy47'. Be creative, but not 'MagicMikeXXL' creative. You're a person, not a brand... unless you're actually trying to be a brand, in which case, good luck with your influencer career.
How To Come Up With A Profile Username That Commands Attention
Irresistible Headlines: Your headline shouldn’t read like a car ad. Be witty, be clever, but most importantly, be readable. "Looking for love in all the wrong places" might be cliché, but "Looking for someone who hates the same things I do" – now that's a conversation starter!
How to Craft Attention-Getting Profile Headlines
Deciphering Profiles: Ah, the fine art of deciphering what he's really saying. If his profile says he's "laid back and easy-going," read as "I will take four days to text you back." And if he's "adventurous," he probably just means he's into hiking – or, you know, other 'adventures'.
Deciphering His Online Profile: What His Coded Words Really Mean
Hitting On Guys You Like: Be bold, be brave, but for heaven's sake, be literate. "Hey" is not a conversation starter, it's a conversation stopper.
Responding to Likes (and Dislikes): The golden rule – treat others as you want to be ghosted. Just kidding, but really, our tips will optimize success talking to people you like and minimize interactions with people you don't.
Dealing with Ghosting, Orbiting & Guys Who Don't Want to Meet: This is our Ghostbusters Edition for the Gay Dating World. Are you tired of being ghosted more often than a haunted mansion? Do you find yourself orbiting around someone like a confused satellite? Fret not! In this hilariously enlightening section of our gay dating advice, we're equipping you with an arsenal of tips, tricks, and witty comebacks that are more effective than a séance at contacting the dearly departed (a.k.a. your ghoster).
Why Do So Many Guys On The Gay Apps Refuse To Meet?
Welcome to Gay Texting 101, where we tackle the Herculean task of solving every texting dilemma known to gay mankind. From deciphering his cryptic "lol" at 2 AM to understanding why he sends eggplant emojis when he's a vegan. We've got you covered.
First off, let's be real. If you're looking for advice on how to send a "Good morning" text without sounding like a desperate housewife, you're in the wrong place. Here, we're about crafting texts so cunning and cheeky, they belong in a museum of modern art.
Got a guy who replies slower than a snail on sedatives? No problem. We'll show you how to light a fire under his thumbs. Dealing with someone who's as emotionally available as a brick wall? Buckle up, because we're going to turn those bricks into windows of opportunity.
We'll explore the fine art of turning bland small talk into flirty banter that's spicier than a ghost pepper. Learn how to craft texts that are so enticing, he'll be sliding into your DMs faster than a greased penguin on an ice slide.
And for those special cases – the ghosters, the one-word responders, the "just here for friends" guys – we have strategies so brilliantly devious, they'd make Machiavelli take notes.
So get ready to embark on a journey through the treacherous yet exhilarating world of gay texting. We're going to take your texting game from "seen at 12:47 AM" to "I can't wait to see you". Hold onto your emojis; this section of our gay dating advice is going to be a hilariously --but incredibly useful--bumpy ride! 🚀💬🌈
The 5 Most Effective Ways To Ask For His Phone Number: This is the gay equivalent of disarming a bomb. One wrong move and boom, you're blocked. Remember, you're trying to get his number, not scare him into the witness protection program.
How To Get Shy Guys To Ask For Your Number: This is like training a cat to do tricks. Good luck! You'll need the patience of a saint and the skills of a mind reader. Maybe start with something less challenging, like solving world peace.
What To Say In Your First Few Texts: Ah, the first few texts, where you try to sound witty, charming, and not at all desperate. It's a fine line between "intriguing mystery man" and "why is this guy texting me his life story?"
Turning Your Texts Into A Date Or A Hookup: You didn't get his number so you can knit adorable text sweaters. Time to meet! Our #1 gay hookup advice is NO TEXTURBATING. It's like masturbating only you're only using your thumbs. Not fun!
He’s Not That Into You. Oh, Oh. Time For A Charm Offensive: Time to bring out the big guns – your personality. Because let's face it, if he's not into you yet, you're going to have to work harder than a reality TV star trying to stay relevant.
What To Say On That First Phone Call: This is your chance to prove you're more than just a pretty text. No pressure, but this call could determine if you're date-worthy or destined for the friend zone.
Post-Date Texting: Whether it went well and you want another, it didn’t go well but you're still hopeful, or it was a disaster and he's still into you – it's like navigating a minefield while blindfolded. Good luck!
How To Get Shy Guys To Send Naughty Pictures And Turn Texts Into Sex: Now, this is advanced level. It's like convincing a nun to skip church. Proceed with caution, charm, and maybe a little bit of begging. We'll give you all the gay hook up tips you need to make it happen.
Troubleshooting Questions: This is our most popular section because it answers every conceivable question like, "how long should I wait to text?" "Should I send another message if he doesn't answer right away?" and "Why are their responses so short?
Kissing Frogs and Dodging Trainwrecks: Our Vicious Guide To Gay Dating
Welcome to the thunderdome of dating dilemmas, where fears and phobias are more abundant than left swipes on a bad profile pic. We're tackling the Everest of emotional baggage: commitment issues, fear of being forever alone, and how to find your inner zen before you start hunting for Mr. Right.
The Commitment Conundrum
First up, let’s talk about the big, scary 'C' word – commitment. For many, it’s more terrifying than a double text after a first date. In our chapter "relationship advice for gay men", we talk about how fear of commitment isn't just about losing your freedom; it's like being asked to choose one ice cream flavor for life in a world full of tantalizing options. Our guide will help you navigate these icy waters, ensuring you don’t freeze up when things get serious.
"But What If I End Up Alone?"
Next, we address the dreaded fear of winding up alone, surrounded by cats and unanswered dating app messages. In our upcoming segment on dating advice for gay guys, we’ll dissect this fear like a frog in biology class. The fear of singlehood is real, but guess what? So is the joy of discovering you can, in fact, open jars and kill spiders all by yourself. It's about finding happiness in your own company before adding someone else to your Netflix account.
"Why Am I Still Single?" Our Editor Tells All
Savage Responses To Being Asked "Why Are You Still Single?"
Is "The Principle of Least Interest" Ruining Your Love Life?
Building Trust: The Foundation of Any Relationship
Trust – it's the foundation of any relationship, more crucial than choosing the right filter for your selfie. In our section, dating tips for gay men, we'll explore how to build this trust. Spoiler alert: it involves more than just not snooping through his texts when he’s in the shower. Trust is about creating a safe space where secrets are fewer than the clothes at a pride parade.
The Repercussions of Disrespecting A Date's Rules
Is Cynicism Ruining Your Dating Prospects?
How To Answer The "How Many Guys Have You Had" Question
Gay Dating 101: Back to Basics
Here, we cover everything from sending the first message to planning date number ten. It’s the ABCs of dating, providing you with the tools to tackle the dating world with the confidence of a drag queen at a pride march.
The Most Important Quality of Creating a Powerful Impression
Our Ten Can't-Break Rules To Gay Dating
Do Guys Have The Right To Be Mad At You For Rejecting Them?
Understanding and Addressing Commitment Phobia
Commitment phobia--It's like trying to diagnose why your cat is mad at you – complex, confusing, and often without a clear solution. But fear not! Our guide, considered the very best of gay male relationship advice, will provide you with the roadmap to understanding the roots of this phobia and how to plant new, healthier relationship trees.
Defining The Relationship
When Is It Too Soon? Clock's Ticking, But No Pressure! Ever been on that fantastic third date and thought, “Is he my boyfriend now, or what?” Slow down, champ! Jumping the gun on defining the relationship can be like adding wasabi to your morning coffee – too much, too soon, and definitely not the right flavor. It’s a delicate dance, like trying to balance a Fabergé egg on a spoon during a Beyoncé concert. In this section we'll talk about the whens and hows of defining the relationship.
When Should You Have The "What Are We" Conversation?
8 Hair-Coloring Hints You Won't Find in The Drug Store Box
Studies Show Walking After A Meal Beats The Bloat
When Should You Throw out Old Skin Care Products?
Dyeing With Dignity: How Gays Should Color Their Grays
He Wants To Dress Gay But Not Too Gay
Which Is Better for Weight Loss: Intermittent Fasting or Counting Calories?
Should You Shampoo Your Hair Every Day?
Can You Really Give Yourself a Face-Lift at Home?
Cruelty-Free: Vegan and Ethical Products for the Conscious Queer Man
Queer Eye For The Groomed Guy: A Gay Guide to Personal Care
How Your Beauty Routine Affects Your Love Life
Finding The Perfect Signature Fragrance
It's Time to Try Gender-Neutral, Androgynous Skincare Products
Sunblock: How To Tell If You Haven't Put Enough On
Should You Use A Moisturizer With SPF?
Look Less Like a Lizard and More Like a Stud
How Queer Aesthetics Changed Over Time
The Ultimate Hair Care Routine for Men According to Board Certified Trichologists
No Bush Left Behind: The Art of Body Hair Removal
Should You Lay Nude In a Tanning Bed?
The Best Men's Skincare Routine According to Board Certified Dermatologists
First up on this roller coaster is the age-old question: who pays? It's a dance more intricate than the tango. In our upcoming deep dive, "First Date Tips for Gay Guys," we're going to unravel this mystery with more twists and turns than a daytime soap opera. Will it be a Dutch treat, a gallant gesture, or a quick Venmo transaction post-dessert? The suspense is real.
Mastering the Art of Conversation
Then there's the art of conversation, a skill more crucial than choosing the right profile pic. From discussing your favorite Netflix binge to navigating through the minefield of ex-talk, it's all about striking the right balance. Our "Gay Dating Advice First Date" guide will be your go-to for keeping dialogue dazzling, not daunting.
Choosing the Perfect Setting
Let's talk setting. Your choice of venue is crucial; it sets the stage for the evening's narrative. Too loud, and you're lip-reading all night. Too quiet, and every awkward silence feels like an eternity. In our section, "First Date Tips Gay," we'll help you select the perfect backdrop for your romantic debut.
Laying the Groundwork for a Potential Relationship
As the date winds down, you're left wondering, "What now?" This is where our future guide, "First Gay Relationship Tips" comes into play. We’ll guide you through the delicate dance of post-date texting and the unspoken rules of follow-up. It's like the after-credits scene in a movie – sometimes the best part!
Well, you survived your first date, and now you're gearing up for the second. Time to talk about attachment styles. Whether you're the clingy type who texts "Did you get home okay?" 27 times or the aloof "I'm too cool to care" persona, your attachment style is playing puppet master with your love life. If you're scrolling through gay dating advice Reddit threads at 3 AM, chances are you're not 'securely attached.' But hey, who is?
If you're constantly chasing emotionally unavailable men, congratulations, you've probably got an anxious attachment style. On the other hand, if you're the one ghosting after date three, welcome to the avoidant club. The fun part? When two avoidants date each other. It's like a game of romantic chicken – who'll text back last? Check out our upcoming LGBTQ dating advice column and we'll tell you.
Gay Dating Etiquette
Remember, sending unsolicited pics is not charming; it's creepy. And for heaven's sake, if someone says they're not interested, it's not an invitation to try harder. It's called consent, gentlemen. Learn it, live it, love it.
Gay Dating Rules
Rule number one: no talking about exes on the first date. Rule number two: if he says he's "straight-acting," run. Rule number three: if he can't name at least one Lady Gaga song, he's probably a robot. Those are LGBT dating tips you can take to the bank.
Misc Problems
The Worst Pain Is Getting Played By Somebody You’d Lowered Your Standards For
"Wait, are we a couple?" When and How To Have 'The Conversation'
How to Use the "Principle of Least Interest" to Your Advantage
Is It Playing Games To Pretend You're Not That Interested?
How To Answer The Dreaded Question: "How Many Men Have You Slept With?"
Can You Change The Type Of Body You're Attracted to?
Should You Lend Money To Somebody You're Starting To Date?
Telling Him You're Not Interested After Leading Him on
My Rocket Failed To Launch On My Date!
Can Saffron Give You Stiffer Er*ctions?
How Do Gay Couples With Wildly Different Incomes Make It Work?
Is It Safer To Hook Up At His Place or Yours?
Telling Him You're Not Interested After You Led Him On
Are Friends Obligated to Tell You They're Hooking Up with Your Ex-Boyfriend?
Top 10 Gay Dating Traps & Pitfalls
How Introverts Can Make It Work With Extroverts
For your straight friend:
Is It Ethical to Pretend To Be a 'Mo in a Gay Bar To Pick Up Women?
MEET
Have more sex, get more dates, or find a husband with this step-by-
step manual that shows you how to approach, meet and attract
beautiful gay men.
From getting rid of fear of rejection to knowing exactly how to start a conversation, this is the ultimate
gay dating blueprint.
On Amazon
ATTRACT
The only body language guide for gay men. It’s packed with inventive strategies proven to make you more appealing and approachable.
Learn which gestures, postures and expressions attract gay men–all based on peer reviewed studies done by leading psychologists in non-verbal communication.
On Amazon
TEXT
Capture his imagination, stir his curiosity and build attraction with a blend of clever, thoughtful texts.
Get solutions to common problems like what you should say on first texts, how long to wait to respond, dealing with indecisive guys and turning ambivalence into passion.
On Amazon
ARTICLES
BUZZFEED: 5 LGBTQ+ Relationship Experts Share Their Best Dating Advice
This article features insights from six prominent LGBTQ+ relationship experts, including tips on navigating the dating scene, building healthy connections, and setting boundaries. While not exclusively focused on gay men, it offers valuable advice applicable to their specific experiences.
Medium: Red Flags To Watch Out For When You’re Dating Gay Men
Learn red flags to watch out for when gay dating including secretiveness, controlling behavior, different values, dismissiveness, anger issues, and possessiveness.
REDDIT: The Ultimate Guide to Gay Dating
This comprehensive guide delves into the contemporary landscape of gay dating, covering everything from navigating online platforms to crafting compelling profiles and handling first dates.
Gay Life After 40: 5 Tips for Gay Dating in Your 40s
This article offers practical advice for gay men over 40 seeking meaningful connections, addressing concerns like ageism, shifting priorities, and utilizing online platforms effectively.
Little Gay Book: 7 Conversation Starters for Your Next Gay Date
Synopsis: This article provides a handy list of conversation starters specifically tailored for gay men on first dates. It aims to break the ice, encourage genuine communication, and spark interesting discussions.
San Diego News:
7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Gay Dating Profile
This article provides practical tips for crafting a compelling online dating profile that attracts the right kind of attention. It covers aspects like profile pictures, bio writing, and showcasing your interests.
Salon: HOW TO MEET GAY GUYS WITHOUT GRINDR
Offers advice on meeting gay men in various settings that resonate with your values, including community events, parades, and volunteering opportunities, emphasizing the importance of building a supportive network.
Huffpost: GAY DATING ADVICE – 15 PRO TIPS
Focuses on the importance of emotional transparency and self-reliance in dating, explaining how owning your emotions and being independent are crucial for a healthy and balanced relationship.
Gino: Gay Relationship Advice: Tips and Strategies for Healthy Gay Couples
The article provides relationship advice for healthy gay couples from Gino Cosme, an experienced gay therapist. He emphasizes building a strong foundation based on trust, respect, commitment, communication, and compromise. Other tips include embracing self-awareness, overcoming internalized homophobia, actively listening, scheduling quality time, supporting each other's goals, maintaining intimacy, embracing uniqueness, nurturing supportive relationships, and prioritizing sexual health.
PODCASTS
A weekly podcast hosted by Dan Savage, an author, sex-advice columnist, and LGBTQ+ rights activist. The show is an extension of his popular "Savage Love" advice column. In the podcast, Savage offers candid and often humorous advice on sex, relationships, and dating.
Offers candid discussions about gay culture, dating, and relationships, with a focus on personal growth and community issues.
Gay Therapy LA with Ken Howard, LCSW
Ken Howard, a gay therapist, shares his insights on gay men's mental health, dating, and relationships.
This podcast, brought by the Gay Men’s Brotherhood, focuses on personal development, sexuality, and mental health, with a specific emphasis on gay men's experiences in dating and relationships
ADVICE COLUMNISTS
Ask Daddy is a long-running advice column for LGBTQ readers with questions relating to sexuality, morality, coming out, navigating relationships, and more. The column is known for its witty and humorous approach, while still offering insightful and relatable advice.
¡Hola Papi! is an online advice column by John Paul Brammer, offering queer-specific advice to readers around the world. Papi tackles personal questions about love, relationships, sex, identity, and more, with a focus on humor, empathy, and inclusivity.
Savage Love is a syndicated sex advice column by Dan Savage, running for over 30 years. Savage provides frank and often humorous advice on sex, relationships, and more, with a focus on harm reduction and inclusivity. He also hosts a popular podcast called "Savage Lovecast."