Darci Johnson

Let’s stop pretending dating apps were built for people who know what they want. If you’re serious about finding a partner who fits your life, not just your feed, then stop feeding a system designed to keep you single.

In today’s world, hookup culture is influenced by social media, dating apps, and changing views on relationships. Being well-prepared can make a big difference, helping to prevent misunderstandings and ensuring that everyone feels respected. If you’re considering a casual encounter, here’s a helpful guide on the do’s and don’ts to make the experience respectful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

You’ve met the right-looking people with the wrong energy. You’ve had the pleasant dinners that went nowhere. You’ve done everything “right”—put yourself out there, stayed open-minded, stayed patient. But let’s be honest: dating, as most people do it, is built to waste time. You don’t need more options. You need better ones. You need introductions that lead somewhere. To someone. At Executive Matchmakers, exclusivity isn’t just a perk. It’s the foundation.

The concept of the Five Love Languages has become a cultural touchstone, often cited in relationships, counseling sessions, and even workplace training. Dr. Gary Chapman's insights have undeniably helped many people articulate emotional needs and better understand their partners, but the framework isn't without its critics — and for good reason.

The most successful people I know aren’t leaving their personal lives to chance. They’re not swiping in circles or dating out of boredom. They bring the same qualities to love that they bring to everything else that matters: clarity, discernment, and long-term vision.

High EQ won’t make every relationship perfect. But it does increase the odds of mutual respect, honest communication, and lasting connection. It’s not just about “being nice” — it’s about being real, being self-aware, and knowing how to navigate the messiness of human connection with care and clarity.

Dating as a single parent with a demanding career isn’t just a side project. It’s a brave act. A hopeful one. Every time you open your heart—even a little—you’re choosing to believe that your love story isn’t over yet. That there’s room for joy, partnership, and softness—even in a life that already asks so much of you.

Attachment styles—Secure, Anxious, and Avoidant—shape how we connect, argue, and love. And when two people bring their unique styles into a relationship, the combo can either feel like a cozy fireplace or a five-alarm emotional fire. Understanding your attachment style—and your partner’s—isn’t just relationship trivia. It’s a hack for deeper intimacy, better conflict resolution, and actual long-term happiness.

Algorithms have their place. They’re efficient. They’re convenient. But they aren’t intuitive. They don’t grow wiser with experience, and they don’t challenge your assumptions. They can’t spot a spark that’s not obvious on paper, where a skilled human matchmaker can. If you’ve outgrown the apps and are serious about finding someone who truly fits—not just on your screen but in your life—it might be time to leave the algorithm behind.