Dating isn’t a game—it’s a business deal, and you are the CEO. So stop acting like an intern begging for a callback. You’re the prize. If you don’t believe that yet, let’s fix your mindset.
Texting: Hook, don’t drown
Text banter is an art. Too little, you seem cold. Too much, you’re a TED Talk no one asked for. The move? Hook them with confidence, a little shock, a little disruption—just enough to make them pay attention.
And if they’re not giving what you deserve? Shut it down. Evaporate. Disappear. Trust me, when you were engaging at first, they will notice your absence.
And when they come crawling back, you hold your ground:
"I lose interest quickly if someone isn't engaging with clear intentions."
That’s not a threat—it’s a fact. No whining, no dumb dating rules. Just a grown-ass woman who knows her worth.
Stop dating potential
You date men, not boys. A 25-year-old can be a man, and a 75-year-old can be a boy. The difference? A man shows up. A boy leaves you guessing.
Stop dating potential. Stop confusing charm for substance. If it’s giving boy, it’s giving bye.
And let’s end this nonsense where women act like a bad date is a personal tragedy. He didn’t call? Good. You’re acting like this is the last man on Earth. Is there one dish on the entire menu, and you have to eat it forever? No. Move on.
Dating is apartment hunting. Every date shows you what you do and don’t want. Maybe one guy was boring, but he ordered for you—and you liked that. Noted. Another one was too cocky, but he walked on the street side to protect you. Noted. Every experience builds your non-negotiables list.
Don’t ghost (the world is small)
If he likes you more than you like him, be gracious. Why? Because the world is small. Maybe he has friends you’d actually be interested in. Maybe he works somewhere that could help your career.
Instead of ghosting, say:
"You’re wonderful, but I don’t think this is the right fit. I really appreciate the time we spent."
Mature. Graceful. No burned bridges.
Don’t let a relationship become you
Too many women jump into relationships as their identity. You picture yourself in a cute cul-de-sac, playing tennis, decorating for the school play, sipping rosé with the neighborhood wives.
Then one day, you wake up at 45, standing by your washing machine, wondering what the hell happened to your life.
If you have ambition burning inside you, do not let a relationship smother it. A man should complement your life, not become your life. If you trade your dreams for a false sense of stability, that itch won’t go away—it’ll turn into regret.
Bottom line: Stop accepting crumbs
Women are out here acting like the bare minimum is a grand romantic gesture.
"Omg, he texted me with a period instead of a winky face!"
No. Raise your standards. You’d rather be alone than begging for scraps. If someone isn’t showing up for you fully, confidently, and consistently, they are not your person.
The right person won’t make you question it.
So stop settling. Stop shrinking. Stop treating relationships like the ultimate prize.
You are the prize.
Date accordingly.
Want more real talk on love, life, and everything in between? Follow Bethenny on Instagram, TikTok, and her podcast for unfiltered advice on dating, business, and living life at the level.