Coffee Meets Bagel
  • Home
  • Careers
    • CMB Culture
    • Open Positions
  • Blog
  • Help Center
  • Press
  • Terms, Privacy, & Copyright
  • Menu
You are here: Home / dating advice

Posts

In app photo of profiles

The Science to Setting Your Preferences & Liking Bagels

June 28, 2019/in Blog, CMB 101 /by Guest Blogger

A note from Steve Pollock, Chief Product Officer at Coffee Meets Bagel

I’ve had success meeting a long-term partner on a dating app. And while my last relationship didn’t work out because, well, life happens – it was an incredibly fulfilling relationship. And another bright side: My experience with dating apps led me to meet Arum and Dawoon Kang, co-founders of Coffee Meets Bagel. 

I’m Steve, the chief product officer at CMB. Like you, I’m actively dating and using apps, but now I have an inside view. My goal is to make you successful – and help you achieve your relationship goals. 

I’ve interviewed lots of online daters, and work closely with our product development and data science team. The data science is the part that’s responsible for matching you with compatible “bagels” on the app. Naturally, I’ve seen many of our success stories, face-to-face and in the data – I’ve been studying relationship dynamics for a long time.

I truly believe that, with the right know-how, and yes, real effort, you can find a meaningful relationship on CMB. Here’s how to make Coffee Meets Bagel work for you.

Setting Your Preferences

First, you’ll need to refine your profile with frame-worthy pics and details (Don’t worry, we’ll give you plenty of tips on this in the coming days.) Then, it’s time to set your Preferences and check out your bagels. But before you start, let’s talk about just how powerful those Preferences can be.

Preferences vs. Dealbreakers

When I first started using dating apps, I thought that getting ultra-specific about what kind of people I wanted to see was a no-brainer. That way, I’d get only quality matches, right? But as it turns out, being too specific about your Preferences may actually lower the quality of the bagels you receive. That’s all due to our algorithm!

How Does the CMB Algorithm Work?

Our algorithm categorizes your set Preferences as “must-haves” in Suggested. Later, the algorithm will use additional info, such as your interests, social circles, education levels, and more, to make educated choices about your best bagels.

But because it considers those Preferences as dealbreakers, this means our algorithm won’t suggest anyone who is even slightly outside of those guidelines. For example, if there’s someone attractive nearby who shares your interests, but they’re just one year older than the age limit you set, our algorithm can’t consider them as a potential match.

In short: too many specific criteria → smaller pool of bagels for the algorithm to work with → less quality matches.

So while you definitely shouldn’t lower your standards or compromise your values when it comes to finding a partner, make sure they’re an absolute must for you – not just a “nice to have.”

Getting Those Bagels

The hard work’s done! Now, it’s just time to sit back and like or pass on my bagels…right? Not so fast. While you can start matching right away, there’s actually a science to browsing bagels.

Focus on the Matches Who Matter

If you’re used to swipe-based dating apps, it may be tempting to “like” any and every one just to see if they like you back. But at Coffee Meets Bagel, we use a “slow dating” approach by sending only your best bagels once per day.

This approach means you’ll be meeting daters looking for a serious relationship (just like you!). So be thoughtful. Take your time looking at each profile and only tap “💜” if a bagel has you feeling some kind of way.

And if the connection just isn’t there? Don’t feel bad about passing — it’s much better than matching and then ghosting.

Give “Maybe Bagels” a Chance

When I observe them liking or passing on bagels, I’m often surprised to find they have the total opposite issue of the one above; they pass on everyone.

While it’s great to know exactly what you’re looking for, I recommend giving “maybe bagels” a shot. As you know from building your own profile, it’s hard to self-promote!  The bagel’s profile may not tell their story well.

Could be interested in a bagel, but not 100% sure? Like them. Hey, they look cute in their first photo…but not feeling the second? Like them. See where it takes you – it could take you on a really memorable date! Tapping “like” doesn’t mean you’re in love.

And chatting with someone doesn’t mean you’re obligated to meet IRL. Not every match you chat with will turn into a date, and that’s OK. Liking a bagel just means you’re interested enough to give them a chance!

How Premium Can Help

Lastly, I want to put in a good word for our CMB Premium package. OK, so I know it may look a little…self-serving. I get it. But since I get a glimpse into the backend data, I can genuinely say that Premium really is the fastest way to get more quality connections. In fact, on average, Premium subscribers connect up to 2x as often as non-subscribers.

Here’s what CMB Premium includes:

💜 See all your likes: Why wait? Unblur all your likes and match instantly.

💜 8 Discover Likes a month: Send likes to people who catch your eye in Discover.

💜 Unlimited Skip the Line: Send flowers to popular people to stand out and be shown first.

💜 3 Boosts a month: Get up to 5x the views, plus likes that get shown sooner!

💜 And more, like access to Read Receipts, Activity Reports, Skip the Line, and Rewinds.

The Next Steps

✔️  Double check that your set Preferences are deal-breakers for you. To edit your Preferences, tap your “profile” icon. On iOS, tap on “Profile Preferences.” On Android, tap on the pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Navigate to the Preferences tab to select them.

✔️  Ready to try out a subscription? Head to the Bean Shop to see our latest subscription offerings and tap “Subscribe.”

You’re all set! Whether you try our Premium or just stick to your new liking routine, I hope you feel empowered to make your best connections on CMB.


If you’re ready to meet matches who matter, download Coffee Meets Bagel on iOS or Android.

Dawoon

How to Fill Out Your Dating Profile Like a Pro

May 28, 2019/in Blog, CMB 101 /by Paige Butterfield

A note from Paige Butterfield, senior writer at CMB

Answering the first prompt on my Coffee Meets Bagel dating profile, “I am… ,” went something like this:

“I am…always up for an adventure!” Wait, who am I kidding? I’m waiting for a burrito delivery.

“I am…optimistic!” No, no. Too optimistic. DELETE.

“I am…a writer for a living, and yet somehow filling out my CMB profile is hella difficult.”

Let’s get something straight: writing a good dating profile takes real effort. But, it also produces real results. In fact, profiles with details filled out on Coffee Meets Bagel are 50% more liked than profiles with missing details.

But buckle up, this research is headed to party town. When the co-founders of Coffee Meets Bagel pulled the stats to figure out the difference between the profiles of people who entered a relationship through CMB vs. people who stayed single, it boiled down to one thing: their profile length.

Then again, while the research on profile length is encouraging, filling in your profile with an exposé on the plot holes in the Star Wars cinematic universe isn’t going to make you more likely to land a date. (Or is it?)

Instead, follow these five simple tips to fill out your profile like a pro. 

1. Think of your profile as a giant icebreaker

Brian, head of Android at Coffee Meets Bagel

Your profile details’ first job is to help you stand out from the crowd. But, it has a passion project, too: to give you and your matches something to talk about as soon as you connect.

And while Coffee Meets Bagel does give you the chance to write your own icebreakers (hidden from your profile) to start off a chat, you can never have too much to talk about. So ask, “What would I tell someone about myself to spark conversation?”

For example, instead of filling out CMB’s second prompt, “I like… ,” as  “I like…plants,” you could instead write:

“I like…taking care of my indoor herb garden 🌱. I feel like a pro chef when I add fresh oregano to my homemade pizza! Fair warning: a virtual pizza party with me might end with you learning some scientific plant names.”

Now, you’re taking a potential conversation from, “So…plants,” to conversation on indoor gardens, pizza, and cooking.

2. Be specific because everyone likes dogs


Audrie, senior graphic designer at Coffee Meets Bagel

Already, by approaching your profile details as one giant icebreaker, you’re on your way to success. That’s because the more specific we can get, the more our personal story will really shine against the crowd of “The Office” binge-watchers, adventure-seekers, and dog-lovers.

That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with loving dogs (and if there is, I don’t want to be right). But, instead of writing, “I am…a dog-lover,” try:

“I am…a dog parent to a bubbly corgi, Sheldon. When I’m not at the dog park with him 🐕, I’m learning how to surf.”

Not only would you be sharing your love for dogs, but I can already imagine you and Sheldon playing at the park. It feels real, and people don’t want to connect with profiles; they want to connect with people. Plus, you’re sharing an additional activity you enjoy, which could spark conversation – or even lead to a video chat featuring Sheldon himself.

3. Tell ‘em what you want


Jackie, social media manager at Coffee Meets Bagel

Getting specific about what you’re looking for from the get-go might feel a little awkward. But on Coffee Meets Bagel, we give you the prompt, “I appreciate when my date… ,” because we know that being open about what you’re looking for is really important. And what you write may not attract everyone, but it will attract that right someone.

Looking for specific values, like kindness and honesty? Write it out. Is an active lifestyle or adherence to a certain diet important to you? Say so. In search of a friendly opponent for a virtual video game date? Shout it out loud! (Or, you know, casually add it to your profile.)

But, do be mindful of how you come across. It’s easy to fall into the trap of being negative on your profile, and sass like, “If you smoke, swipe left,” isn’t attractive. Instead, focus on what you are looking for. An alternative to the smoking comment could be, “I appreciate when my date…values a healthy lifestyle 🍎.”

4. Give them a chuckle


Blake, software engineer at Coffee Meets Bagel

It’s no shock that “makes me laugh” is one of both men and women’s most-asked-for qualities in a date on CMB.

But your job isn’t to make everyone laugh — it’s just to put a smile on the person that’s right for you. So, don’t worry if you aren’t a comedian, or if your knock-knock jokes are a little — or a lot — rusty. Just be yourself and don’t be afraid to get playful or show some wit when you write your profile.

Not feeling it? That’s okay, just keep it light. Skip to tip number five ✋.

5. You’re awesome, be awesome

Dawoon, co-founder and -CEO of Coffee Meets Bagel

Sometimes it feels easier to write something generic or even nothing at all because you don’t want to look like you’re “trying too hard,” or perhaps you’re afraid of rejection. I’ve been there.

Rejection hurts, so you try to mold yourself into the person that everyone will like. But by pretending to be someone that everyone likes, you won’t stand out to that person who’s really right for you.

So be authentic. Be vulnerable. Be you. Not a lot of people are brave enough to do that, so you’ll stand out like an everything bagel in a row of plain ones.

Bonus: Give your grammar a check-up

You don’t need a solid viewpoint on the Oxford comma (because let’s face it — everyone already knows it is the way of truth 😉), but for the love of all that’s good in the world, use spell check. Even better, have a friend review your profile for mistakes. You may think grammar is no big deal, but even a small typo could make you come across as careless. And you’re awesome, remember?

Edit Your Profile Details

So, you’ve got all of your profile pro tips in your noggin. Now what? It’s time to jazz up your profile to show off the true you.

To edit your profile on Coffee Meets Bagel, just tap your “profile” icon. On iOS, tap “View and edit your profile,” and then “Edit” in the top right corner. On Android, tap on the pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Here, you can switch between your photos, details, and preferences. Today, make sure you give extra attention to your details.

Deciding what to write on your dating profile, and even how to say it, is tough. But with these five tips (and maybe a burrito to get your brain working), I think you’re going to do great.

 


Ready to get your wordsmith on? If you haven’t already, download Coffee Meets Bagel on Android or iOS.

 

Photo banner

These 10 Dating Photo Dos and Don’ts Are Game-Changers

May 24, 2019/in Blog, CMB 101 /by Audrie Thompson

A note from Audrie Thompson, senior graphic designer & photographer at CMB

The other day, my friend Sarah asked me to look at her online dating profile to see if she was doing something “wrong.” Admittedly, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been on the dating scene — but I like to think that I’ve still got it 🤷‍♀️. After all, I met my boyfriend of three years on Coffee Meets Bagel (not to mention I work there)!

Now back to Sarah’s profile. Basic info? Check. Quirky one-liners about herself? Check.

Photos? Not…so…check.

Let’s get real for a sec. Choosing your dating profile photos is no easy task. And they’re important. In fact, we know that at CMB ~80% of the reason people pass on a potential match is because of their photo.

So it wasn’t that Sarah didn’t have photos. She just didn’t have good photos. You know, the ones that showed her…for her 💗.

Here’s the insider advice I gave Sarah on the dos and don’ts of dating photos.

Dating Profile Photo Dos

Do #1: Show your face

A full-face photo is less of a dating photo tip and more of a dating photo must-have. In fact, on Coffee Meets Bagel, if you don’t have at least one photo that shows your face, we can’t approve your profile.  Keep this headshot as your first photo, so your matches know what you look like from the start!

Do #2: Let the light in

Man-made light is better than no light, but natural light is basically magic. In photos, sunlight can work its wonders by highlighting your best features and making your eyes pop. Pro-tip: For the best photos, make sure the light source isn’t directly behind you. We want to light up your face ☀️!

Do #3: Share a smile

Your smile is one of your best and most telling features. Smiles radiate warmth, kindness, and positivity — all important qualities in a partner. So before you snap a photo, try flashing a natural grin. To look less posed, have a friend take your photo, but ask them to snap several action shots to capture the organic moments that lead up to the main shot.

Do #4: Show what you love to do

After you have that first face-forward headshot, you can also upload an action shot of you doing something you love — whether it’s going on an epic hike, seeing a live show, or hanging out with your pet 🐱. These photo types are perfect conversation-starters.

Do #5: Upload a full-length pic

A recent (within the last year) full-length pic gives bagels a better idea of what you look like, so upload at least one. Don’t have a tripod on hand? Grab a friend and make a day out of an impromptu photoshoot at a local park or in front of a vibrant wall. Bonus points if they have a DSLR or a great camera phone 📸.

 

Dating Profile Photo Don’ts

Don’t #1: Get lost in the crowd

You may think that you look best in that group photo with your best friends or family. But, how is a potential match supposed to know whether you’re the cute brunette on the left, or the dude in the howling wolf tee on the right? To make sure it’s clear who you are, leave group photos out of your profile photo line-up. Or, if you really love a certain group shot, make sure to file it last — that way there’s no mistaking who you are.

Don’t #2: Feel pressured

When it comes to dating profile photos, don’t feel pressured to look “sexy” or to show more skin than you feel comfortable with. Because believe it or not, choosing your profile photos isn’t always about finding the picture where you look the hottest or the fittest. In fact, the best photos are the ones that can give us a sense of your personality and your “vibe.”

Don’t #3: Stop at selfies

Discard the dog ears and filter pics and exchange them for photos taken by a friend in “do” tip five. Apart from the fact that selfies don’t always turn out well, the filters we like to apply to them don’t make for an accurate representation of ourselves.

Don’t #4: Hide under hats & sunglasses

Slather on the SPF 50, because the wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses have got to go (at least while you’re taking photos). No matter how much you love those new shades, photos where you have sunglasses or hats on hide what you really look like and can cast unflattering shadows.

Don’t #5: Upload ancient photos  

Your potential matches aren’t interested in seeing what you looked like five years ago. So, rather than uploading photos that don’t resemble you anymore, take new ones. You want the right match to fall for the current you, not the you from junior year of high school (…unless you’re still in junior year of high school, in which case you probably aren’t old enough to be using our app!)

Selecting the Best

Now that you’ve had your photoshoot, it’s time to select your best! Choose a minimum of four photos — but, more is always better if they’re quality. It also helps to have a friend who matches your gender preference to review your picks. What we see in ourselves is not always what others see, so a second opinion can help make sure you’re putting your best face forward.

Spotlight: Profile pic superstars

Like Sarah’s best pics ended up being different than my own, so will yours. To give you a better idea of what kind of pics you should be looking for, I’ve gathered a few profile-pic superstars from Coffee Meets Bagel. Their photos radiate their warmth and positive energy — just like yours can ☀️

Daniel, Franklin, TN

 Joanne, San Diego, CA

Pete, San Francisco, CA

Joy, Seattle, WA

Upload Your Photos

Feeling inspired? I hope so! Now’s your moment to upload your own photos to your Coffee Meets Bagel Profile.

To do so, just log in and tap your “profile” icon. On iOS, tap “View and edit your profile,” and then “Edit” in the top right corner. On Android, tap on the pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Here, you can choose to upload new photos, or delete and swap existing ones.

Taking and choosing your best pics can feel a little overwhelming at times. But with these 10 photo dos and don’ts, you’re already on your way to selecting photos that show off the best in you!


Ready to show off your best self? If you haven’t already, download Coffee Meets Bagel on Android or iOS.

Couple

So, It’s Your First Day on CMB? Here’s What You Need to Know

May 3, 2019/in Blog, CMB 101 /by CMB

A note from Dawoon Kang, co-founder & -CEO of CMB

Listen, we know that dating sometimes gets a bad rap. And we totally understand why! Putting yourself out there is scary, and it’s disappointing when things don’t work out the way you want them to.

But here’s our counterpoint: Dating itself isn’t all that bad, it’s the dating-the-wrong-people part that makes things so hard. You know who we’re talking about: the ghosters, the game-players, the “I know we’ve been seeing each other for three months but I’m not ready for anything serious,” kind of people.

But that’s where we come in. My sisters and I believe everyone deserves a fair chance at love. So, we created a dating app where you can spend less time on the wrong people and more on the right.

Sure, dating is still tricky sometimes. But CMB is here to help you every step of the way, from setting up your profile to meeting someone new to navigating a first date. Let’s dig into how we’re doing dating differently, plus everything you need to know to make the most of Coffee Meets Bagel.

girl meditating with phone

What to Expect

While social media apps, like Instagram and Twitter, are convenient tools when used purposefully, they’re also time-sucks. Infinity pools. Black holes. They’re happy to grab your attention and suck you into endless scrolling: photos of your friends’ vacations, breaking news, pop-culture trends, cats playing the piano.

And when dating apps exploded onto the scene, most of them followed this pattern. In fact, this study says more than one in 10 dating app users swipe for over 14 hours a week.

This didn’t vibe with us, so we chose a different approach.

Dating for the serious dater

At CMB, we’re here for the dater who’s ready for something serious – and tired of wasting time on the people who aren’t. In fact, we’re so serious about being serious that we ask upfront what you’re looking for when you sign up. Only interested in a casual relationship? You’re welcome to join, but you won’t find that here.

This approach has attracted a special kind of community, with over 91% of CMB Daters looking for a serious relationship. That means you won’t be stuck wading through a sea of singles who aren’t on the same page.

And on top of a curated community, we’ve made it so online dating doesn’t have to be your whole life to be successful. Instead of making you swipe all day on the wrong people, we’ll introduce you to select people we think are the best fit.

Checking Your Bagels

We’ll use information — like the preferences you set and who you’ve liked or passed on in the past — to introduce you to your best potential matches (aka bagels). Then, we send them to your Suggested section in the app just once per day.

And then, before you can see your next bagel, make a decision to like or pass on them. Every time you like or pass on a bagel, we’ll learn more about you and your type, so tomorrow’s bagels will only get better.

It may even take a week to get your first match (when you like someone and they like you back). But that’s OK, too. Instead of feeling swipe-fatigue like on other apps, you can take a break and just live your life. We’ll continue working in the background to set you up with someone great.

girl looking at dating app on phone

Learnin’ the Lingo

Now that you know what to expect, let’s dive into a few terms that will help you better navigate Coffee Meets Bagel.

💜 Bagels: Your potential matches (That means you’re someone’s bagel, too!)

💜 Suggested: Suggested is where we introduce you to your best potential matches every day at noon. Liking in Suggested is free, and since we’re always learning more about your type, our suggestions will only get better. That means less swiping and more matching.

💜 Discover: The section that’s “the schmear on top,” for when you want to browse extra bagels nearby beyond our suggestions. They may not meet your preferences, but we think they could still be a good match. Use beans to like bagels in this section.

💜 Beans: Earn beans by signing in, exploring, and more. Trade them in to unlock special features such as liking extra bagels. Need more beans? Pick some up at the Bean Shop.

💜 CMB Premium: Our subscription package includes special features such as: Likes You, where you can see everyone who likes you at once and match instantly; Three Boosts a month, so you can get up to 5x the views, plus likes that get shown sooner; and Premium Preferences, which let you set relationship goals, smoking habits, and more in Suggested.

The Next Steps

Now that you know what to expect, make sure you’ve checked these must-do’s off your list:

✔  Take and select your best pics

✔  Write a profile that reflects the true you

✔  Set your preferences and start connecting!

Lots of love and kindness to you as you embark on your dating journey! Remember: it might take time, it might feel slow, or it might even feel discouraging at times. But, I hope you savor and enjoy the process!



Excited to start matching? If you haven’t already, download Coffee Meets Bagel on Android or iOS.

two women laughing

5 Ladies #DaretoShare Dating Stories for Women’s History Month

March 28, 2019/in Blog, Stories /by Paige Butterfield

The creative team at Coffee Meets Bagel thought a lot about what we could do to highlight Women’s History Month. We considered featuring our three co-founders who started it all. Or, maybe the team of fierce women who run things behind the scenes at CMB. Perhaps we could partner with a pro female athlete and use a catchy sports idiom about women taking control of their dating life.

But then it hit us like a stale bagel. Why not just feature the women of CMB who — every day on our app — are bravely putting themselves out there? They’re letting down their walls. They’re being vulnerable. And that’s badass.

Women’s History Month With CMB: #DaretoShare

It all started with a survey (because we sort of have an obsession with surveys at CMB, especially when it comes to Women’s History Month!) We asked the women of CMB to share two things:

  1. A time when they felt brave or confident about a decision on a date, in a relationship, or in their romantic life.
  2. Self love affirmations that showcase their strength as a woman. We had them use one of CMB’s profile starters, “I am… .”

We received so many inspiring quotes about female strength, but we selected just 5 of our fave women to #DaretoShare their stories publicly on our Instagram. We also set them up to star in their own photoshoot hosted by Snappr — an on-demand photography service!

We’re currently still rolling out their stories on our ‘gram right now, but here’s a special early release for our best bloggies.

1. I am…comfortable in my own skin.

(?: All images courtesy of @snappr.com)⁣

 

Kyla Berry
Art Therapist
Queens, NY

 

“I was seeing this guy for about 2 months, when out of the blue, he stopped responding to messages. I normally take that as a sign that they are no longer interested in dating. But I was particularly excited about this one, so I couldn’t let it go.

I sent him a message telling him how I felt and he responded within a minute. It didn’t work out for me in the end, but since that moment, I have no reservations about speaking the truth when getting to know someone I like.” — Kyla Berry

 

Yes ? Kyla ? Berry ?. You’re our new spirit animal. Nixing the dating games and just being straightforward with your feelings is always the best way to go. We also love that you took something that may have really hurt your feelings and are using it as fuel to be a more confident you. Here’s to even better relationships on the horizon!


2. I am…responsible for my own happiness.

(?: All images courtesy of @snappr.com)⁣

 

Jenny Baker
Director
Brooklyn, NY

 

“I began texting with a compatible match several months ago. Texting led to talking (how romantically old school!), talking led to dates, and dates led to….well…the joint decision to take it to the bedroom. Everything was going swimmingly until suddenly it wasn’t. The dates weren’t getting scheduled, the phone calls stopped, and the texts became scarce.

(Enter brave and fearless woman not afraid of rejection NOR going after what she wants, even if that’s a particular man.)

I didn’t succumb to the waiting game. I didn’t take the low road and ghost him. I didn’t shoot daggers via texts which could potentially, and unfairly, label me as just another ‘crazy girl.’ And I certainly didn’t pluck every flower petal in the Tri-State area playing, “He likes me, he likes me not.’ Instead, I remembered I was in control of my dating life and politely asked for a time to talk.” — Jenny Baker

 

Being ghosted really hurts. It’s natural to feel anxious waiting for a reply or to be scared of possible rejection. But, the way you responded to this by first recognizing the less-savory routes daters might take — like ghosting back or using hurtful words — and then choosing to do something out of the norm — calmly asking for a time to chat — was so brave of you! Even more daring was your choice to share your story. Thank you, Jenny ?!


3. I am…always learning and growing.

(?: All images courtesy of @snappr.com)⁣

 

Nicole Flaig
Neuroscientist
Arlington, VA

 

“I always tell myself to go on two dates (especially if there was alcohol on the first date) to get a clear image of chemistry and fit. I used to never stop there, especially when the “résumé” was so tempting. I went on a date with a man who was, by all accounts, perfect on paper and a physical specimen.

Fairly quickly I realized our values did not align, and I was confident enough to say so. I felt brave in (what felt like) throwing away a “great thing” because I knew in my heart it would be months down the road before I would admit it as a mistake, and even longer before one of us did something about it. Walking away from a wrong fit asap is my new brave.” — Nicole Flaig

 

Nicole — you are so. On. Point! In one of our recent blogs, CMB CEO Dawoon Kang said, “We end up wasting a ton of time on the wrong people because we don’t know what we want.” It’s not uncommon that our dates look amazing on paper (especially to someone else, like a family member or a friend), but that we just might not feel a “spark,” or in your case, share the same values. By being honest with yourself and confidently voicing your feelings, you may have saved both of you time and heartbreak. We can’t wait to see where your next dates take you ?!


4. I am…more than enough.

(?: All images courtesy of @snappr.com)⁣

 

Dahae Hwang
Science Instructor
Los Angeles, CA

 

“I started to have feelings for the person that I met through the CMB app. It was our third date when I told the person how I truly felt. I told him, “I appreciate having you in my life, and I enjoy spending time with you.” It was my first time when I truly expressed my feelings and was not afraid to honestly express myself.

I was proud that I was honest with him, although he didn’t feel the same way. The relationship didn’t work out at the end, but I learned that being honest with yourself and with others is the key to true happiness.” — Dahae Hwang

 

Dahae — it sounds like you’re in on the secret ?! While there isn’t really a blueprint to “true happiness” because it can mean different things to different people, honesty is a safe starting point. How can you be happy if you don’t feel like you can’t share the true you *and* all the real feels that come with? Keep shining, Dahae.


5. I am…reinventing myself.

(?: All images courtesy of @snappr.com)⁣

 

Chanté McMormick
Audiobook Narrator
Los Angeles, CA

 

“A guy I had been getting to know ghosted me. He was a couple years younger than me and I could surmise that he was really for someone under 40, particularly someone younger than him. But, oddly, he would do things to foster intimacy like ask if we could pray together at the end of phone calls. Despite this, he disappeared after asking me out on a second date.

I had never been ghosted but had been warned that this was always a possibility with online dating. I told him that I noticed he was ghosting me and that this was part of the online dating culture. However, as Christians, we didn’t have to comply with trends and could honor each other and the time we spent.

It’s not always a match, and I understand that. We went our separate ways and I was proud that I could communicate that we were both grown up enough to acknowledge that I wasn’t ‘his person’ and he wasn’t `mine’.” — Chanté McMormick

 

We love that not only did you talk to him about ghosting you, but that you openly recognized that ghosting “was part of the online dating culture,” and that you two “could [still] honor each other and the time spent.” This is so well put! Even if your date doesn’t feel like “your forever person,” you can still treat them with kindness and respect. Who knows — you might even make a long-term friend or learn something new about yourself! Communicating how you feel, however you feel, is the first step in breaking down these dating conventions. And it sounds like you’re already on your way ?

 


Ready to share your own story for Women’s History Month?

Follow these steps:

  1. Upload your own fab photo of yourself to Instagram.
  2. In the caption, use #DaretoShare to tell us about a time you felt brave on a date, in a relationship, or in your romantic life.
  3. Feel free to also include a self love affirmation using our profile starter, “I am… .”
  4. Tag @CoffeeMeetsBagel

We just might feature you on our own Instagram! Either way, we think you’re awesome for sharing your unique story. You’ll be helping to inspire women around the world by showing them that talking openly about feelings, dating, and relationships is actually brave AF.

 

If you’re curious about Coffee Meets Bagel, check out our blog, “9 Reasons Why Women Love Coffee Meets Bagel.” Or, start connecting now by downloading Coffee Meets Bagel.

couple on coffee date

5 Ways to Get What You Want From Dating Apps in 2019

January 3, 2019/in Stats, Tips /by Paige Butterfield

It’s 2019, and a recruiter stumbles upon your LinkedIn. You have a blurry picture of yourself holding up your cat like Simba in “The Lion King,” and your profile says something about being a 2015 Flip Cup Champion, #LetsGetThisBread.

This same approach on Instagram may have earned you thousands of followers. But, let’s just say…you’re not getting the job today.

Just like social media sites have best practices unique to their platform, so do the top dating apps.

Whether you’re looking for a quick hook-up on Tinder, or someone who sparks your heart on Coffee Meets Bagel, you can rock the 2019 dating space by making sure you’re sharing your best self in the new year. Here’s how to start.

1. Start With Self-Reflection

None of the top dating apps, even Coffee Meets Bagel, can help you find the “right” match if you’re unsure of what you’re looking for. In fact, “We end up wasting a ton of time on the wrong people because we don’t know what we want,” says CMB Co-Founder Dawoon Kang.

Put It on Paper

To succeed from the start, try the following exercise: Beginning with a blank sheet of paper, write down what you think an amazing relationship would look like. Be as descriptive as possible. For example, you could write, “My partner would do house chores equally, and we’d take turns making healthy dinners.” Or, “We’d try something new every quarter.”

From this list, you can then pick out qualities you think are most important for your partner to have. Then, Dawoon suggests, “Strive to become this person,” because we often attract those we are most like.

Make Your Intentions Clear

If you feel comfortable, the most effective way to find a partner who has these qualities is to be transparent by listing them on your profile. That’s because the key to finding the right person for you and your life stage isn’t getting as many Likes as possible; It’s about getting that one right Like.

2. Dating Profile Photos: Have 3 or More
girl posing

Did you know that you could increase your chances of being Liked on Coffee Meets Bagel by 31 percent by uploading at least three photos? But, don’t upload just any pictures to meet the magic number. One on-point photo is still better than three snapshots of last night’s dinner.

The first photo you upload is especially important, so make sure it’s a face-forward shot of you, preferably smiling. Shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays is cool and all, but keep the sunglasses off for pictures. Same goes for hats. Check out a few of our other dating profile secrets for putting your best face forward:

Profile Photo Do’s

  • Upload a picture of you loving your hobbies, whether they include rock-climbing or playing with puppies at animal shelters.
  • Speaking of puppies, selfies with your pets are a definite “Do.”
  • Include tasteful full-body shots, like posing in nature.
  • Don’t be a catfish: Use recent images. We promise, the current you is fantastic.

Profile Photo Don’ts

  • Don’t upload blurry photos, including mirror selfies (especially if your Windex game is weak).
  • Try not to get lost in a crowd! Group photos are great for tagging friends on Facebook, but they can confuse potential matches. Is she the cute girl on the left, or the aging grandfather in the background?
  • Leave your photos with exes in your memory box.
  • Additionally, wear a shirt. We love the body confidence, but our data shows that shirtless photos don’t fare well on CMB.

3. Dating Profiles: Get Your Wordsmith On
man on phone

Writing a profile on any of the top dating apps can be intimidating. How do you sum up your personality by answering just a few questions? The best advice: Be uniquely you. And, don’t be afraid to get specific.

While being short and to-the-point is awesome for Twitter, that isn’t the case for Coffee Meets Bagel. In fact, when we analyzed profiles of successful CMB couples (those who found someone via CMB) vs. CMB singles, the only difference we found was profile length! The top 10 percent of Liked profiles on CMB were 35 percent longer than others.

How Can I Add Length to My Dating Profile?

Profile descriptions like, “I’m adventurous,” or, “I like music,” don’t feel like they belong to a real person. Instead, be more specific, like, “I love trying out new foods at the local farmer’s market,” or, “I’m always down to go to local music shows! Lately, I’m really into indie-rock band Alexander & the Grapes.” You can see how, when you’re more specific, the length comes naturally.

An article on dating profiles in Marie Claire also advises to “keep your profile up to date” and to “Make the effort to renew your profile on a regular basis with relevant information about yourself.” Yes! We couldn’t agree more.

4. Chat With Confidence
smiling phone

In a recent article about our new look, we mentioned this:

The point of making connections on Coffee Meets Bagel isn’t to catch ‘em all like Pokemon cards. (Plus, you’re already the very best!) It’s to get to know your matches and then meet in real life for a real date.

If you’re using top dating apps to meet real people for real dates, the best way to succeed is a long-hidden CMB secret…ask them out! OK, easier said than done. Here’s a few chat tips to spark meaningful conversation in 2019:

  • Ask a question. In a CMB study, we found out that when someone’ first text was a question, the response rate increased by over 20 percent — making response rates for men messaging women 75 percent and women messaging men 80 percent!
  • Sprinkle in some emojis. In the same study, we also found increased response rates when people used emojis in their texts.
  • Use CMB’s new feature that lets you send a message with your Like to hit it off from the get-go. In beta testing, members who used this feature with their potential matches had a 25 percent higher chance of getting Liked back.

5. Be Selfishtelescope girl

Finding the perfect partnership takes both patience and luck. Expect that you won’t find your “forever” right away, if that’s what you’re looking for. Until then, focus on yourself and the right person for you on your journey.

The “right” person for you right now might be someone who gives you butterflies, but that you aren’t ready to commit to long-term. That person might be someone you bond with over your undying love for Game of Thrones, but find you’re better off friends. That person could even be someone you meet only once at a cafe for coffee, but the conversation inspires you to try something new!

There is no wrong way to date, and every encounter can be meaningful in your journey.

Focus on the Journey

There are so many reasons why a date or a relationship might not be forever, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a “success.” By reframing dating as path to personal growth, we can discover so many new things about ourselves and our world — without the pressure to accept less than what we deserve.

CMB’s Dawoon Kang recommends exploring your own interests through dates. That cocktail-making class you’ve been dying to try? Suggest it as a first date. Or, have your date suggest something you normally wouldn’t do to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Dawoon added the following:

Having someone to do something fun with on the weekend is important, too, but I believe ultimately that what makes love so powerful is its ability to help us grow, to make us better people. We can use dating as a catalyst for our self-growth in 2019. We may not end up with that ideal relationship by the end of the year. But, we will 100 percent end up with a more fulfilled life.


Join one of the top dating apps for getting that “right” Like.
Download Coffee Meets Bagel for iPhone or Android.

Singles & Valentine’s Day

February 10, 2018/in Date Stats, Date Tips /by Audrie Thompson

February 14th is upon us! What are singles doing for Valentine’s Day this year? We surveyed over 650 CMBers around the world to determine the latest dating trends and stats around the holiday synonymous with love, and here’s what we found…
CMB Valentine's Day 2018

9 Ways To Get A Second Date

September 19, 2016/in Date Stats, Date Tips /by CMB

Want to know the secrets to a successful first date? More importantly, want to land a second date? While love may be unpredictable, first impressions can make or break a connection. We decided to see if happy couples did something noticeably different than singles when it comes to first dates. Take a look at these 9 findings you need to know before your next date…
9 ways to get a second date

About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB is a dating app designed with women in mind. Founded by 3 sisters in 2012 in NYC, CMB aims to deliver a fun, safe, and quality dating experience that results in meaningful relationships.

App Store
Get it on Google Play

Everything You Wanted to Know About Dating in Toronto, Montreal & Vancouver

September 2, 2015/in Date Stats /by Audrie Thompson

Ice hockey, maple syrup, poutine – there’s a little something for everyone. What’s not to love “aboot” Canada?
Okay, maybe one thing. We know the dating game can get a little difficult sometimes, but things aren’t always as interesting without a few challenges, right? Nevertheless, we wanted to dig a little deeper to see how we can help. We asked 500 CMB members in Toronto, Montreal & Vancouver about their love lives, and here’s what they said.


Fill out my online form.

About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB  is a free dating service that helps members make meaningful connections. It’s designed for busy singles who want to find something real with little or no effort.

App Store
Get it on Google Play

New York’s 5 Most Eligible Bagels

July 26, 2015/in Dating in NYC /by Audrie Thompson

Someone once told me that what makes New York City the perfect place for dating is also what makes it the worst: there are simply too many options. As a large, thriving cosmopolitan city with over 8 million inhabitants, New York is a smorgasbord of hundreds and thousands of singles ready to mingle. All in all, this city is a love story waiting to happen. What better place for some of the most brilliant, successful, and seriously good-looking singles to fall in love than New York?
Here’s a taste of some of the most interesting, intelligent, and fun individuals in this city that never sleeps. Flip through and meet 5 of your fellow CMB New Yorkers as they reveal their hidden talents, best date stories, and more! [URIS id=12876]


Fill out my online form.

About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB  is a free dating service that helps members make meaningful connections. It’s designed for busy singles who want to find something real with little or no effort.

App Store
Get it on Google Play

Page 1 of 6123›»

Categories

  • Blog
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • CMB 101
  • CMB Experiences
  • CMB Says
  • CMB Updates
  • Date Ideas
  • Date Stats
  • Date Stories
  • Date Tips
  • Dating for Men
  • Dating in LA
  • Dating in NYC
  • Dating in SF
  • DC
  • For Her
  • For Him
  • From the founders
  • Funny & Videos
  • Home
  • LA
  • LGBT Dating
  • list
  • moments
  • News
  • NYC
  • Product
  • SF
  • Stats
  • Stories
  • Tips
  • Tips on CMB
  • Uncategorized
  • Virtual dates

Get the app

Get the App for iOS
Get the App for Android
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
  • Help Center
  • Privacy & Terms

Join the app

Join the app on iOS
Join the app on Android
© Copyright - Coffee Meets Bagel - Enfold Theme by Kriesi
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OKLearn more

Cookie and Privacy Settings

How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website.

Google Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. If you do not want that we track your visist to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Privacy Policy

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. privacy-policy