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8 Things Penny Dreadful Can Teach Us About Romance

June 30, 2014/in Date Tips /by Guest Blogger

The season finale of Penny Dreadful was just last night. As I lament over the end of Season 1, and look forward to season 2, I can’t help but to think about how some of the romantic elements in the show can apply to dating in real life.
So Penny Dreadful isn’t really romantic, with all the violence and horror, but there are a lot of titillating scenes and romantic subplots that can teach us a thing or two about spicing up our love lives.
1) Walks in arboretums can be quite flirtatious.

2) Surprise your date with a really good date.
Brona had never been to the theater before, so just look at how elated she is when Ethan surprises her by taking her one night! Bonus: he buys her an orange.

3) Play music to set the mood when you’re together.

4) Sexy Boudoir photoshoots can really spice things up.

5) Sincere compliments are ALWAYS appreciated.

6) Have intriguing conversations over dinner.
Bonus points if it’s candlelit and classy, too.

7) Asking for consent is always appreciated.
If a spoiled, manipulative, and immortal brat like Dorian can ask for consent, so can everyone else.

8) But above all, be there for each other as confidantes and trusted loved ones.

Do you enjoy our TV-inspired dating posts? If so, perhaps you’ll want to read 13 Game of Thrones Reactions to Online Dating.
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.

Gay men, gay, text, cute guys, decoding texts, his messages

This Gay Texting Guide Gives You the Low-Down

June 11, 2014/in For Him, LGBT Dating /by Guest Blogger

Online communication can be a cryptic labyrinth of hidden meanings at times. You can’t see the squinting eyes, the shrugging shoulders, or the nervous sweating—who knows if that tongue-sticking-out emoji is really sincere?
Gay singles have been just as lost as the rest of the world when it comes to decoding the truth behind those digital messages, but now it’s time to come out of the dark!
Here’s a somewhat-serious beginner’s guide to decoding the messages gay men are sending to figure out what they are really trying to say:

The First Message:

He Says: He means:

Compliments:

He Says: He means:

He Says: He means:

He Says: He means:

Questions:

He Asks: He means:
He Asks: He means:

He Asks: He means:

Celebrity References:

He Says: He means:

He Says: He means:

He Says: He means:

The Next Step:

He Says: He means:

Ok, so maybe this guide is a little presumptuous—but if you follow it to the letter you’ll find that it’s right at least 15% of the time. Statistically speaking.
The fact is, even this self-appointed expert doesn’t have all the answers. You’re talking to a real, live, sincere (probably cute) human being, so keep on chatting away and get to really know them.
You’ll find the truth between the text messages.
Did you enjoy this post? Then make sure to check out 8 Body Confessions From Gay Single Men.

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.

7 Creepy Things Guys Have Told Me on First Dates #ThisHappened

June 4, 2014/in Date Tips, For Him /by Guest Blogger

It’s one thing to get creepy messages from guys online, but in real life? And on the first date? Gentlemen, there is a time and place for salacious sayings, but not when we’ve just met, because as opposed to friend-zoning you, we ladies are going to creep-zone you.
For those of you endowed with the Y chromosome, please take heed of my tip and avoid saying anything as remotely unwelcoming as these sampling of creeptastic statements I’ve received upon first meetings.

1) “I’ve been to the red-light district in San Francisco.”

Less than ten minutes later, after we stepped out of the boba shop, he asked me where I was headed off to.
I responded with a question: “Which way are YOU heading?”
He pointed East.
I pointed West.
We shook hands and made no attempt to ever get in contact ever again.

2) “When I went to Amsterdam for a conference with my professor and fellow Master’s candidates, I figured this was the only time in my life I’d be single while in Amsterdam, so I went to go to the red-light district and got a blow job.”

What is up with me running into another guy who went to a red light district? And the bonus to this date? When the campus bell tower rang nine times (for context, we were both on the UC Berkeley campus, and it was nighttime), he told me, “Well, I gotta get back home and finish my presentation for tomorrow!” He hugged me good-bye before running off. Really? He didn’t feel the need to walk me home to make sure I didn’t get killed on the way?

3) “Have you ever thought of being a camgirl?”

Is that your way of trying to compliment me by telling me I’m so sexy, I should show off my goods on the internet? If so, you failed to flatter me.

4) “I’ve never been with an Asian girl before!”

NO, I am not a sampling platter of exotic Oriental fares. Get away from me.

5) “I kinda got erect hugging you!”

Did I really need to know that?

6) “What do you think of rape play?”

Wait, we just met, and you’re bringing up this topic?

7) “Making out is for kids, oral is for adults.”

The gif above is pretty self-explanatory.

Ladies, do you have any creeptastic things guys have told you that you would like to share? Gentlemen, have YOU had any unforward comments made by girls?

If you enjoyed this post, perhaps you’ll want to read 13 Game of Thrones Reactions to Online Dating.
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.

California Singles! Let's Compare Dating in San Francisco vs. Los Angeles

June 3, 2014/in LA, SF /by CMB

On the west coast, there’s the classic rivalry of NorCal versus SoCal. So, how does dating stack up between the two great cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles?

1. Where you met:

SF: You were introduced at a house party. Or online, through one of the many dating apps everyone seems to be on.
LA: At the Equinox while snapping a #gymselfie or as you were both picking up your puppies from doggy daycare.

2. Your first date:

SF: Overpriced coffee at an artisanal, organic coffee shop in the Mission.
LA: Overpriced cocktails at a trendy restaurant in Venice.

3. He showed up:

SF: At 6:15pm, wearing a North Face jacket and sneakers. He was 15 minutes late because his shuttle bus was attacked by protestors.
LA: 30 minutes late because of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 405.

4. She showed up:

SF: Wearing jeans and a t-shirt, carrying a yoga mat.
LA: Wearing a skin-tight Herve Leger dress and heels, yoga mat optional.

5. During the date, he says:

SF: “I’m just killing it at my start-up. I hella want to retire by 35, especially if my investments in Bitcoin go well. Do you want another craft beer?”
LA: “I’m working on a screenplay, but I’ve been busy with my improv group and personal trainer. Is this dish gluten-free?”

6. During the date, she says:

SF: “I just got my Google glass and love them. Can’t wait to go wine tasting in Napa this weekend.”
LA: “I have a yoga retreat in Palm Springs next weekend where we’re doing a group juice cleanse.”

7. After the date:

SF: You compete to see who can get an Uber or Lyft on their phone quicker. You split fare on the app.
LA: You make sure to check out what kind of car he/she drives. Then you drive away in opposite directions.

8. Second date:

SF: Walking around the farmers market, picking up locally grown strawberries. Or dinner eating organic kale and quinoa salad at The Plant.
LA: Pretend to be outdoorsy for a day. Put on a pair of $100 lululemons and “hike” Runyon Canyon.

9. Form of communication:

SF: Snapchat. Any evidence of your flirty exchanges will self-destruct in 10 seconds.
LA: Instagram. Everyone wants more followers. #nofilter

10. Long-term dating potential:

SF: Greater than 50%. People always need a +1 to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge with.
LA: Depends on how far you live from each other. If he/she lives across the city, it’s basically long-distance.
–

Did you enjoy this post? Then make sure to check out Dating on Coffee Meets Bagel vs. Tinder.

About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): Every day at noon, we introduce you to one single with whom you share mutual friends. You have 24 hours to LIKE or PASS your match (aka “Bagels”). Mutual LIKE leads to direct connection via text message on a private phone line.

5 Ways I Changed the Way I Message Women (and scored multiple dates!)

April 28, 2014/in For Him /by Guest Blogger

I guess one could say that the last couple of weeks of mine have been hectic when it comes to my dating life but it was worth it. In the world of online dating, messaging is what bridges the gap between seeing someone’s profile and going out on a date with them. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, many of us men don’t always end up achieving the success we would like to when messaging women. To understand how to better our chances, and also to get some dates, I messaged thirty women on an online dating site using the following five approaches: aggressive, passive, cheesy, inquisitive, and informal. For example, I messaged six women with an aggressive approach, six woman with a passive approach, and so on. This post includes the five key ways I changed the way I message women after analyzing my interactions, as well as, examples of each approach that was used.

1. The beginning of the conversation is the time to find common ground in order to establish a connection

In the beginning, be funny, ask a question, and pay attention to the details. Let the conversation flow naturally from the initial message but keep in mind that the point of the interaction is for it to lead to a date.

2. Demonstrate that you took the time to read her profile by mentioning an interest of hers

Within the first three to four messages mention something that has to do with the details within their profile that you actually have an interest in. In addition, doing this when it is time to ask her out on a date will absolutely help your chances.

3. If she doesn’t respond to your first message within 48 hours then send an engaging question that she can’t help but answer

Sending one follow up message is a good idea because it shows that you are seriously interested in her but do your best to not come off pushy or aggressive.

4. Suggest a date immediately after receiving a positive response from her

The most success I experienced when suggesting a date was seen immediately after receiving a positive response from her. If you made her ‘lol’ and the conversation has exceeded 4 exchanges then go ahead and ask! Definitely do not let the conversation pass around 7 messaging exchanges before mentioning the date. After 7 exchanges the average conversation tends to lose its muster.

5. End the conversation shortly after making plans for a date

Shortly after you ask her out on a date is an ideal time to end the conversation because momentum plays a big role during the early stages of dating. By doing this you eliminate the opportunity for the conversation to lose its appeal and close out the conversation on a high note.

Examples and Main Takeaways of Each Approach Used

1. Cheesy

Main Takeaway: Being cheesy experienced zero success. No cheese please.

2. Aggressive

Main Takeaway: Being aggressive the whole time while messaging someone will end up turning most people away. Instead be aggressive only when it is appropriate. For example, when asking to go on a date.

3. Passive

Main Takeaway: This did receive some responses but give the person you message something to work with.

4. Informal

Main Takeaway: Being informal experienced zero success.

5. Inquisitive

Main Takeaway: Use questions to start the conversation and to keep it going but don’t be excessive, got it? Are you sure? How about now?

Did you enjoy this post? Then check out We Tested 11 Different Male Profile Pictures and This Is What Happened!

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.

The Wonderfully Charming Handbook on Online Dating

April 8, 2014/in Date Tips /by CMB

Are you a fun-loving, laid-back, chill, and funny guy who loves traveling and hiking? Perhaps sarcasm is one of your greatest talents, and you are obsessed with Game of Thrones? Maybe you’re the type of person who loves to go out with friends, but also enjoys just staying in and watching Netflix? It is possible that you constantly think about food, or love photography and rock climbing? Do you look taller in real life, or younger than your real age? Are you looking for a relaxed person who makes you laugh?
Oh wait, is that your current Coffee Meets Bagel profile?
San Francisco based author of best-selling dating books on Amazon, Patrick King (didshereply.com), comes out with the awesome guide on how to succeed on Coffee Meets Bagel, The Coffee Meets Bagel Handbook. Get your FREE digital copy on Amazon now through Thursday 4/10. Blogger and writer for dating companies, matchmaker/meddler, King is a frequent presenter on the economies of online dating.

Did you love this post? Then check out Who Has More Fun When it Comes to Dating: New York or San Francisco?
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): Every day at noon, we introduce you to one single with whom you share mutual friends. You have 24 hours to LIKE or PASS your match (aka “Bagels”). Mutual LIKE leads to direct connection via text message on a private phone line.

Rainy Day Date Ideas

April 4, 2014/in Date Ideas /by CMB

Need date ideas for a rainy day? Don’t let April showers get you down!
Check out these 5 date ideas that’ll have you singing in the rain:
1. Explore an indoor market
You won’t miss the great outdoors as you wander the maze of food vendors and local shops. Sample exotic foods, grab a cold one, and enjoy people-watching.
We love getting lost in these notable marketplaces:
Boston – Faneuil Hall Marketplace
New York – Chelsea Market
Philadelphia – Reading Terminal Market
San Francisco – Ferry Building Marketplace
Seattle – Pike Place Market
2. Head to the classroom
Whether you’re interested in knitting hats for cats or at-home beer brewing, there’s a class for that. Impress your date with your newfound skills and maybe pick up a new hobby to enjoy together!
Time Out has a great listing of classes by city.
3. Get cooking
Get in touch with your inner top chef. After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If you don’t know where to start, use All Recipe’s “Cooking for Two” collection for the perfect meal.
And, don’t forget to pop open a bottle of vino to compliment your culinary creation.
4. Play games
A little friendly competition will get your adrenaline pumping and guarantee a playful day indoors. For the bold, Cards Against Humanity can be a great way to get a peek into your date’s sense of humor. Stick to the classics like Apples to Apples, Scrabble, or these board games to keep it G-rated.
Keep it flirty and don’t be afraid to invent your own rules! Twister, anyone?
5. Tour a local brewery or winery
Find a local waterhole that offers a behind-the-scenes tour. After imbibing on free samples, head to lunch or grab food at the bar to keep the date going. Can’t find a tour nearby? Stock up on drinks and snacks for a boozy indoor picnic.
Did you love this post? Check out our Dating Timeline for Men and Dating Timeline for Women to keep your relationship on track!
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): Every day at noon, we introduce you to one single with whom you share mutual friends. You have 24 hours to LIKE or PASS your match (aka “Bagels”). Mutual LIKE leads to direct connection via text message on a private phone line.

Five Texting Mistakes That I’ve Made and Don’t Want You to Make

November 26, 2013/in Funny & Videos /by Guest Blogger

Online dating can be tricky, especially when your first medium of communication is over messaging. Here are some online dating tips for men and women on how not to screw up your chances at landing that first date. Or if you’ve already made it to the first date, congratulations! Now to safely text your way to the second.
1. Being too forward
It’s a fact: Texting lacks the subtle nuances of face-to-face conversation. Unfortunately this causes two major problems: 1) What you text is up to the receiver’s interpretation and 2) You can’t read what the other person is thinking. It’s good to assert your feelings, but sometimes it can come off too strong over text, especially if you aren’t sure how the other person is feeling. Your best bet is to keep things light and easy until you meet.

No thanks bro

2. TMI
The concept of TMI, or “too much information” is very similar to that person who tweets about the extremely ordinary oatmeal they’re eating for breakfast or posts on Facebook about the number of snotty tears they’ve shed and ice cream cartons consumed in post-break up aftermath. When I ask you what you did today, I don’t need to know EVERYTHING you did. A little bit of mystery can add a lot.

Just No

3. Statements vs. Questions
Conversation is a two way street. Both parties need to give or take in order to keep things flowing naturally. Not asking questions can make you seem self-absorbed, disinterested, or socially awkward at the worst. For example, I like _____” not the best way to start a conversation. At least add a “how about you?” to open it up to the other person.
4. One Word Answers
If you’re looking to kill a conversation look no further than one-word answers! We use words like K, lol, yeah, or even the mundane yes or no when we have nothing better to say (Or when you’re not interested and trying to fade someone out). But, if you’re actually interested, it’s better to keep these words at a minimum. When you can’t think of anything else to say, try changing the subject or asking a question.

5. Not Replying… FOR DAYS
This one’s my favorite. Yes, people are busy and can’t reply to texts, but after a few days it just starts getting ridiculous. Imagine yourself in mid-conversation with a cute guy or girl, when suddenly they turn around and ignore you for the next two days or god knows when. In a nut shell it feels something like this and that’s not fun. So, if you’re a caring, kind-hearted person who doesn’t want the girl or guy you like to experience emotional anguish/psychotic thoughts you should reply to texts on time or at least within a day.

texting mistake, wtf autocorrect, not texting back

Um…what?

Are you guilty of these texting mistakes? Make sure to check out our article on what it’s like waiting for a text!

Is He Mr. Right? Just check his iPhone Apps.

September 15, 2013/in For Her /by Guest Blogger

People say eyes are the window to the soul. While your date’s eyes may be nice to look at, here at CMB we think his mobile apps are so much more revealing. With hundreds of thousands of apps available in the App store, the few that actually make it to your date’s iPhone say a lot about his personality, his interests, and his priorities. Is he a brainiac? Does he love to cook? Does he have multiple mobile dating apps? A quick peek at his iPhone apps will answer all your questions. So tell me, what does your date’s iPhone say about him?

But What Are We Going to Talk About?

July 23, 2013/in Date Tips /by Guest Blogger

The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Lily Rudolph

Yep, we have all been there:
“So what do you do?”
“I work in (not very interesting office job)”
“Really, I work for (similarly dull business)”
Then the silence grows as you rack your brain for questions to ask each other. Of course you are supposed to stay away from controversial topics like politics, sex, and religion. Talking about family and future goals seems heavy for a first date, but that doesn’t mean the conversation has to be boring. Here are 4 interesting conversation topics that will keep you chatting on your first date.
1. Traveling

Just the thought of travel takes your mind to a new place. Share stories about places you have visited and cultural experiences you have had. Allow yourself to get wistful. I know it might seem silly to tell your date about your dream of sailing around the world or visiting the moon, especially if you are the super-logical type, but once you get lost in conversation the date will feel more comfortable and fun. For a little inspiration check out Amazing Places by The Cool Hunter.
2. Shared Interests

Whether you share an affinity for climbing, surfing, cooking, knitting or anime conventions, talking about shared interests will bring you closer together and might even give you ideas for future dates. If you can’t think of a favorite past time maybe it’s time to start a new one. Check out these tips for hobby hunting in A Beautiful Mess, an awesome blog by Elise and Emma Larsen.
3. Things That Used to be in Style

This only really works if you were born in the same part of the world in the same generation, but talking about your favorite childhood TV shows and the fashion you grew up with will allow you to relate to each other’s memories. For ideas check out BuzzFeed Rewind. If you grew up in the 80’s, Like Totally 80’s will be a total blast from the past.
4. If You Were Stranded on a Desert Island blah blah blah

Okay so that one is a bit played out, but creative questions can be fun. My favorites are: If you were to design a restaurant what would it be like? If you were born into a different decade what decade would you choose? If you could sleep with one dead celebrity (in their prime of course) who would it be and why?
Most importantly, remember to be creative. Use these dating tips as guidelines that you can branch off from, let the conversation flow naturally, and have fun!