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Why Dating Intentionally Saves You Time (and Heartbreak)

Posted on by Amanda Hood

In today’s world of swiping, ghosting, and endless “situationships,” it’s easy to feel like dating has become more complicated than it needs to be. But here’s the truth: dating doesn’t have to feel like a part-time job. When you approach it with intention, you can save yourself not only time—but also a whole lot of heartache.

At The Crush Confidential, we talk often about the power of intentional dating. Instead of drifting from date to date hoping something clicks, intentional dating means having clarity about what you want and making choices that align with your long-term goals.

Here are a few ways intentional dating can change everything:

1. You Spend Less Time on the Wrong People

When you’re clear about your values, lifestyle, and relationship goals, you naturally filter out people who aren’t a fit. No more wasting months with someone who never wanted the same things as you in the first place.

2. You Protect Your Emotional Energy

Dating without direction can leave you drained and discouraged. Setting intentions helps you recognize early when a connection isn’t serving you, so you can gracefully walk away without second-guessing yourself.

3. You Gain Confidence in the Process

When you know what you’re looking for, each interaction becomes less about “Do they like me?” and more about “Do we fit together?” That mindset shift alone can make dating feel lighter and more empowering.

4. You Create Space for the Right Relationship

Intentionality isn’t about rushing. It’s about staying aligned with your goals and open to the right connection—even if it looks a little different than you imagined. (After all, love often surprises us in the best ways.)

At the end of the day, dating intentionally is about honoring your time, your energy, and your heart. It transforms dating from something overwhelming into something exciting—a purposeful journey toward the connection you deserve.

🖤 Ready to start dating with clarity and purpose? Sometimes the best step is simply slowing down, getting clear on what you want, and letting the right opportunities in.

Why Your Soulmate Might Not Live in Your Zip Code (and Why That’s a Good Thing)

Posted on by Amanda Hood

When it comes to love, most people’s search radius stops just outside their own neighborhood—or maybe the next town over. It feels comfortable, it’s familiar, and let’s face it… nobody loves the idea of adding “airfare” to their dating budget.

But here’s the truth: love doesn’t care about zip codes. And your perfect match might be living in a completely different city—or even a different time zone.

Here’s why expanding your dating map might just be the smartest move you make:

1. Compatibility Goes Beyond Proximity

Sure, living near each other is convenient. But if you’re looking for a lifelong partner, shared values, goals, and lifestyle alignment matter far more than a short drive. Someone two states away who shares your vision for life will outshine someone down the street who doesn’t.

2. You’re Opening the Door to More Aligned Matches

Limiting your search to a few miles around you drastically cuts your chances of meeting someone truly right for you. Widening your range gives you a bigger pool of people who are on your wavelength—and that’s especially important if you have very specific non-negotiables.

3. Distance Can Strengthen the Connection

Couples who start long-distance often spend their early days really talking. You get to know each other’s mind before you get distracted by the physical day-to-day. That can create a deeper emotional bond before you even share a zip code.

4. Life Chapters Change

Empty nesters, career changers, and remote workers have more flexibility than ever before. If you’re at a stage where you could relocate—or they could—you’re not just dating for now, you’re dating for the life you want to build together.

5. The Love Story Will Be Worth It

Yes, there may be extra effort at the start. But one day, that “two flights and a rental car” story becomes part of the magic you share. Love is worth a little extra mileage.

Bottom line: Don’t let your zip code be the thing that keeps you from finding your person. Open the map, widen your search, and you might just discover that your soulmate’s waiting for you in a place you never expected.

Dating in Your 40s and Beyond: Why This Season of Life Can Be the Most Empowering for Love

Posted on by Amanda Hood

There’s a common (and outdated) myth in the dating world:
That love has an expiration date.

At The Crush Confidential, we work with incredible singles in their 40s, 50s, and beyond—many of whom are just now entering the best season of their dating lives. They’re not “starting over.” They’re starting from experience, clarity, and confidence.

If you’re navigating love in this chapter, here’s why you’re in a far more powerful position than you might realize:

1. You Know Who You Are (and What You’re Not Willing to Compromise On)

Gone are the days of shapeshifting to fit someone else’s idea of “perfect.” You’ve lived, you’ve learned, and you’re clear on your values. That clarity isn’t a limitation—it’s your greatest advantage. You’re not here to convince someone to like you; you’re here to find someone who naturally aligns.

2. You’re Dating with Intention, Not Impulse

You’ve had the experiences that helped you refine what you want—and what you don’t. There’s no need to rush or settle. You’re not dating to fill space; you’re dating to build meaningful connection. That mindset attracts people who are on the same wavelength.

3. Your Life is Already Full—You’re Looking for Someone to Complement It, Not Complete It

Whether you’re focused on your career, raising kids, or enjoying an empty nest, you’re not dating from a place of “lack.” You’re looking for a partner to share a rich, already-fulfilling life with. That kind of groundedness creates healthier, more balanced relationships.

4. You’re Less Tolerant of Games and More Open to Genuine Connection

At this stage, you have zero interest in wasting time with people who play games or aren’t clear about their intentions. And that’s refreshing. You’re open—but not desperate. You’re selective—but not closed off. It’s a balance many people don’t find until their 40s and beyond.

5. You’re Not Afraid to Expand Your Horizons

In your 20s and 30s, location and logistics might have dictated your dating pool. But now? You’re more open to finding love beyond your city, your social circles, or even your state. You know that when lifestyle alignment and values click, geography can be flexible.

6. You’re Emotionally Stronger—But You Still Believe in Love

Perhaps the most empowering thing about dating in your 40s+ is that you’ve weathered life’s storms, but you haven’t let them close your heart. You’re resilient. You know what heartbreak feels like—but you also know that real, lasting love is worth staying open for.

Final Thought

Dating in your 40s, 50s, or beyond isn’t about reinventing yourself.
It’s about stepping into this season with all the wisdom, clarity, and grace you’ve earned—and knowing that your next chapter could be your best one yet.

Love doesn’t have an expiration date.
It has a timing—and this just might be yours.

What ‘Lifestyle Alignment’ Really Means in a Relationship

Posted on by Amanda Hood

In modern dating, there’s a lot of talk about compatibility—but not nearly enough about lifestyle alignment.

At The Crush Confidential, we hear it all the time:
“He checks all the boxes, but something just feels off.”
Or,
“She’s great on paper, but I don’t see us actually living life together.”

That missing piece? It’s almost always lifestyle alignment.

So what exactly does that mean?

It’s Not Just About Shared Interests

You can both love travel, fitness, and Italian food—but if one of you is up at 5 AM training for triathlons and the other likes to sleep in and move slow, that disconnect will show up over time.

Lifestyle alignment is about rhythm, not just recreation.
It’s about how you structure your day, your weekends, your values, your energy.

Questions to consider:

  • Do you have similar social needs—nights out vs. nights in?

  • Are your financial habits in sync (spender vs. saver)?

  • Do your career goals complement or compete with each other?

  • What are your expectations around parenting, downtime, or even chores?

These are the things that make up life, not just love.

Alignment Doesn’t Mean Being the Same

It’s not about finding someone identical to you. In fact, most great couples bring balance to each other’s worlds. But when your core habits and priorities are too far apart, friction replaces flow.

Think of it like dancing:
You don’t have to mirror each other’s steps, but you do need to move to the same beat.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

As we get older and more rooted in our routines—especially for single parents, career-driven professionals, or people reentering the dating world—time and energy become precious.

The fantasy fades quickly if your day-to-day lives feel like a tug of war.

That’s why, during our matchmaking process, we look far beyond hobbies and surface preferences. We dig into how someone lives—because that’s where long-term compatibility truly lives.

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to be attracted to someone’s personality.
It’s harder—but far more important—to ask: Could we actually build a life together?

Lifestyle alignment doesn’t just make dating easier—it makes love feel like a partnership, not a project.

And when that alignment is there, everything else feels just a little more effortless.

Why We Encourage the 3-Date Rule (and What You Might Miss If You Don’t)

Posted on by Amanda Hood

In today’s dating culture, people are quick to make snap judgments. One offhand comment, a slightly awkward moment, or an outfit you wouldn’t have picked yourself—and suddenly the verdict is in: “Not for me.”

At The Crush Confidential, we get it. You’re busy. You don’t want to waste your time. You want the spark, the butterflies, and the connection—now.

But here’s what we’ve learned from years of matchmaking high-intent singles:
The spark isn’t always instant. And that’s okay.

That’s why we encourage what we call the 3-Date Rule—a simple, intentional approach to dating that allows room for real connection to unfold.

Here’s why it works:

1. First Dates Are Often Just… Awkward

Even confident, successful people get nervous. And sometimes, those nerves come out in ways that don’t reflect who they really are—rambling, overtalking, under-talking, being overly formal, or trying too hard to impress.

Instead of asking, “Did I feel sparks?” try asking,
👉 “Do I feel curious enough to see this person again?”

2. Attraction Can Grow with Familiarity

We’ve seen it happen time and time again: a client who was on the fence after Date #1 calls us after Date #3 and says,
“Wow—I’m really into them.”

Emotional safety, subtle humor, shared values… these often take more than 90 minutes and a cocktail to show up. The 3-Date Rule creates space for attraction to move from surface-level to something more sustainable.

3. You’ll Learn More About What You Want

Even if a match doesn’t turn out to be the one, going on a few dates gives you more context:

  • How do you feel in their presence?

  • What values or energy clicked—or didn’t?

  • Did anything surprise you?

Dating intentionally is about refining your clarity, not chasing instant perfection.

4. It Shifts Your Focus from Performance to Connection

When you approach dating with a “one and done” mindset, it becomes transactional—like a constant audition.
But when you give yourself (and the other person) a little breathing room, you stop performing and start connecting.

Real relationships aren’t built on perfect banter. They’re built on trust, rhythm, and shared emotional space. That can’t always be rushed.

5. You Might Be Passing on Someone Truly Aligned

Amanda often reminds clients that she married her husband after just 5 months of dating—even though he didn’t check her “must be over 6 feet tall” box. If she’d dismissed him on Date 1 for not meeting that one (very specific) preference, she would’ve missed out on a life-changing connection.

You never know who someone really is—until you give them the chance to show up.

The Bottom Line

The 3-Date Rule isn’t about lowering your standards.
It’s about creating space for clarity.

So if you’re on the fence after a first date, ask yourself:
Is there enough curiosity to say yes one more time?

You might be surprised by what’s waiting on the other side of a second—or third—look.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Your Dating Life (Without the Guilt)

Posted on by Amanda Hood

Dating as a single parent can be emotional—and not just for you. The thought of talking to your kids about your dating life can bring up uncertainty, awkwardness, or even guilt.

But here’s a gentle reminder:
You’re allowed to want love.
And showing your kids what healthy relationships look like—at any stage of life—is a powerful, positive thing.

Here are five thoughtful tips for navigating this conversation with honesty and care:

1. Get Clear on How You Feel First

Before bringing your kids into the conversation, take a moment to reflect on where you’re at emotionally. Are you excited? Nervous? Unsure? A little bit of everything?

Being aware of your own feelings helps you approach the topic calmly and intentionally. Kids pick up on energy more than words—so when you feel steady, it helps them feel safe.

2. Adjust the Conversation to Their Age

Younger kids don’t need details. Older kids might have more questions. Keeping the message age-appropriate can ease tension and make the conversation more natural.

Younger kids:
“I’m going to spend time with a new friend. It’s someone who makes me happy.”

Teens:
“I’ve decided to start dating again. It’s important for me to build connection, just like it is for anyone.”

You don’t need to over-explain. Just offer honest, simple information.

3. Reassure Them of Their Place in Your Life

One of the most important things kids need to hear is:
“You’re still my priority.”

Make it clear that dating doesn’t change how much they matter to you. Let them know that any relationship you pursue will only move forward if it’s healthy—for you and for them.

4. Don’t Introduce Everyone You Date

This one’s important: kids don’t need to meet every person you go on a few dates with. It’s often best to wait until a relationship feels stable before introducing someone new into your children’s world.

If and when you do make that introduction, keep it low-key. A short meeting at a neutral place (like a coffee shop or park) can feel more relaxed for everyone.

5. Make Space for Their Feelings

Even if you do everything “right,” your child might still feel uncomfortable, confused, or even upset. That’s okay. Let them feel what they feel without trying to fix it immediately.

You can say something like:
“I know this is new, and it’s okay to feel however you feel. I’m here to listen.”

A Final Thought

There’s no perfect script for this conversation, but the fact that you’re thinking about it means you care—and that matters most. You can be a loving, present parent and still make space for a fulfilling personal life.

It’s not about choosing one or the other. It’s about building a life where both can exist in harmony.

Featured on Now in the Nati: Why It’s Time for Single Parents to Prioritize Love

Posted on by Amanda Hood

We were honored to be featured in Now in the Nati, where Amanda shared what it really looks like to date as a single parent—and why it’s more than just possible… it’s powerful.

At The Crush Confidential, 95% of our clients are single parents. That’s not a typo. Most of the incredible people we work with are juggling carpools, careers, and co-parenting—while still carving out space for love. And while that can feel daunting, it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset (and the right matchmaker).

Here’s the truth Amanda shared:
Lifestyle alignment is everything. When you’re a single parent, compatibility isn’t just about chemistry—it’s about rhythm. Does this person understand what your Tuesday night looks like with three kids and a soccer tournament? Are they someone who supports the kind of life you’ve built—not someone who makes you feel like you have to explain or apologize for it?

We don’t just match based on interests or physical attraction—we dig into how you live, what you value, and what your day-to-day really looks like. Because that’s what determines lasting connection.

And for our empty nesters, Amanda had another piece of advice:
Don’t box yourself in geographically.
Maybe your kids are grown. Maybe your life is more flexible than it’s ever been. This is your chance to expand your horizons. Your soulmate might not live in your zip code—or even your state. That’s why we encourage open minds and open hearts when it comes to location.

Finally, Amanda reminds single parents to prioritize their dating life. Yes, your time is limited. But love is not selfish. Making room for it doesn’t take away from your kids—it sets an example for what healthy, joyful relationships look like.

So if you’re a single parent who’s been putting love on the back burner, consider this your sign:
Your story isn’t on pause. It’s just beginning.

👉 Watch the full interview on Now in the Nati here:
The Crush Confidential on Dating as a Single Parent

Trouble in the Hive: What Bumble’s Layoffs Say About the Future of Online Dating

Posted on by Amanda Hood

If you’ve ever found yourself burned out by swiping or wondering why modern dating feels more like a job than a joyride, you’re not alone—and it seems the dating app world is feeling the strain too.

This week, Bumble announced it’s laying off 30% of its workforce—about 240 employees—in a move to cut costs and “realign its operating structure.” That’s a big shake-up for a company that once made headlines as the feminist-forward app where women make the first move. But what’s even more telling is why it’s happening: Gen Z and millennial users are becoming disillusioned with dating apps altogether.

Bumble has lost 90% of its stock value since going public in 2021. Its user growth and revenue are declining, and even premium subscriptions—once a reliable income stream—are slipping. Founder Whitney Wolfe Herd has rejoined the company after stepping away for two years, admitting in a candid interview, “Bumble needs me back.”

The company says it will reinvest the money saved from layoffs into AI-powered tools and new product features, hoping to regain trust and engagement from its audience. But the question remains—can technology alone fix what’s broken in dating?

At The Crush Confidential, we’ve long believed the issue goes deeper than just interface fatigue or flashy features. People are craving genuine connection—not algorithms. Our clients are often professionals who’ve tried apps and felt more disappointed than hopeful. They’re looking for something real—and let’s be honest, that’s hard to find when your love life is outsourced to a swipe.

Interestingly, while Bumble and Match Group (Tinder, Hinge) are restructuring and scaling back, Grindr—an LGBTQ+ dating app—has seen major success lately. Its stock is up over 115% in the last year, largely because it’s leaning into intentional dating and improving its user experience.

So what does this all mean for modern love? We’re at a turning point. The convenience of dating apps once felt revolutionary, but many are now realizing that curated matches, human connection, and personalized support are the future.

If you’re ready to get off the app hamster wheel and start dating with intention, you know where to find us 💌

Original article from CNN:
👉https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/25/tech/bumble-dating-app-layoffs

Amanda Hood Featured in Redfin’s Blog – Cincinnati Date Ideas

Posted on by Amanda Hood

Whether you’re looking for an intimate dining spot near your Cincinnati, OH home, an art class
nearby your rental home, or a cocktail bar close to your downtown apartment, you’re sure to find
the perfect Cincinnati date night spot in Redfin’s latest article. Check out the piece we were
featured in here!

10 Good Opening Lines for Texting a Girl

Posted on by Amanda Hood

Starting a conversation with a girl over text can be tricky. You want to grab her attention, make her smile, and keep the conversation flowing. A good opening line can make all the difference. Here are ten great opening lines to start a fun and engaging chat.

1.    “Hey, I just saw something that reminded me of you!”

This line sparks her curiosity and makes her want to know what it is. It creates an instant connection because it suggests she has already made an impression on you. You can follow up with something lighthearted or interesting, like a cute dog, a funny meme, or something related to her interests.

2.    “Quick question: What’s your go-to guilty pleasure snack?”

This is a fun way to start a conversation because everyone loves discussing food. It’s lighthearted and gives her an easy way to respond. Plus, it leads to a playful chat about favourite snacks and guilty pleasures, which can help create a bond.

3.    “Would you rather have unlimited travel for life?”

This type of question engages her and allows her to share her thoughts and dreams. You can ask her about her dream destinations if she chooses to travel. If she chooses money, you can chat about what she would do with it. Either way, it helps you learn more about her values and personality.

4.    “I need your help settling a debate: Is pineapple on pizza amazing or terrible?”

A lighthearted and fun debate is always a great way to get the conversation going. People love sharing their opinions on popular food debates. This question can lead to teasing or a fun challenge (like trying pineapple pizza together). It also allows both of you to show your sense of humour naturally.

5.    “I was going to devise a clever pickup line, but honestly, I just wanted to say hi.”

This is simple, honest, and refreshing. It shows confidence and sincerity without being overly complicated. Many people appreciate directness, and this line makes you come across as genuine. It also takes the pressure off her to respond to a forced or awkward pickup line, making it easier for her to reply naturally.

6.    “If you could have dinner with any celebrity, past or present, who would it be?”

It is a great way to learn more about her personality and passions. Depending on her answer, you can keep the conversation going by discussing why she chose that celebrity, what questions she would ask, or what kind of dinner it would be. This line opens the door to a fun and engaging chat.

7.    “Describe yourself in three emojis.”

It allows her to express herself uniquely, and you can respond with your emojis to keep the chat going. It’s also a lighthearted way to gauge her personality, whether she’s funny, adventurous, or romantic. Plus, emojis add an extra layer of playfulness to the conversation.

8.    “What exciting happened to you this week?”

This makes the conversation more personal. It also opens the door for her to share positive and interesting experiences. People love talking about things that make them happy, so this question helps keep the conversation upbeat. You can follow up with more questions.

9.    “Tell me one fun fact about yourself.”

This makes the conversation intriguing and lets her share something special about herself. It also gives you a chance to respond more interactively. This question encourages her to open up and could lead to interesting discussions about hobbies, talents, or unique life experiences.

10.“What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?”

This is a great way to understand her interests and what she enjoys doing in her free time. It can lead to discussions about fun activities. If you have similar interests, it creates an opportunity to bond. If her idea of a perfect weekend includes an activity you’ve never tried, it can spark a future date idea.

Conclusion:

A good opening line is about making the conversation fun, interesting, and engaging. Keep the conversation flowing naturally, and don’t stress too much; have fun and enjoy getting to know her. The more relaxed and authentic you are, the better your chances of making a great impression.

amanda

Amanda Hood, MBA, CLC

6254 Wilmington Pike #1115
Centerville, OH 45459, USA

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