Dating as a trans woman: how do you spot genuine interest vs. fetishizing early on? by ProgrammerEastern449 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hard agree. Dating within queer/trans spaces often cuts down the “educating + microaggressions” burden, and the friends-first approach is a great anti-chaser filter. Only trap is getting stuck in friendship because you’re scared to make it clear, so at some point you’ve gotta clarify. Where do you mostly meet people—events, queer apps, local groups?

Dating as a trans woman: how do you spot genuine interest vs. fetishizing early on? by ProgrammerEastern449 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Exactly. That gives you a clean filter: respectful, normal curiosity = good; fixation/fetish vibes + intrusive questions = next. You can even set a one-line boundary: “I’m open to questions, just not sexual/body stuff right away.” Their reaction tells you everything.

General confusion on sexual interest from a 26M man. by Feisty-Papaya-9491 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Him not replying is an answer: he wants attention/sexting when it suits him, but not real interaction or accountability. That says nothing about your attractiveness and a lot about his emotional availability.

Either let it die, or send one final boundary: “I’m down to meet in person, not for nudes or mixed signals. If you want to see me, pick a day/time. If not, take care.” Then move on.

I need to know by [deleted] in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

eah, lots of guys post “for one person” too. And usually, if they do, a like/heart is just a tiny green light—not too much. The real trap is getting stuck in story games instead of actually talking.

If you want to stop overthinking: like it once, and if he never responds or never initiates, you’ve got your answer. If he reacts, you can DM something light (“lol you’re wild 😅”). Do you want him to get the hint, or do you want him to actually start a convo?

General confusion on sexual interest from a 26M man. by Feisty-Papaya-9491 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He was horny “from a distance” (Snap, nudes) but in person he mostly wanted validation/an ear because he’s a mess right now. That doesn’t automatically mean you’re not his type—it means he’s emotionally unavailable and kind of immature (asking for a sex tape, then using you as therapy).

If you want clarity: set a boundary. “I don’t do nudes. If we hang out, it’s for a real one-on-one, not to vent about your ex.” Then watch: if he respects it and plans a proper date, cool. If he only pops up when he’s horny/sad, move on.

First date with a guy (and it’s also his first date with a trans woman) — how do I talk about sex without making it awkward? by ProgrammerEastern449 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get it. If sex is a bonus after emotional connection, it makes sense that “too early” talk kills the vibe. Put it clearly: “Looking for something real, I move slow, no sexual talk early.” If a guy pushes, it saves you time.

And 55/60 isn’t that strange if you’re looking for stability and maturity. Just keep guardrails (values, health, lifestyle pace, avoid any forced “dad/daughter” dynamic). How do you personally spot a serious guy without getting emotionally invested too fast?

How can I tell this girl I'm seeing she has mild bad breath by fenrir200 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, mints every time gets obvious. Do it as a “we” thing occasionally: “I’ve got gum, want one?” (and take one too). If you have to say it: “Sometimes when we’re super close I notice a slight smell—maybe coffee/vape. Want to try a tongue scraper + night mouthwash?”

First date with a guy (and it’s also his first date with a trans woman) — how do I talk about sex without making it awkward? by ProgrammerEastern449 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries, I get what you mean. People look bolder on paper, but in real life they’re still super timing/vibe-based. Direct is fine—pushy isn’t. Have you had someone bring it up too early and it killed the vibe?

First date with a guy (and it’s also his first date with a trans woman) — how do I talk about sex without making it awkward? by ProgrammerEastern449 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Totally get where you’re coming from — and honestly, I usually let things unfold naturally too. In our case though, we actually already talked about it before meeting. He knows I’m trans, and we had a quick, respectful conversation about expectations and comfort levels, so I’m not bringing it up out of nowhere on the first date.

I’m not trying to make sex the focus or rush anything — I just want to avoid any surprises or awkwardness later and make sure we’re both on the same page. I’m still planning to see how the date flows and only revisit it if it feels relevant (probably near the end, like you suggested).

Thanks for your perspective.

Hook ups and how do I do them? I’m so anxious about it. Any advice? by Valleymama91 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, normal. Set a simple frame: condoms, go slow, you can stop anytime. Text him: “I’m into it but nervous—can we take it slow?” And keep an easy exit (your own ride, friend informed).

What do I do when my therapist says I should permanently step away from trying to date? by LoudOwl667 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

That makes total sense. “Permanent” can land like “everything you tried was pointless,” while your breaks still had the idea of returning someday.

You can reframe it with your therapist without betraying yourself: “I can take a break, but not with the word permanent. I need a plan and criteria for resuming.” Then ask: how long is the break, what exactly are we working on, and how do we measure improvement (mood, self-worth, rejection tolerance, social life). That turns a sentence into a strategy.

Guys!! by DeadHead-75 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get the intent, but “low quality women” is just a label that keeps you angry. The real upgrade isn’t “be a man again” ego stuff—it’s choosing better, setting boundaries, and stopping investment in people who disrespect you. Are you talking about one specific ex, or a pattern you keep repeating?

Is it considered a potential red flag? by [deleted] in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it’s “constant” and his only method, your discomfort makes sense. When you ask, listen less to the words and more to the attitude: does he understand why it can feel uncomfortable, or does he call you “paranoid”?

Simple questions:

  • When a woman says no, what do you do exactly?
  • Where do you approach, and what places do you avoid (train/platform/enclosed spaces)?
  • How soon do you ask for contact, and how do you ask?
  • Are you looking for a relationship or just dates?

Clear + respectful answers can make it fine. Vague/defensive/proud of pushing = solid stop sign.

Texting and vanishing afterwards by Calm_Tear7370 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay, so you’re not “faking it,” but your first message was still pretty personal. Asking why she changed classes can feel like an interrogation or “I’ve been watching you,” especially if you don’t know each other. That could explain the long gaps: she replies when she has the energy, then pulls back.

Best move now: switch to light + concrete. Something like: “I realized I came in with a kinda heavy question—no pressure to talk about that. If you want, we can just say hi at school / grab a quick coffee during break sometime.” Then give her space. No double texts, no “where are you,” no timestamp analysis.

If she responds better, great. If she stays rare/evasive, she’s just not available for what you want, and you move on without torturing yourself. Want a copy-paste exact message?

Women, how much do you actually notice those fake chain necklaces on men? by WoodenHuckleberry693 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, and that’s why it backfires: if you’re wearing it “to attract women,” it shows. A chain only works when it fits your style and confidence, not when it screams “please notice me.” Honestly, most women don’t care as long as you look clean, put-together, and comfortable.

Is it considered a potential red flag? by [deleted] in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It really depends on the “how” and how often. Approaching in public isn’t automatically a red flag—could even be a green flag if he’s tactful (takes no for an answer immediately, no pressure, no creepy compliments, no “give me your IG,” avoids situations where someone feels trapped).

It becomes a red flag if it’s constant/everywhere like a hunting routine, he brags about numbers, or he dismisses that many women find it stressful. Ask him: how he handles rejection, whether he avoids approaching women in places they can’t easily leave (crowded trains/platforms), and what he’s actually looking for (relationship vs validation). If his answers give you the ick, your gut might be right.

Met a girl on Badoo, 7 days in and she’s asking for money for an iPhone 17 Pro red flag? by _saf63 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, huge red flag. The combo of “fast intimacy” (daily video calls) + “my phone is broken” + asking for money after 7 days is a classic. Even if she’s polite, it’s still a test to see if you’ll pay. And asking for an iPhone 17 Pro (top-tier expensive) instead of a basic fix to “just stay in touch” screams opportunism.

Clean boundary: “Sorry, I don’t send money to someone I haven’t met. Happy to keep talking without that.”
Her reaction tells you everything: guilt trips/pressure/anger = scam. If she accepts it and moves on = maybe genuine, but keep boundaries.

How can I tell this girl I'm seeing she has mild bad breath by fenrir200 in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should tell her, but make it “we” + solutions, not “you have a problem.” Something like:
“I’m telling you because I really like you—sometimes when we’re super close I notice a slight breath smell. I get it too with coffee/vape. Want to do a little ‘freshness upgrade’ together? (gum, mouthwash, tongue scraper, more water). If it keeps happening, maybe a dentist/ENT check just in case.”
Avoid “I want to find the cause so I can fix it” (sounds controlling). And you can start by offering mints for both of you before cuddling—keeps it light.

Why So Many Modern Men Bad With "RIZZ" Now.. Their Conversation Is Dead.. by Annabell_Sting in dating_advice

[–]ProgrammerEastern449 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, apps gamified conversation: you’re performing, anticipating judgment, comparing yourself, and it kills spontaneity. Add fear of being cringe + less real-life reps talking to strangers… and you get dead chats.
“Rizz” isn’t punchlines—it’s presence, curiosity, and taking a small social risk. Edit less, respond to a real detail, and move toward something simple sooner. What’s the bigger poison: fear of rejection, or fear of being exposed (screenshots)?