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5 Great NYC Date Ideas this October

We have a roundup of our favorite date ideas in NYC this October.

NYC date ideas October

With such an abundance of things to do, sometimes it can be hard to identify really solid date ideas in NYC. This spooky season, skip the tricks and treat yourself and that special someone to an unforgettable date destination. And we’re not talking about the re-used cliche’s (like apple picking and cider mills). Here’s our curated list, leave the mundane behind and elevate your dating game with one of New York City’s best new date spots.

1. Fall in love and dive into an adult ball pit!

Coming this Fall, the Balloon Museum arrives at Pier 36 in The Seaport. After a successful European Tour, this 80,000-square-foot space will be coming to NYC and is scheduled to run through Jan 14, 2024. Invite your crush and go explore several exhibits that will blow your mind. The good news is that if you fall in love, there is a 4,000-square-foot ball pit to catch you.

2. Get energized at New York’s Coffee Festival!

NYC is truly the city that never sleeps. Grab that cutie you’ve been eyeing at your local coffee shop and head over to the Metropolitan Pavilion from October 6th through 8th for The New York Coffee Festival. Ticket prices include access to over 100 existing exhibitors, unlimited coffee samples, seminars, and demonstrations from world-class baristas and more. The icing on the cake? Every penny of profit goes towards the noble causes of Project Waterfall and charity: water, bringing clean water to coffee-producing countries. There’s nothing steamier than sipping on coffee, enjoying a fantastic date, and supporting a worthy cause.

3. Cheers to Oktoberfest!

October means Oktoberfest. Cheers to your date with a proper “Prost!” and head over to one of NYC’s many Oktoberfest events this month. Enjoy some imported beers, perfectly cooked sausages, and steaming hot pretzels. On October 14th, check out Stone Street for one of the largest celebrations in New York City. The party runs from noon to 11 pm, featuring free entry and plenty of delightful goodies available for purchase. “Prost” to an unforgettable good time!

4. Spook yourself at Blood Manor!

What’s better than a scary movie and cuddling up with a cutie? A real-life haunted house adventure. This month, visit Blood Manor, a 10,000-square-foot haunted house. Admission prices may vary, but one thing’s for sure: the spine-tingling scares you’ll experience will stay with you for days to come.

5. Get crafty at the Queens Craft Brigade!

Looking to add a touch of uniqueness to your wardrobe or bring home a piece of art that speaks to your soul? On October 28th, don’t miss the Halloween extravaganza hosted by the Queens Craft Brigade. This independent, queer-owned market based in Astoria brings together the crĂšme de la crĂšme of artists for a day of crafty shopping. There’s something truly special about helping your date find the perfect addition to their space, whether it’s a stylish garment or a captivating artwork.

Looking for a cutie to attend these fun fall events with? Download FFWD!

At FFWD, we really want you to get the most out of your first date. So, we designed an app that approximates the experience of meeting someone IRL for the first time. With unfiltered video profiles, that’re recorded on platform, you get to get a far better sense of your date before you even swipe right. Onboarding is fun, quick, and easy — just be yourself, take a quick video, and start watching other people’s “scenes” (aka trailers for your potential matches). Our whole team is based in the city, so we’ll continually be here sending you more NYC date ideas, cute opening lines, and giving you tips and tricks on navigating this city’s (insane) dating scene. Email info@ffwd-dating.com to join our mailing list of NYC date ideas, straight to your inbox.

XOXO

FFWD

7 Expert Tips for a Memorable Cuffing Season Love Affair

Unlock the magic of a cuffing season relationship by following a few simple rules.

cuffing season romance

Ah, cuffing season! That wondrous winter window when romance is as nippy as the air, and your favorite blanket could have competition in the form of human warmth. You know it’s more than just a meme; it’s a seasonal romance ritual backed by psychologists. But how do you make your cuffing season more Hallmark movie and less horror show? Read on for seven winter-tested, love-expert-approved tips to find your love affair for the cuffing season… and possibly beyond.

1. Don’t Settle—Even in the Cold

Cuffing season is all about finding someone to share cozy moments with, but that doesn’t mean you should lower your standards. Just because the temperature is dropping doesn’t mean you should compromise on finding genuine connection. Look for a partner who sparks your interest and with whom you can envision spending quality time even beyond the season.

2. Keep Those Red Flags on Your Radar

While winter may create a magical ambiance, it won’t magically fix compatibility issues or major red flags. It’s essential to keep your eyes open and not ignore warning signs just because you’re seeking companionship for the season. If something doesn’t feel right or you notice concerning behavior, address it early on. Remember, cuffing season doesn’t mean you have to cuff yourself to potential drama.

3. Communicate Expectations and Boundaries

Before you start planning cozy movie nights and hot chocolate dates, have an open and honest conversation with your cuffing season partner about your expectations and boundaries. Discuss the temporary nature of the relationship and establish personal boundaries regarding physical and emotional intimacy. Clear communication will prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both parties.

4. Embrace Authenticity and Openness

Authenticity is key in any relationship, even one that’s potentially meant to be temporary. Be yourself and encourage your partner to do the same. The beauty of cuffing season is the freedom to explore a connection without the pressure of long-term commitment. Keep the lines of communication open, share your thoughts and feelings, and enjoy the journey of getting to know each other.

5. Prioritize Safety and Consent

While cuddling may be on the agenda during cuffing season, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and consent. Both you and your partner should feel comfortable with the physical aspects of your relationship, and boundaries should always be respected. Consent should never be assumed, and open communication is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for both parties involved.

6. Stay Open to Possibilities

Although cuffing season typically starts as a temporary fling, be open to the possibility that it could evolve into something more. Love has a way of defying expectations, and sometimes a winter romance can turn into a year-round love story. So, while you’re enjoying the seasonal fun, keep an open mind and heart. You never know what the future holds.

7. Lean into the Adventure

Cuffing season is all about having fun and enjoying the company of someone special. Embrace the adventure of winter romance by exploring new activities together, creating lasting memories, and making the most of this unique time of year. Whether it’s building a snow fort, trying a new winter sport, or simply cuddling up for a movie marathon, make the most of every moment.


Whether your cuffing season adventure turns into a happily-ever-after or simply makes for a winter to remember, bask in the love and joy of these magical months. Here’s to a cuffing season filled with more sparks than a Yule log!

3 Science-Backed Reasons Why a Cuffing Season Romance Could be Good for You

Unveiling the surprising benefits of seeking a seasonal relationship.

cuffing season

Ah, the unmistakable signs of the colder season: pumpkin spice lattes, jingling bells, and the sudden vanishing act of your single friends into the cozy embrace of coupledom. It’s the time when love is in the frosty air, from ice skating beneath the starlit sky to those enchanting mistletoe moments and the kisses to usher in the New Year. But what about those of us who find ourselves solo during this chilly epoch? Fret not, for we’ve uncovered the perfect remedy for those winter blues – brace yourselves for cuffing season!

For the uninformed, “cuffing season” refers to the compelling urge to find a cozy winter romance, with the understanding that come spring, you might part ways. Think of it as the more serious cousin of the “summer fling.” Just like other dating buzzwords – breadcrumbing, harpooning, ghosting – cuffing season began as a casual observation and has since blossomed into a full-blown industry. It’s a term that’s made its way from social media quips to Google’s top winter search terms, fueling countless dating columns, this one included. Now, while some might have you believe that “cuffing season” is a frigid wasteland for singles, science is here to set the record straight. So here are three reasons why this dating trend may actually be something we should indulge in.

1. The Age-Old Instinct.

Despite the Gen-Z sounding nomenclature, the concept of cuffing season isn’t a modern quirk; it’s as old as human biology and evolution; it’s deeply rooted in biology and evolution. In the days before central heating systems, surviving the winter months meant gathering around fires and staying indoors to avoid freezing. And what better way to generate some much-needed heat than, ahem, engaging in a little physical activity? If you go far back enough, it was a survival strategy, a bit like saying, “Let’s have a bunch of kids to help with the farm work, and just in case a few succumb to the plague, we’ll have some spares.” Those cold, crop-less months provided the perfect opportunity for procreation. In essence, what we call cuffing season was actually our ancestors’ survival strategy for staying warm and keeping the species alive.

2. Psychology Says So.

For the modern human, cuffing season offers more than just warmth and companionship. Modern psychology suggests that cuffing season offers more than just a warm companion. As the temperature drops, so does our social activity, but we’re naturally social creatures who crave warmth, affection, and connection. Hence, cuffing ourselves to someone for a while can help fill that void, both emotionally and physically. Also, studies show that testosterone levels tend to peak around October, leading to increased desires for physical intimacy. The decrease in sunlight during the winter can also cause a dip in serotonin levels, which can be countered by connecting with someone special. All that is to say that science is practically begging you to find a cuddle buddy this winter.

3. Seasonal Comfort.

Is cuffing season a good thing? Well, it depends on your perspective. Not every relationship has to be a lifelong commitment, and that’s perfectly okay. If snuggling up with someone for a couple of months makes the winter feel a bit more bearable, there’s no harm in embracing it. The key is to ensure that both parties are on the same page and prioritize safety and consent and you follow some basic ground rules. But in the grand scheme of things, whether you’re seeking a winter buddy or just a warm embrace, cuffing season may be your golden ticket to seasonal comfort.

As the winter chill settles in, don’t let the frosty blues get you down. Embrace cuffing season with open arms, and let the warmth of companionship and romance light up your winter nights. Remember, it’s not necessarily about finding a forever love – although you never know; it’s about staying cozy, having some fun, and making a meaningful connection, even if it’s just for this snowy season. So, here’s to a happy and delightful cuffing season! Who knows, maybe your winter love story will continue blooming into spring – after all, love has been known to melt even the iciest of hearts.

Dating in Your 30s and Beyond: A Complete Guide to Finding Love and Authentic Connection in NYC

Whether swiping right or meeting in person, authenticity and patience are your best tools in this exciting chapter of your life.

dating in your 30s

Dating in your 20s is often a whirlwind of excitement filled with late-night escapades and a vast, ever-growing social circle. The emphasis tends to be on fun and immediate experiences, rather than seeking long-term potential. But as you transition into your 30s and beyond, both you and your dating priorities likely evolve. The late-night club scene loses its allure as responsibilities pile up, friends start settling down, and your internal network diminishes. Yet, this phase comes with its own set of rewarding experiences, challenges, and a greater focus on intentionality and long-lasting connections.

We’re here to remind you that dating in your 30’s and beyond can be wonderful. And here are some tips to navigate this new chapter.

Swipe Right: The Changing Landscape of Dating Apps

In the tech-savvy world we live in, dating apps are no longer just a Millennial playground. Platforms like Bumble and Hinge have paved the way, but there’s a new generation of apps, including FFWD, that cater specifically to the more mature, intentional daters in their 30s. These new entrants in the dating app arena are focused on creating authentic, efficient connections that cut through the ambiguity.

Quality is paramount when dating in your 30s. Consider these tips for making your profile stand out:

    • Personality Over Pixels: Your profile should be a reflection of you, not a curated Instagram feed..

    • Swipe with Purpose: Swipe only on those who genuinely capture your interest. Quality over quantity is your mantra.

    • Be Patient: Don’t be disheartened if you don’t find your perfect match immediately. Patience is key.

Solo in the City: Embrace Your Single Status

While the search for “the one” is exciting, remember that dating in your 30s is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. New York provides plenty of avenues to explore and people to meet.

    • Social Clubs and Activities: From social clubs and sports leagues to hobby groups, expand your circle and make connections that go beyond a romantic context.

    • Networking Events: Attend industry-specific events. Mixing professional growth with personal connections is always a win-win.

    • Volunteer and Give Back: Volunteer. The act of giving back is rewarding and introduces you to people with similar values.

Embrace Video-First Platforms

After a decade of dating burnout and lackluster experiences, we created FFWD as a specialized dating app for those navigating dating in their 30s and beyond. Designed for efficiency and meaningful connections, FFWD offers a mature approach to online dating, reminding you that this chapter can be exhilarating, but with more intentionality.

FFWD stands out as NYC’s first video-dating app for a reason:

    • Safety and Convenience: Video dating offers a safe way to connect before meeting in person, allowing you to gauge your date’s appearance and demeanor before meeting IRL. So get ahead on evaluating attraction, as much as you could meeting someone out

    • Current and relevant: Our onboarding process requires users to record a fresh video, ensuring that you see the real, current person—not an outdated photo from five years agoensuring that what you see is what you get.

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    • Get out of the talking phase: Unlike other apps where conversations can drag on indefinitely, FFWD is designed to accelerate the process from matching to meeting, thereby eliminating time-wasting chatter. We prioritize real-life, viable matches – so users’ matches WILL expire if they don’t take their connection offline. 

Dating in your 30s and beyond in New York is an exciting adventure filled with opportunities to meet new people. Whether you’re using dating apps, trying to meet people IRL, or embracing the single life, remember that authenticity and patience are your allies. Enjoy the journey, and who knows, you might just find that special someone in the city that never sleeps. So, put on your best smile, create that dating app profile, and step confidently into the Manhattan dating scene. It’s a city of endless possibilities, and your love story might be just around the corner.

Kittenfishing in Online Dating: The Problematic Behavior You Should Look For

We have your guide to spotting deceptive behavior online.

Kittenfishing

In the ever-evolving world of online dating, new terms and trends emerge, and one that’s been making waves is “kittenfishing.”

It’s a concept that sits somewhere between being genuine and outright deception, and understanding what it is, how to prevent it, and how to detect it is crucial for navigating the online dating scene effectively. FFWD designed our platform around eliminating these kinds of behaviors in favor of authenticity. In this post, we’ll dive into the world of kittenfishing and provide tips on avoiding falling victim to it — no matter what dating app you use.

What Is Kittenfishing?

Kittenfishing is a relatively recent addition to the online dating lexicon, and it refers to the practice of presenting oneself in a slightly exaggerated or misleading way in online dating profiles or social media. While it’s not as severe as catfishing, where someone creates a completely fake persona, kittenfishing involves subtle embellishments or deceptions to make oneself appear more attractive or desirable to potential matches.

Here are some common forms of kittenfishing:

  • Using Outdated Photos: One of the most prevalent forms of kittenfishing is using older photos that no longer represent your current appearance. This can lead to unrealistic expectations when you finally meet in person.
  • Selective Information Sharing: One may selectively share information about themselves, highlighting their positive qualities and achievements while downplaying any flaws or negative aspects.
  • Exaggerating Interests: Some individuals may exaggerate their interests or hobbies to appear more appealing to potential matches.
  • Misleading Biographical Details: This can include minor age adjustments, height exaggerations, or fabricating professional accomplishments.

Why Do People Engage in Kittenfishing?

Understanding the motivations behind this behavior can shed light on why people resort to it. Some common reasons include:

  • Insecurity: Individuals may feel insecure about their true selves and believe that presenting a slightly enhanced version of themselves will increase their chances of success in online dating.
  • Pressure to Impress: The desire to stand out in a crowded online dating pool can lead some people to exaggerate their qualities or achievements.
  • Fear of Rejection: Daters might worry that if they present their authentic selves, they will face rejection, so they opt for a more appealing persona.

How to Prevent Kittenfishing

If you’re entering the world of online dating or looking to improve your online dating experience, here are some tips to prevent this behavior:

  • Be Honest About Your Photos: Use recent, unaltered photos that accurately represent your current appearance.
  • Authenticity Is Key: When creating your online dating profile, be genuine about your interests, hobbies, and achievements. Honesty is an attractive quality.
  • Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication with your potential matches. If you sense that someone is being misleading, don’t hesitate to ask questions for clarification.
  • Trust Your Gut: If something doesn’t feel right or if you suspect someone is kittenfishing, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.

How to Detect Kittenfishing

Here are some signs to watch out for:

  • Inconsistent Stories: If the information someone provides seems inconsistent or contradictory, it could be a red flag.
  • Too Good to Be True: If a person’s online persona seems too perfect or flawless, they might be exaggerating their qualities.
  • Refusal to Share Recent Photos: If someone avoids sharing recent photos or provides excuses for not doing so, it could indicate kittenfishing.
  • Selective Disclosure: Be wary if someone is selective in what they share about themselves, especially if they only highlight positive aspects.

At FFWD, we’re building against problematic dating behaviors like these. Our platform is designed to curb these behaviors, by requiring users to be authentic in their profile onboarding (using unfiltered video). Download FFWD today to get more authentic connections, more efficiently.

Dating Fatigue: Causes of NYC’s #1 Dating Problem

Discover how to shift the focus from ‘Shiny Object Syndrome’ to meaningful connections, helping you beat dating fatigue and build authentic relationships

dating fatigue

The fact is, dating fatigue, is rampant for online daters in NYC. We talked to a lot of people about building a better dating app to address their immediate concerns, but sometimes putting those concerns into solid words and concepts is helpful for developing the tools you need to date better, using an app or not. 

First off, let’s start with Shiny Object Syndrome. Shiny Object Syndrome is “a continual state of distraction brought on by an ongoing belief that there is something new worth pursuing. It often comes at the expense of what’s already planned or underway. It’s rooted in that childhood phenomenon of always wanting a new toy, even if your current toy is just fine.” Part of the issue with the world of online dating, especially in NYC, is that it creates a perception of endless volume of potential matches. When faced with an endless volume of potential matches, people 1. Really stretch themselves in looking for the needle in the haystack, causing dating fatigue, and 2. Are more liable to view decent matches (aka people) as disposable, frequently re-start the dating process, also causing dating fatigue.

Both of these behaviors lead to dating fatigue. On the one hand, if you are continually going on date after date with what you perceive to be “the next best thing,” you’re going to exhaust yourself and give up. Our chronic belief that this “next best thing” is abundant and right under our nose fails us – because when we view the dating pool as a kind of rummage bin we can just keep digging through, we miss opportunities to take a second look, or realize how the people we’ve already matched with, or dated, might’ve balanced us, or been worth investing in. Finding the right match isn’t about going on 10 bad dates until you have a good date, over and over again. It’s about finding more viable matches, and truly giving those matches a fair chance, before turning to the drawing board. The “always on the hunt” mentality causes dating fatigue and burnout, leading to bad experiences and volatility.

Shiny object syndrome, and this volume/rummage bin approach to the dating pool is visible in all sorts of dating trends and behaviors. In relationships, it looks like being liable to abandon your partner when faced with difficulty and conflict, because dating is viewed as “easy” and your partner is viewed as “easily replaceable.” Let’s say I’m fighting with my boyfriend – part of me thinks I should just end it right there because I can find someone who will buy me dinner, and not have that specific issue, that NIGHT. Beliefs like these, while convenient, don’t improve the health of our romantic life. 

This also plays into the concept of a roster. People love rosters, especially in NYC. Don’t get me wrong, if dating around doesn’t exhaust you that is wonderful. Not everyone feels that way. Rosters relate to shiny object syndrome because they allow people to curate a list of people that half meet their needs, or have some qualities they’re looking for or some that they aren’t, or fill different purposes. When I’ve been single, I’ve certainly been guilty of entertaining a cast of suitors for different reasons – because what I was really looking for was the person that was going to have all those qualities or fill all those roles. When we’re always looking for the next best person, we end up acquiring a whole group of people that fill our needs, but don’t equate to a relationship. Some people find this fun, others exhausting, and rarely are people aware of each other’s rosters. 

At FFWD, we’re hoping to design a platform that curbs some of these trends that result in dating fatigue, by encouraging people to go on more meaningful and higher quality first dates. If we were more consistently able to evaluate the viability of a match further in advance, we could prioritize matches that would translate into more meaningful connections, rather than having to scale for a large volume of uncertain matches in hopes of finding the needle in the haystack. 

Stop swiping, start fast-forwarding. 

Build Your Best Dating Profile in 7 Steps

Unlock better matches with our expert guide to crafting a standout profile

dating profiles

We know the process of creating dating profile, or entering the world of online dating, can be really overwhelming. Whether you’re about to download, or have already onboarded to FFWD, here are our tips for creating the best profile, by you, for you. 

1. Be truthful in onboarding.

This might be obvious, but it’s not entirely uncommon to fudge things like age and height when onboarding. While some of these things can later be adjusted, age is usually really hard to go back and fix on a dating app (it usually requires a bureaucratic process, completely recreating your account, and, in some cases, can get you banned). At FFWD, we’ve automatically built into our profile onboarding requirements that protect against misrepresentation (filters, uploading doctored content), but this isn’t the way to go, no matter what platform you’re using. Whether you’re a young 40 misrepresenting a 35 year old, or a 5’9” guy misrepresenting as 6’, there’s nothing worse than starting off a connection on a trail of white lies. If you’re going on dates with the right kinds of people for you, you’ll find that lying about these things proves useless – they’ll like you regardless.

2. Focus on giving potential matches the right insight into who you are

At FFWD, we refuse to believe that people are one, or two, dimensional. No matter what kind of dating app you’re onboarding to, though, it’s important to craft your profile in a way that actually represents you. How would your friends describe you? Your family? Your profile should show a tasteful amount of that. Anyone who’s defining trait is that they’re hot, is boring. While profiles that center entirely on having hot photos might get lots of swipe rights from bots, they’re terrible fodder for genuine connection. We use video to address this issue, but it’s important to use video as a tool to let your true self shine.

3. Is there anything that’s important to you? Let ‘em know.

Most dating apps (ours included) offer prompts and bios to let people express interests, passions, hobbies. Within a scroll of your profile, I should have a rough sense of what you’re about. What do you do for fun (other than eat or drink)? Or, if ALL you do is eat and drink, what’s the best thing you ate recently? Do you cook? Etc. I should be able to ask you, or joke with you, about something other than: work, your pet, or your Sunday morning hangover. When onboarding to FFWD you can video to talk about the things you care about, and start conversations that will actually excite you, as opposed to just small talk.

4. Nostalgia, and quirks, are great fodder for dating profiles

What’s one thing about your childhood or adolescence that you’ve held onto, or look back at and think “what the actual f***?” Let me start with mine. I was o b s e s s e d with Britney Spears as a pre-schooler. Loved a good crop top and lowcut jeans. She was my idol. Now you know something about me that’s a little embarrassing, a little funny, but doesn’t give you a chance to play on my present insecurities. Online dating is weird. It’s funny. It’s fun, and nostalgia and quirks are a great way to let your true colors peak out, without revealing too much. 

5. Don’t reveal too much

I don’t want to be reading novellas about your life story. If you’ve lived in 15 different countries, I shouldn’t be forced to memorize them throughout the course of your profile. I don’t need to know about your daddy issues, or other general traumas. Leave some discussion for the date itself. If your profile starts reading like a long form article, or a movie that requires an intermission, it’s time for a re-write. Think of your profile as a trailer for you – you can’t give the whole plot up if you want people to watch the movie. 

6. Avoid cliches

You may really love the office. You really might. I’m thrilled for you. So does every other man on every other dating app. While videos profiles on FFWD are designed to eliminate these repeat responses, be conscious of them. Anything about pineapple on pizza, spicy margs, or espresso martinis is also out. Highly replicable answers, while sometimes funny, are an instant “no” because they don’t set you apart from the crowd. If your profile reads like “Hot take
 but I like X thing (that literally EVERYONE likes) or I hate X thing (that literally EVERYONE hates), back to the drawing board. A good litmus test is that if you can think of 5-10 people in your immediate circle that are liable to include the exact same prompt, it needs to go. 

7. Phone a friend.

Creating an online dating profile can be a really fun exercise, albeit overwhelming, in better understanding what sets you apart from the crowd. If you’re overwhelmed, sometimes the best thing you can do is go thru the process with someone who knows you well (and sees how wonderful you are!) Feedback from good friends on your dating profile is a surefire way to ensure that it’s accurate and representative of the real you. 

Online dating gets a bad rap for being a drag, but a lot of that sentiment really comes from the experience of swimming thru bad profiles, and bad dates. At FFWD, we believe that great profiles lead to better dates, and better dating experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned dater, or this is your first pass at dating online, dating success starts in large part with you, your intentions and expectations, and creating a profile that sets you up for better connections. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at info@ffwd-dating.com and we can put you in touch with our FFWD network of dating coaches who can help you create a stronger profile, and date better. 

Late Summer NYC Date Ideas: 5 Ways for Beating the Heat and Heating up Romance!

Uncover the world of possibilities in the city that never sleeps

NYC Skyline

The end of summer in the Big Apple: it’s like Mother Nature can’t decide whether to give us one last sizzling summer fling or unleash an out-of-nowhere downpour. The struggle is real, and when you’re out on the dating scene – between the makeup meltdowns that leave us looking like a Picasso painting and sweat patches the size of Central Park – it’s like dodging metaphorical raindrops. But hey, this is NEW YORK CITY. It’s not just a city that never sleeps, it also has a ton of tricks up its sleeve to help us have a great time and not let weather get in the way. So here are five sizzling-cool NYC date ideas to crank up the heat on your romance while keeping your cool vibes.

1. Explore low-key gems on the Lower East Side.

Ready to dazzle your date? Start by unlocking the secrets of the LES. Looking to impress? Parcelle is your golden ticket, renowned as the “cool kids’ wine spot” by none other than Vogue. Get ready to raise a glass (or two) of natural wine that’ll have you sipping in style. But that’s just the beginning. Keep the momentum rolling without breaking a sweat. There are all sorts of spots very closeby. After the sun goes down, you can sit outside at Reception Bar, Le Dive, or Casetta, grab a bite at Kiki’s, or catch a film at the Metrograph.

2. Make Museum Magic for a Friday Night Date.

Looking for a Friday night date idea that captivates your date’s artistic and cultural side? Museum Fridays are your jam. While it’s no classified information that The Whitney welcomes you for free from 7pm to 10pm, we’re taking you beyond the obvious. The Morgan Library in midtown, however, is a lesser-known (and bite-sized) gem. The perfect size museum for a date, the Morgan Library offers a variety of historical and art exhibits, and can be conquered in an hour so you can scurry off to drinks. Its discounted hours are 5pm-7pm on Fridays.

3. Indulge in a Bookworm’s Paradise.

Let your literary desires run wild at Book Club, nestled in the heart of the East Village. Beyond the charming façade lies a haven for bookworms where pages of potential love stories await. Snag a coveted garden spot if you can, and let the discussions flow as freely as the drinks. It’s a match made in bookish heaven – and if you’re feeling peckish, they’ve got you covered. Trust us, there’s nothing cooler than bonding over a shared love for the written word.

4. Savor Indoor Market Delights.

When you want to feel like a date night filled with culinary adventures, turn your attention to the city’s plethora of international food-markets. You’ll feel transported to their European equivalents but with the bonus of air-conditioning. Take the plunge at TimeOut Market in Dumbo, soak in the flavors at Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards, savor the diverse delights at Market 57 Food Hall, or embark on an Italian escapade at the original Eataly. Pro tip: dive into a delicious challenge by having you and your date picking three delectable dishes each. Your taste buds will thank you.

5. Ditch the Latte and Go for the Gelato.

Enough with the coffee dates and take advantage of the last few weeks of the official ice cream season. Treat yourself and your date to ice cream at your favorite spot. Dive into dairy-free indulgence at Van Leeuwen  or explore the tantalizing treats at Caffe Panna, Caleta, or iconic spots like Morgensterns, Emack & Bolios, and Sugar Hill. Not an ice cream enthusiast? Fear not – Matha’s Bakeshop in Williamsburg awaits to serve up a different kind of sweetness late into the night.

So there you have it – a whirlwind of August adventures that won’t leave you dripping, but certainly drenched in the thrill of romance and NYC adventures.

Authenticity in Online Dating: Why imperfection guarantees better matches than any filter

Just be you, silly!

Two people kissing

If you’ve just emerged from a twenty-year slumber, welcome back to the wild world of today! Things have changed, and one significant transformation is how people present themselves, especially in the realm of online dating. With high-tech phones and photo-editing tools, anyone can create a digital facade that differs dramatically from reality.

But if you’ve been awake all along, you’re probably well aware of this phenomenon. A trip to the r/IntagramReality subreddit shows how many people distort images of themselves on Instagram, sometimes looking like different people altogether. Mostly, though, they’re laughably bad examples of photo editing with distorted backgrounds or frightening, Picasso-ish aberrations.  

But even if not that extreme, In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to be inauthentic. You no longer have to be yourself, not if you don’t want to be. This is the central premise of the popular TV show “Catfish,” where individuals adopt fake online personas, only to reveal their true selves when they meet in person. This disconnect between online and real-life identities leads to heartbreak, drama, and plenty of entertainment for MTV viewers.

While Catfish is an extreme example, many of us engage in a milder form of this behavior from time to time. It’s called kittenfishing: making yourself seem more desirable on a dating app. It’s not outright lying about your identity, like catfishing, but altering your appearance on your dating profile radically from what you’re like in person (posting photos with deceptive angles or from years ago, lying about age, height or occupation, or wearing hats to cover up baldness) or bending the truth in other ways to seem more desirable (fibbing your occupation or hobbies). 

There’s no need to pass judgment here because we’re all guilty of it to some extent. We engage in kittenfishing because we’re chasing the illusion of perfection and seeking validation in the form of likes on dating apps.

However, perfection is something that’s sold to us; it’s not an achievable goal. And being “perfect” doesn’t necessarily make you more desirable. For example, studies have shown that we are more likely to find asymmetrical faces more attractive than symmetrical ones. That is, our perception of what is perfect is subjective and not actually universally appealing.

Rejection, although painful, is a natural part of life. If it makes you feel any better, even those who appear “perfect” face rejection. And while being rejected after being “real” with someone is like being stung by a hive of bees when you have a bee allergy, in the dating context, it’s much better to be rejected early on than to invest time in someone who doesn’t have any interest in the real-life, authentic you!

Everyone deserves love and acceptance for who they truly are. It takes courage to be authentic, especially when facing the possibility of rejection. However, it is also the only surefire way to find someone who genuinely appreciates and loves you for being yourself. When you find that person, it’s like witnessing a fireworks display of genuine connection and understanding.

Being yourself leads to a more honest understanding of who you are, creating a first date experience that is confident and free of mismatched expectations. It increases the likelihood of a better first date, a second date, and a more fulfilling dating experience overall. So, in the world of online dating, embracing your imperfections and showcasing your authentic self can lead to the most meaningful connections.

So. In a world where authenticity shines brighter than any digital filter, being yourself is the compass that guides you to genuine connections, ensuring that your search for love is an unapologetically true and rewarding journey.

3 Lessons on Self-Discovery and Relationships We Learned from the Barbie Movie!

Unveiling the Barbie-tastic Secrets to Finding Love and Embracing Your Inner You-nicorn.

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Welcome to the year of The Barbie Movie, where everything is pink, sparkly, and utterly fabulous (thank you, Greta Gerwig)! As we see the world through the pink kaleidoscope of Barbie’s world, we can’t help but notice how it appeals to different audiences in various ways.

For the younger fans, it’s a magical spectacle filled with dazzling glitz and glamor that leaves their eyes twinkling like the brightest stars. For the adult audience, Barbie’s story touches deeper chords, addressing the struggles and triumphs of women and celebrating the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters. Yet, beyond these obvious lessons, we’ve also uncovered a few gems that offer invaluable wisdom for our dating escapades. Here are our top three lessons on relationships and self-discovery.

Lesson 1: Embrace Your Uniqueness

While individuality might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of the “classic” Barbie, in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie world, it takes center stage. The movie celebrates the importance of identity in various ways, from their unique styles to their pursuit of different interests and journeys of self-discovery. Just like many of us, in the movie, no two Barbies are the same, and that’s the magic!

So when it comes to dating, toss aside any notions of being a clone. Be the radiant you-nicorn you were born to be! Dare to be authentic: show off your quirks, flaunt your passions, and embrace your personal expression. Remember, you’re “Kenough” as you are.

Lesson 2: Embrace the Journey: Discovering Beauty in Transformative Experiences

In Barbie’s picture-perfect world, life seems like a dream filled with glitz and glamour. However, beneath the dazzling facade, she discovers a longing for something deeper and more meaningful. Despite the challenges of being a woman, she embraces the journey that’s more dynamic than just one color, even if it’s bright pink and happy. 

Barbie reminds us that the beauty of life lies in the transformative experiences – even ones that produce tears – and we should step into vulnerable challenges with open hearts, recognizing that each experience, whether joyous or challenging, has the potential to deeply impact and empower us in profound ways.

Just like Barbie, we can dare to step out of our comfort zones and embrace vulnerability, recognizing that the journey of dating can be one of enriching self-discovery and growth. Instead of fixating solely on the end result or superficial connections, let’s approach dating as an adventure of self-discovery. Venture beyond the shiny surface of first impressions and fleeting encounters. So treat each experience as a valuable lesson, embrace the ups and downs, and let each step enrich your understanding of love and yourself. After all, just like Barbie’s world, the magic lies not only in the destination but in the enchanting journey itself!

Lesson 3: Embrace Vulnerability

In Barbie’s enchanting world, we witness a powerful lesson about the beauty of vulnerability. Beyond her picture-perfect facade, Barbie’s refreshingly honest and open about her insecurities and uncertainties. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking something deeper beyond the glitz and glamor. This teaches us that the power of authenticity can lead to more genuine connections and stronger relationships, both with ourselves and those around us.

In the realm of dating, it’s easy to put on a facade, projecting an image of flawless perfection to impress potential partners. However, just like Barbie’s willingness to share her vulnerabilities, allowing ourselves to be authentic and open about our feelings and uncertainties can create a stronger bond.

And no, embracing vulnerability doesn’t mean exposing every detail of your life on the first date. Instead, it’s about sharing your thoughts, fears, and dreams with genuine sincerity. When you open up to someone and allow them to see the real you, it fosters a deeper level of connection and understanding.


So, in this Barbie-tastic symphony of love and self-discovery, the lessons are simple yet profound. Embrace your uniqueness, challenge the status quo, and unlock the power of vulnerability. Be the empowered Barbie of your dating journey – fearless, genuine, and authentic.