By AM   Not AI

This isn’t about football… but also, it kind of is. Hang in there—some great tips below.

 Did you catch the Bears/Packers game last night? Going into the third quarter it was Packers 21, Bears 3 and I’m thinking, “Welp. Wrap it up.” And then—because sports loves humiliating confident predictions—the Bears claw back and suddenly it’s 31–27. Chaos. Momentum. A total reset.

Now let’s talk dating. It’s 1/11/2026. How many of you have already rage-scrolled, sighed dramatically, and declared online dating “a dumpster fire”? And yes, I know the script: It’s the apps. It’s the people. It’s impossible out there.  Nope. The apps aren’t the problem. Your approach is. Your attitude is. Your consistency is. So here’s the takeaway: stop getting sacked by your own excuses. Be a Bear. Stay in the game, adjust the strategy, and don’t quit in the third quarter.

1.     Change your primary photo today. If it’s more than a few months old, you’re basically wearing last season’s outfit to a first impression contest.

2.     Date-stamp your bio at the top — today. Add: 1/11/26. It signals: I’m active, I care, I’m not a ghost from 2019.

3.     New Year’s resolutions? Please. Most people broke them yesterday, or will this week. Dating doesn’t need a wish list—it needs a plan.

4.     Resolutions are “hope.” Strategy is “results.” Hope is adorable. Strategy gets you a date.

5.     Write a one-page dating plan—by hand. Yes, with a pen. What you’ll do weekly, what you won’t tolerate, and what kind of relationship you’re building.

6.     Think that tip is stupid? Perfect. Ignore it. And we’ll repeat this same conversation in January 2027. Your choice.  Or do the dating plan worksheet in my book. Page 409

7.     Got an attitude about online dating? Get over it—today. You can dislike the tool, but you still need the tool if you want the outcome.

8.     Do one new thing every week. Big or small. New places, new events, new people. Interesting adults don’t “wait to be interesting.”

9.     Stop letting the media and your single friends narrate your love life. If you keep consuming “it’s terrible out there,” congratulations—your brain will make it true.

10.  My dad’s line still wins: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Not harsh—just accurate. So… get going.

Bonus:   Want minimum effort and maximum results? 

Stop binge-reading dating content and call me. If I can help, I’ll tell you. (oh text me first or use the calendar on my site) If I can’t, I’ll say that too—and point you in the right direction.I’ve done this for 30 years. I’m a straight shooter: no BS, and yes—fun.

XX, Andrea

(Fingers crossed on the Patriots tonight)

#First Dating Coach in US (1990) #Founder, It's Just Lunch (sold) #Founder, 33000Dates.com Speaker, Author, Mom, Golden Retriever Lover