If you have ever found yourself drowning in the sea of snaps of guys holding up fish. Or, opening with the classic “WYD?” on dating apps, you’re not alone. Modern dating can sometimes feel like a broken record – same old tune, same old dance. But here’s the tea: Hinge just dropped a fresh new twist to turn those stale chats into something genuinely meaningful. And, it’s got the magic touch of none other than Esther Perel, the world-renowned psychotherapist and relationship guru.
From Small Talk to Real Talk
Dating profiles can often feel like a highlight reel of surface-level info – “I love hiking, Netflix binges and brunch.” Sure, that’s fine, but it’s not exactly lighting the fire for a deep connection, is it? Enter Hinge’s new “Your World” prompts, co-created with Esther Perel, designed to break the ice and bust the cliches. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill conversation starters. They’re crafted to invite curiosity, spark playfulness and get daters out of their scripted lines. Because, no one wants to be stuck in a dating Groundhog Day – same conversations, different day.
Meet Esther Perel: The Relationship Whisperer
Esther Perel is basically the Yoda of modern love. With her decades of experience, bestselling books and TED Talks watched by millions, she knows a thing or two about what makes relationships tick (or not). Instead of handing out quick-fix dating hacks, Esther offers invitations – gentle nudges to ditch the script and embrace stories. Because stories are the secret sauce to real connection; they’re bridges that show us who someone really is beyond the polished profile pic.
As Esther puts it, “Start with a few new questions or stories, and allow the date to unfold without so much expectation.” Sounds like a breath of fresh air, right?
Your World Prompts: The New Playbook for Dating
Hinge’s new prompts ask you to peel back the curtain and share what really makes you tick. Here are a few gems that will get your match leaning in, rather than scrolling on by:
- “In my friend group, I’m the one who…” – Show off your role in your social circle. Are you the joker? The planner? The shoulder to cry on?
- “Before we meet, you should listen to…” – Drop a track or podcast that’s close to your heart. It’s a clever way to set the vibe before you even say hello IRL.
- “It’s not a vacation unless…” – Reveal your idea of a true getaway and see if your match’s fun meter aligns with yours.
These prompts help daters share more than just facts – they reveal worlds. And in the world of online dating, that’s pure gold.
Why Prompts Matter: It’s Not Just Small Talk
Hinge was the pioneer in adding prompts to dating profiles – and it turns out, they work. According to their research, likes on text prompts are 47% more likely to lead to a date than likes on photos. Translation? People are craving substance over just a pretty face.
Moe Ari Brown, Hinge’s Love and Connection expert, puts it best: “Ask soulful questions instead of the typical interview questions. Pay attention to the energy. Mirror what you want to experience.” Basically, be present, be curious and be real.
Ditch the Script and Light the Spark
We all know someone who rehearses every word before a date, right? Esther tells the story of a guy who literally scripted his conversations – only to miss out on actually connecting with his date. The solution? Toss the script and set fire to those expectations. Let your conversations flow naturally, whether on the app or over a latte.
Because here’s the bottom line: no matter how many swipes you do, or how many likes you rack up, the magic happens when two people meet in real life and get to know each other beyond the screen.
Ready to Get Off the App and Into Something Real?
Hinge’s mission is crystal clear: design an app to be deleted. That means helping you find that authentic connection that leads to dates and hopefully something lasting. With Esther Perel’s wisdom folded into these new “Your World” prompts, the days of dating by rote are numbered.
