My BEST Catholic Dating Advice

Key Wellness, Self-Care, and Productivity Strategies (Catholic Dating Advice)

Physical Wellness & Self-Care (Foundation for Dating Readiness)

• Dress and present yourself intentionally

  • Your appearance communicates self-respect and values.
  • Aim to look put-together, not sloppy—use a style that flatters you.

• Eat healthy and work out

  • Prioritize health over extreme body goals (e.g., “not size zero,” just healthy).
  • Treat your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
  • Whole foods / balanced diet are encouraged.

• Practice good hygiene and grooming

  • Clean hair, clean teeth, clean skin.
  • Smell good and be well-groomed.

• Health as a responsibility

  • If you can’t care for yourself, it may be hard to care for a future spouse/children.
  • Mentions fertility/infertility concerns as a reason to prioritize physical health.

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Social/Prosocial Habits (How to Meet Someone)

• Get out of your comfort zone

  • Don’t stay “cooped up” at home—be social to increase opportunities.
  • Even if you’re introverted, make an effort to meet new people.

• Go on simple, low-pressure dates

  • Early dates can be simple: coffee + a walk.
  • Fun activity examples include ice skating or an escape room.
  • Dating is framed as enjoyable and exploratory, not instant marriage.

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Spiritual Self-Development (Self-Work Before Dating)

• Put God first

  • Build spirituality through:
    • Mass
    • Adoration
    • Sacraments
    • Confession

• Do self-work before meeting a partner

  • Be “the right person” by developing virtues and addressing personal weaknesses.
  • Work on: communication, emotional regulation, honesty.
  • Recognize that unresolved issues can become more visible in relationships.

• Don’t compromise core values

  • Don’t date someone who doesn’t truly live the Catholic faith (not just “Catholic by name”).
  • Look for someone who can meet your standards and is willing to sacrifice/adjust for what matters (e.g., waiting until marriage).

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Standards & Mindset (Healthy Boundaries + Realism)

• Don’t lower standards—don’t settle

  • Avoid compromising faith/values for convenience or pressure.

• Avoid unrealistic “type” standards

  • Criticizes overly rigid physical/financial checklists (e.g., height/eye color/six figures).
  • Encourages openness to real people while still valuing character and compatibility.

• Take chances, but don’t force yourself

  • If someone asks you out, give it a fair try.
  • You’re not obligated to say yes—only proceed if it feels right.

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Dating Behavior Tips (Communication and Intention)

• Women: “drop hints” / be approachable

  • Smile, say hello, make friendly eye contact, and show pleasant interest.
  • If in conversation, don’t disengage completely—signal openness.

• Men: avoid being “creepy/intense”

  • Move at a respectful pace.
  • If not already friends, befriend first before asking for a date.
  • Use the word “date” and be intentional (avoid “hang out”).
  • Be reassuring: dating is a process; it’s okay if it doesn’t work out.

• Core framing

  • Dating ≠ marriage, and one date doesn’t commit either person.

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Where to Meet People (Practical Next Steps)

• Newman Center (college)

  • Campus Catholic community with young adults.

• Young adult groups / church ministries

  • Get involved and stay active in community.

• Online Catholic dating profiles (last resort)

  • Prefer in-person first, but online is an option if you’re out of choices.

• Bonus idea

  • It’s possible to meet in everyday places (e.g., a grocery store).

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Presenters / Sources

• Presenter: The YouTube creator (unnamed in the subtitles), speaking from her personal Catholic dating experience.