Coffee or a walk
Low pressure, easy to extend if it's going well, easy to end if it isn't.
Dating tips
Dating tips: better dates start here
Simple, honest advice for every stage — from your first photo to your first date.
By the Minkee team · Last updated
Your profile
Look like you, sound like you
The best profiles aren't the most polished. They're the ones that make someone think, "I'd like to talk to this person."
- Lead with a clear, recent photo
Face the camera, good light, no sunglasses. Then add photos that show what you love doing.
- Be specific
"I love travelling" says little. "Still thinking about a street-food stall in Penang" starts a conversation.
- Answer prompts with a hook
Leave something to ask about. A good prompt answer is half a story.
- Get verified
It takes about a minute, and verified profiles are trusted more.
First messages
First message tips: never start with "hey"
Their profile is full of openers. Pick one detail and ask about it.
Instead of
"Hey, how are you?"
Try
"Okay, I need the name of the bookshop in your third photo."
Set an opening move so your matches always have an easy first message.
First dates
First date ideas: simple, public and short
A good first date is easy to say yes to, easy to talk through and easy to end. Here are 16 ideas to choose from.
Make a date plan
Add the details in Minkee and share them with a friend before you go.
Be curious
Ask follow-up questions. People remember how you made them feel.
Daytime and low-key
- Coffee and a walk somewhere you both like
- Brunch at a café with outdoor seating
- A farmers' market or food market
- A museum or gallery with a café
Alcohol-free and chaperone-friendly
- Dessert or a tea house
- A bookshop browse, then a drink nearby
- A walk in a busy park or botanical garden
- Lunch in a family-friendly restaurant
Something to do together
- A pottery or cooking class
- Mini golf, bowling or a climbing wall
- A quiz night or board-game café
- A short guided walking tour
Rainy day
- An afternoon film, then coffee to talk about it
- An aquarium or science museum
- A cosy café with card games
- A bakery crawl — two or three stops
Conversation
10 questions to ask on a first date
Open questions get real answers. Listen for the follow-up — that's where the good conversation is.
- What's something you're looking forward to this year?
- What does a perfect weekend look like for you?
- What's the best thing you've eaten recently?
- Who's the person you're closest to in your family?
- What's something you've changed your mind about?
- Where's somewhere you'd love to travel next?
- What did you want to be when you were younger?
- What does a good relationship look like to you?
- What are you reading, watching or listening to right now?
- What made you smile this week?
Profile photos
Photo dos and don'ts
Do
- Lead with a clear, recent photo of your face
- Include a full-length photo
- Show something you love doing
- Use natural light
Don't
- Hide behind sunglasses or heavy filters
- Make people guess which one you are in group shots
- Use photos that are years old
- Include children or anyone who hasn't agreed
After the date
Be kind, be clear
Had a great time? Say so. Not feeling it? A short, honest message is kinder than silence.
Something like
"Thanks for today, I really enjoyed chatting. I didn't feel a romantic spark, but I wish you the best with your search."