Dating doesn’t have to feel like a numbers game or a performance review. Tea sits down with Carter, a grounded Gen Z with “golden retriever energy,” to unpack why connection is harder to find online, how speed dating actually feels from the inside, and what turns a first date into a second. His take is refreshingly grounded: show up in person, stay curious, build confidence through self-awareness, and let effort speak louder than ego.

We dig into the gap between how men and women experience dating in their 20s. Carter shares what women tell him they want—more questions, better listening, fewer disappearing acts—and why some men struggle with strong, empowered partners. Instead of chasing control or playing it cool, he suggests a different script: do the inner work, value partnership over performance, and treat communication as the core of attraction. A simple reframe powers everything: ask what and how, not why. “What about that upset you?” invites context. “How did that make you feel?” opens trust. Add real listening, and you’ve got the foundation for a relationship that grows.

We also talk love languages and the outsized impact of acts of service. Whether it’s planning a date, opening a door, or bringing a thoughtful surprise, small gestures create emotional safety and momentum. At the same time, boundaries matter—kindness should be offered, not mandated. Carter’s hard-won insight is a balm for daters on the edge of burnout: if the other person doesn’t want to make it work, it won’t. Believe them, let go with grace, and make space for a better fit. If you’re ready to move from isolation to connection, this conversation offers practical tools and a mindset shift you can use right away.

📚 Links to books:

“The Four Agreements” https://amzn.to/4sDFR4w

“How To Die” https://amzn.to/4px3Mzy

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