Stop Hedging: How to End Your Date Like a Boss

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

So, your date is winding down. The conversation has flowed, you’ve shared some laughs, and there’s undeniable chemistry between the two of you. But as the check arrives and it’s time to wrap things up, many people feel a bit awkward. They hesitate, unsure of how to express whether they’d like to see the person again.

Instead of directly saying something positive, they hedge with phrases like:

“If you’re interested, maybe we could do this again sometime?”
or
“If you feel the same, I’d like to go out again.”

It might feel safer to soften the message, but here’s the reality: hedging weakens your intentions. It introduces uncertainty, and uncertainty can leave your date feeling unsure about how you really feel. After all, if you’re not clear, how can they be?

So, here’s what works better:
Be direct.
Say something like, “I had a great time. I’d love to do this again.”

That’s it. No conditions. No ifs, ands, or maybes.

Clarity is powerful. When you speak directly and confidently, you’re showing your date that you know what you want and are comfortable expressing it. This not only makes you more attractive, but it also makes it easier for both of you to understand where things stand.

Confidence isn’t about being flashy or over the top. It’s about being genuine and not being afraid to express yourself honestly. And believe me, that kind of confidence is what people truly find attractive.

If you're unsure, remember that you don’t have to wait for the perfect moment or overthink your words. Being clear about your interest is far more impactful than leaving things up to chance. So, next time you're on a date and you’ve had a great time, just say it. Let them know you want to see them again.

Call to Action:

1. The next time you’re on a date, skip the maybes and speak your truth. Say what you mean with confidence — and watch how it changes the dynamic.

2. If you know someone who might be struggling with expressing interest, share this post with them to boost their confidence for their next date!

What the U.S. Marine Corps Taught Me About Dating — A Memorial Day Reflection

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

There’s a cadence I’ve always admired from afar—one that echoes through the ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps with grit, discipline, and unapologetic pride:

“I love working for Uncle Sam.”

Let me be clear upfront: I’ve never served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and I have nothing but profound respect for the men and women who do. On this Memorial Day, I especially pause to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage is humbling, and their commitment—unmatched.

That said, I do know this song. Literally.

During my workouts, I often listen to U.S. Marine Corps boot camp cadences. It’s one of the ways I get fired up. The rhythm, the resolve—it speaks to something deep inside me. And recently, it got me thinking:

What if we took that same spirit and applied it to dating?

Not the battle. Not the uniforms. But the mindset: Discipline. Preparation. Purpose.

Because dating—real, meaningful, vulnerable dating—isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires showing up. It requires work. It requires resilience.

Marine Corps Cadence: “I Love Working for Uncle Sam”

I love working for Uncle Sam

Let me do it one more time

I don’t mind the work

I don’t mind the hardships

I don’t mind the stress

That’s why they put me to the test

I can do it better than the rest

I’ll go that extra mile

I’ll run that extra step

I’ll carry the weight

I’ll never break

I’ll never bend

I’ll fight to the end

The Dating Parallels

1. “I don’t mind the work.”

Dating with intention means showing up again and again, even when it’s hard. Doing your emotional push-ups. Building character. Reflecting. Refining. Questioning yourself in a healthy way.   

2. “I don’t mind the stress.”

Rejection stings. Ghosting sucks. But pressure isn’t the enemy—it’s the training ground.

3. “I’ll carry the weight. I’ll never break.”

You’ve been through things. But you’re still standing. Stronger. Smarter. More self-aware. That’s not a setback—that’s strength.

4. “I’ll go that extra mile.”

You give your best—not because you’re trying to impress—but because it reflects your standards. That’s honor. That’s integrity.

A Memorial Day Reminder

Today, we remember those who gave everything so that we could live freely—including the freedom to love, to heal, and to grow.

And while I haven’t served, listening to these songs during my workouts reminds me daily to bring my best to what matters—especially relationships.

So if you’re out there dating, wondering if it’s worth it, remember this:

“I love working on my dating game.”

Not because it’s easy.

Because it’s worth it.

And because love, like anything great, demands effort.

Turning Setbacks Into Success: My Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

Life has a way of testing us, especially in relationships and personal growth. I want to share with you a story about how I turned heartbreak into one of the most empowering experiences of my life. This journey not only led me to create Linx Dating but also helped me understand that setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones. Let me take you through five lessons I learned along the way.

1. Embrace Your Own Fire

When I was in my mid-20s, someone I loved deeply told me I couldn’t pursue my dreams of starting Linx. He felt threatened by the fire inside me—the ambition, the passion, the strong woman I was becoming. Looking back, I now see that his insecurity was trying to dim my light.

But here’s what I want you to know: Your ambitions, your passions, and your fire are part of who you are. Never let anyone make you feel small because they’re uncomfortable with your shine. This is your life, your journey. Don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing your dreams.

Action Step for You: Today, take a moment to reconnect with what makes you feel alive—whether it's your career, a creative project, or something personal. Embrace that energy and let it fuel your day.

2. Take Back Your Power

When he broke up with me, to say I felt devastated would be an understatement. My dreams and world felt over. I couldn’t eat, I could barely get out of bed, and my parents rushed me to a psychiatrist to help me.

Little by little, instead of letting that pain define me, I used it to fuel my growth. I poured everything I had into creating Linx Dating, and that energy became the foundation of something meaningful.

We all face challenges, but it's how we respond to them that matters most. After a setback, ask yourself: How can I turn this into something stronger?

Action Step for You: Reflect on any struggles you’re going through right now. How can you transform that into motivation to move forward? Every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

3. Trust the Journey

At first, I wasn’t sure if Linx Dating would be successful. But I took it one day at a time, believing that each small step would lead to something greater. Trust the process, even if you don’t see the results immediately.

Success isn’t an overnight achievement. It’s the result of consistent effort, belief, and trust in your own journey.

Action Step for You: Take one small step today toward your goal—whether it’s learning something new, reaching out to someone for advice, or working on a project you care about.

4. Never Settle for Less Than You Deserve

He told me “no” and tried to clip my wings. He said verbatim, “You are not allowed to do that as long as we are together!” At the time, I thought maybe he was right, but now I see that I never needed his permission to fly!

Sometimes, people will try to put limits on you. But you’re the only one who defines your boundaries. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Action Step for You: Look at your life today—whether in work, relationships, or personal growth. Are you settling? Write down one area where you can raise your standards and take action toward it.

5. Gratitude for Growth

Now, almost 25 years later, I look back with such gratitude. That painful breakup didn’t break me—it was the fuel that led to the creation of Linx. Gratitude and letting go helped me transform my challenges into opportunities for growth.

Having put countless couples together—leading to tons of marriages, happy couples, and populating the planet with more children—I now see that my work has impacted so many lives in beautiful ways. In my personal life, I found my person who supports my dreams and created the most beautiful life and family I could have ever dreamed of. Sometimes, your most difficult moments lead you to your biggest breakthroughs.

In business and life, you will face challenges, but how you respond to them is what defines your future. Stay focused, keep moving forward, and never let anyone—or any setback—stop you from building the life you want, or in my case, try to clip your wings.

Action Step for You: Take a moment today to reflect on your journey. What are you grateful for, especially those difficult moments that taught you valuable lessons?

The Magnetic Power of Loving Your Life

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

In the world of modern dating, it’s easy to get caught up in strategy—what to say, when to text, how to present your best self. But if there’s one truth I’ve seen time and again in my years as a matchmaker, it’s this: the most attractive people are the ones who are genuinely excited about their lives.

Do something that sets your soul on fire.

This isn’t just feel-good advice—it’s a dating strategy in disguise. When you’re deeply engaged in a passion, whether it's launching a startup, training for a marathon, painting, cooking, or volunteering—something that makes you feel alive—you become magnetic. Your energy shifts. People feel it. They’re drawn to your vitality, your authenticity, your spark.

Too often, we treat dating as a separate sphere from the rest of life, like a side hustle we're supposed to "optimize." But your love life isn't a separate project. It grows from the same soil as everything else in your world. If you’re depleted, bored, or chasing someone else’s version of success, your relationships will reflect that. If you’re lit up, energized, and chasing your dreams? That radiance attracts people who want to join you for the ride.

This is why I always tell clients: focus on being deeply in love with your own life. When you’re firing on all cylinders, doing work that matters to you and surrounding yourself with people and environments that feed your spirit, your dating life doesn’t feel like a chore. You stop “performing” and start connecting. And that’s where the real magic happens.

The right relationship is not something to hunt down in desperation. It’s something you attract when you're truly living in alignment with your purpose.

So take the class. Start the business. Book the trip. Say yes to the dream that scares and excites you.

Because your future partner? They’re not looking for someone who’s perfect. They’re looking for someone who’s real. Someone who lights up the room—not by trying too hard, but by being fully, unapologetically alive.

Let the love you seek begin with the life you build.

Be the Bodyguard: A Simple Rule for Every Man on a Date

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

Let’s keep this simple: no matter how your date goes—great, awkward, unforgettable, or a complete mess—you walk her to her ride.

That means:

• Walk her to her car.

• Wait with her until the ride share shows up.

• Escort her to a cab or a train station if that’s how she’s getting home.

• Don’t just offer—do it.

This isn’t about trying to score points.
It’s not about romance.
It’s about being a man with presence, with standards, with respect.

Why It Matters

In a world where people are more distracted and disconnected than ever, small gestures stand out.
Escorting a woman to her ride says:

• I care about your safety.

• I don’t vanish the second the check is paid.

• I respect you, no matter how I feel about the date.

Even if there’s no second date in the cards, you leave her with the impression that you’re thoughtful, grounded, and aware of the world around you. And trust this—women remember that.

If the Date Went Well? Even Better.

If you actually liked her, that walk to the car or the wait on the sidewalk? That’s where the vibe either fizzles… or builds.
It’s quiet. It’s unforced. It’s real.

Those final moments can be the most telling. Not just for her—but for you too.

And once she’s safely on her way, send a short text:

“Had a great time—text me when you get home safe.”

It costs you nothing. But it speaks volumes.

To the men: Are you doing this? Because you should be.
To the women: Does this register with you?