We live in an era where dating advice is everywhere. You can’t scroll through social media without seeing someone declaring what men should or shouldn’t do to be more attractive, more successful, or more alpha. But what if a lot of this advice is, frankly, garbage? That’s exactly what Kimberly Hill unpacks in her eye-opening video, “The Worst Dating Advice Men Still Follow.” As a men’s dating and relationship coach, she sees firsthand the damage these outdated and misguided suggestions are causing—and it’s time we talked about it.

One of the first pieces of bad advice she tackles is the idea that men should “never show emotion.” Somewhere along the way, this myth became gospel in dating circles. Supposedly, being stoic, aloof, and emotionally impenetrable will make you more attractive. But in real life? That kind of behavior just makes you seem disconnected and disinterested. In 2025, emotional intelligence is sexy. Empathy, vulnerability, and being able to share your thoughts honestly are not just valued—they’re essential for building real intimacy.

Another cringeworthy piece of advice that still floats around is “treat her mean, keep her keen.” This strategy might have worked in the days of typewriters and rotary phones, but in the modern dating world, it just makes you look emotionally immature. Hill points out that playing games or being deliberately cold doesn’t increase attraction—it creates anxiety and confusion. If you want someone to genuinely like you, treat them with kindness and respect. It sounds simple, but for some reason, this truth keeps getting buried under layers of toxic bravado.

She also calls out the obsession with superficial status markers—money, cars, flashy watches—as if these are the keys to a woman’s heart. While confidence and ambition are definitely attractive qualities, the idea that buying your way into someone’s affection is sustainable is wildly off base. Genuine connection isn’t something you can purchase. What people remember isn’t the price tag on your jacket—it’s how you made them feel.

Then there’s the idea that men should “pursue, pursue, pursue”—no matter what. While effort in dating is important, chasing someone who clearly isn’t reciprocating is not romantic—it’s needy. Hill explains that a confident man knows when to engage and when to step back. Respecting boundaries is a green flag, and knowing your own worth means you don’t need to force anything that isn’t meant for you.

The video also critiques the “pickup artist” culture that teaches men to use manipulation tactics like negging or mirroring to get women to like them. These tactics might get you a number, but they won’t build a relationship. In fact, they usually lead to shallow connections, quick disappointments, and a whole lot of frustration. Real relationships grow out of authenticity. Pretending to be someone else only delays the inevitable—when your true self finally shows up and the illusion breaks.

What I found especially refreshing was Hill’s emphasis on self-awareness. She reminds men that becoming great at dating isn’t about memorizing lines or perfecting strategies—it’s about doing the inner work. If you’re struggling in your love life, maybe it’s not about what you’re saying or doing, but about how you see yourself. When you build confidence from within, people feel it. You stop trying to impress and start connecting. And that’s the shift that changes everything.

Watching this video, I couldn’t help but think of friends who’ve been stuck in these toxic dating cycles, confused about why things aren’t working out. Often, it’s because they’re following rules written by people who never learned how to love. The good news is that it’s never too late to unlearn. If more men realized that being a good partner means being emotionally available, kind, and honest, the entire dating scene would be healthier—and happier—for everyone.

So if you’ve ever felt pressured to hide how you feel, pretend to be something you’re not, or chase someone just to prove a point, maybe it’s time to drop the script. Forget what you’ve heard from TikTok “alpha males” or outdated dating forums. Start listening to people who actually want you to find love—not just attention.

There’s nothing weak about being real. There’s nothing unattractive about showing care. And there’s nothing cooler than a man who knows who he is and doesn’t need to play games to be loved.