If youâre living the single life in Perth, youâll know the local dating scene has seen itâs better days⌠Whether youâre a dating virgin, a serial first-dater or re-visiting single town after a long-term relationship, finding âthe oneâ just isnât as easy as the movies make it out to be.
With Valentines approaching and Perthâs singles in mind, weâve been speaking to local expert and founder of Dare2Date, Debbie Rivers, to pinpoint where Perthâs singletons are going wrong and find out why relationship coaching could be the answer to our modern-day dating difficulties.

The modern problem: are we suffering from âanalysis paralysisâ?
You canât rule out dating in any medium, but thereâs no denying the dating scene has changed with the introduction of online apps like TinderâŚ.and not necessarily for the better. Itâs nice to know there are plenty of people out there, but too much choice isnât always a good thing! Debbie calls this phenomenon âanalysis paralysisâ- we're given SO much choice thanks to online dating that we fail to make the all-important decision to settle down. Dating has always been about the chase, but Tinder might be taking the game a little too far⌠weâre all suffering from serial first-dater syndrome, constantly thinking about our next potential match.

Alternatively, could online dating actually be changing the way we communicate? Dating apps such as Tinder definitely help people when it comes to finding a date easily, but are we forgetting HOW to date when we actually meet that special someone in person? Thatâs what Debbie found when she first set up Dare2Date, speed-daters would struggle to make a match because they didnât know how to approach face-to-face dating.
Then thereâs the final phenomenon apps like Tinder and Grindr have introduced - dating for sex. You donât even need to move off the couch to have your way these days - itâs literally a click (or swipe) away. But when sex is easier to get, love is often harder to find ⌠and despite this modern take on dating, we still opt for the old-school ideal of love when it comes down to the serious stuff.
Changing your game plan
If youâre always unlucky in love, this might be a sign itâs time to change up your dating game. Identifying where weâre going wrong isnât always easy⌠but that's where expert advice can come in handy.
Whether youâre repeating past relationship patterns (they failed in the past for a reason!), lacking a little confidence, or nervous about getting back into the dating space, relationship coaching could be the answer to getting more proficient in picking up the RIGHT person. As a qualified coach, Debbie helps Perth singles build up the skills they need when it comes to meeting people face-to-face. With a little expert advice, sheâll help you break rocky relationship cycles and form an action plan going forward, because every girl loves a man with a plan.

A proven success - After a few relationship coaching sessions, Debbie finds her speed-daters have a far bigger success (or âyesâ) rate at her events.
Top tips from our local expert
⢠The three date rule - You should be picky when it comes youâre spending your life with someone, but donât fall into the trap of being overly judgmental. As a rule of thumb, you need to give someone three dates before you give them the boot. You never know - the more you know someone, the more you might like them. Or vice versa - even the prettiest Prince Charming has his flaws!
⢠A little bit of self lovinâ goes a long way - You canât be in a relationship twisting like a pretzel to be someone else. You need to be comfortable with being you. The happier you are, the better the choices you make when it comes to finding the right person.
⢠Visualise - You donât get what you want by focusing on what you donât want. Stop focusing on not wanting a guy/girl who treats you a certain way, and focus instead on what you do want from a relationship.
⢠Love doesnât always come to you - They might say youâll find âthe oneâ when you least expect it, but in reality love doesnât come signed, sealed, delivered. Donât be over-obsessed with finding Mr (or Mrs) Right, but be open to trying out new things and meeting new people.
⢠Hold off on sex (at least for now) - In reality, playing a little hard to get can be beneficial in the long run. If you want to know whether theyâre really a keeper, give them a chance to get to know you before you invite them up for a nightcap. If they're interested in you for the right reasons, they won't mind waiting.

Put it to the test
You can put Debbieâs advice to the test at any of her upcoming singles events. Dare2Date run all sorts of activities for Perth singletons looking for love, from cooking classes to pub crawls. So no more excuses!
All aboard! Join Debbie and her mystery daters on Feb 12th for Dare2Dateâs Valentineâs cruise event. You never know⌠you might not be spending Valentines alone after all!

âLove is the best thing that can happen to youâit makes people happier, healthier and wealthier when they meet the right personâ - Debbie Rivers
Are you unlucky in love? Debbie Rivers runs Dare2Date - a local Perth based dating agency offering one on one dating advice and relationship coaching for Perth singles.