A content creator’s depiction of a first date has sparked discussion among online viewers.
Danielle Walter, who goes by @daniellewalter_ online, told her followers that her date spent most of their first meeting “talking to her.” The clip, shared on TikTok on June 23, has been liked more than 1.5 million times and garnered a variety of comments from viewers. Some supported Walter in her decision not to see the man again, while others encouraged her to give him another chance.
“Talking or focusing only on yourself during your date can weaken the potential connection,” said Danielle Tucci, a trained counselor. Newsweek. “These behaviors run counter to empathy, a fundamental element of healthy relationship dynamics.”
Viewers could see Walter, 31, walking to the meeting location while speaking into her front-facing camera.
“I don’t know anything except that he’s good-looking and Christian, and I’m very excited,” said Walter, who said she met the man on Hinge.
The clip then jumped forward to a shot of Walter sitting in her car with a disappointed look on her face.
“It didn’t go well,” she told viewers, adding that she felt “talked into” during dinner.
“I feel like I’ve been talked into it for two hours,” Walter added.
The California-based YouTuber keeps her 500,000+ TikTok followers updated on her love life by filming short recaps of all her recent dates to find the one and learn more about modern dating. Walter, who describes herself as California’s answer to ‘Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, has become known on the platform for her candid dating stories.
Tucci, the owner of Live Better Therapy Solutions, says empathy — something Walter’s date allegedly lacked — is key to building and maintaining a healthy relationship.
“Attunement means we are aware of and responsive to another person’s thoughts and feelings,” Tucci said. “It means we tune into our partner, conveying empathy, understanding and connection.”
The counselor added that this can be achieved through active listening, affirmation and response, while persuading or talking into the other person is absolutely taboo.
TikTok viewers react
The article has garnered more than 18,100 comments since it was published online.
“Yeah I hate being talked down to! This happened to a guy I dated and I feel like I knew everything about him but he knew nothing about me. Because he didn’t ask,” posted one viewer, @_laurenfay.
Another person, @mostardentlyyours, wrote: “Maybe he was nervous? My husband wouldn’t stop talking on our first date.”
“Discussed: He has shown no interest in getting to know her,” commented a third user, @ladan231.
“He drained so much of your energy,” added another, @t_t.
Newsweek contacted @daniellewalter_ for more information about TikTok
Have you noticed any warning signs that have caused you to end a relationship? Let us know at [email protected]. We can ask experts for advice and your story could appear on Newsweek.
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