5 Types of People to Walk Away From in Dating

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

In my two decades as a professional matchmaker, I’ve learned that people show you who they are very early in dating. The challenge is that when we’re hopeful, lonely, or dazzled by chemistry, it’s easy to ignore those early signs. But clarity at the beginning is one of the most powerful tools you have.

Here are five types of people I advise my clients to walk away from—and how to handle it if you find yourself already caught in the dynamic.

1. The Love Bomber

Lavish gifts, over-the-top affection, and declarations of love after just a date or two can feel intoxicating. But love bombing isn’t about building intimacy—it’s about fast-tracking trust so they can get what they want. It often signals insecurity, immaturity, or even manipulation.

Action Step: Slow the pace. Opt for grounded, simple dates and see how they respond. If they respect your boundaries, that’s healthy. If they pressure or guilt you, that’s a red flag.

2. The Breadcrumb Giver

They send a steady drip of attention—texts, compliments, vague plans—but never follow through. It’s just enough to keep you emotionally invested, but not enough to create real momentum.

Action Step: Be direct. Try: “I’m looking for someone who prioritizes meeting in person. If that’s not you, I wish you well.” Clear communication either prompts action—or reveals their lack of seriousness.

3. The Egotist

Conversations revolve around them—their career, their stress, their stories. At first, you may find their confidence appealing, but over time you’ll realize there’s no space for your voice.

Action Step: Redirect. Ask: “What would you like to know about me?” If they consistently deflect or minimize your experiences, you’re not dealing with a partner—you’re dealing with a performer.

4. The Window Shopper

They flirt, they date, and they enjoy companionship, but when it comes time to commit, they stall. You’ll always feel like you’re on display but never chosen.

Action Step: Clarify intentions. Ask: “What are you truly looking for right now?” If their answer is vague or evasive, trust it. Don’t keep yourself “on the shelf” for someone who doesn’t have the courage to choose you.

5. The Houdini

One day they’re all in, the next day they vanish without a trace—only to reappear later with a casual “Hey, how’ve you been?” This inconsistency isn’t a mystery to solve; it’s immaturity and lack of readiness.

Action Step: Address it head-on. Say: “Consistency matters to me. If you can’t communicate regularly, I don’t think this is a fit.” The right partner will step up. The wrong one will fade—and that’s your answer.

Final Thought

Dating should feel clear, kind, and reciprocal. The wrong people will drain your energy with mixed signals, ego-driven behavior, or half-hearted investment. The right person will bring consistency, ease, and emotional safety.

At Linx Dating, I remind my clients that walking away sooner isn’t failure—it’s discernment. Every “no” clears space for the right “yes.”

Dating With Emotional ROI: Why Stability Beats Drama Every Time

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

Dating Is a High-Stakes Game—Play It Like a Smart Investor
In Silicon Valley, decisions are rarely impulsive. Investors vet founders, analyze risk, and seek sustainable growth before writing a single check. Why? Because resources are finite—and return on investment matters.

Dating, too, is a form of high-stakes investing. You're choosing who gets your time, your energy, your heart. But while many people are intentional with their portfolios, they’re often reckless with their relationships. They confuse intensity for intimacy, unpredictability for chemistry, and drama for passion.

Let’s flip that narrative.

If you want a relationship that grows, compounds, and adds lasting value to your life—start dating like a smart investor. Here’s how:

1. Know Your Valuation

In the venture world, valuation reflects potential, traction, and market fit. In dating, your "value" stems from how you carry yourself: your confidence, emotional intelligence, boundaries, and the life you’ve built.
If you don’t know your worth, others will undervalue you. And if you discount yourself, the wrong people will try to buy in at a bargain. Don’t accept a low offer just because the market feels slow.

2. Avoid the Sunk Cost Fallacy

Investors cut ties when a business isn’t delivering. In dating, clinging to someone just because you’ve "already put in so much" is emotional dead weight.
Time invested doesn’t justify staying in a relationship that’s not evolving. Let go of what isn’t scaling. Reinvest in something with real growth potential.

3. Prioritize Emotional Liquidity

A partner who is emotionally unavailable is like a startup with no cash flow—burning through resources and always in crisis mode.
Healthy relationships require reciprocity, presence, and emotional bandwidth. If your love is always in limbo or one-sided, it’s time to audit that investment.

4. Don’t Mistake Volatility for Value

This is where many people get hooked: the highs are intoxicating, the lows are devastating—and it feels real.
But in reality? That’s emotional whiplash, not intimacy. A truly high-value relationship won’t destabilize you. It won’t require constant repair. It will compound quietly, deepening over time. Stability is the new sexy.

In both business and love, it’s not about short-term spikes—it’s about sustained growth. Be as strategic with your heart as you are with your career. Your emotional ROI depends on it. 

What Are Some Red Flags to Look for When Dating Someone New?

By Amy Andersen, Founder and CEO of Linx Dating

Red flags come in all shapes and sizes, from subtle hints that something isn't quite right between the two of you, to more obvious signs that should make you stop and take notice. In this blog post we'll explore some red flags which could indicate trouble is brewing in your budding romance—so read on and arm yourself with knowledge.

Lack of communication 

Effective communication is a cornerstone of any successful relationship. If your partner refuses to share their thoughts and feelings with you, or if they're uninterested in hearing yours, this could be an indicator that the connection isn't as strong as it needs to be for lasting success. Without clear dialogue between partners, true intimacy can’t flourish—look out for signs that conversations are falling on deaf ears.

Always talking about themselves 

A successful relationship requires more than just one person's devotion; both partners must make a conscious effort to be engaged and show respect for the other. If you're noticing that your date talks without pause about themselves, it could be an indication they aren't interested in a balanced give-and-take dynamic where both of you are heard.

Possessiveness  

Possessiveness can be a slippery slope, often disguised as love. From wanting to know your every move and what you're wearing to trying to dictate who's in or out of your life - this controlling behavior needs watching for warning signs that it might turn into something more damaging down the line.

Jealousy 

A little jealousy can be cute, but excessive jealousy is a huge red flag. If your partner is constantly accusing you of cheating or interrogating you about your whereabouts, it's time to reevaluate the relationship. Jealousy can also lead to controlling behavior and can be a sign of deeper issues like insecurity or possessiveness.

A lot of talk about the ex

If your date is constantly bringing up their ex, that's a red flag. It could indicate that they're not over their past relationship or that they're still holding onto resentment. Either way, it's not a good sign for your future together.

Insecurity 

This is one of the most dangerous threats to a relationship, manifesting as jealousy and possessiveness which erode trust between partners. Look for signs like belittling behavior or an overly low sense of self-worth in your spouse - these could signal insecurity that needs to be addressed before it takes hold over your connection with them.

Dishonesty

Trust is a cornerstone of any relationship, and if your partner is constantly lying to you, it's a major red flag. Whether it's about small things like where they were last night or big things like their financial situation, dishonesty can erode trust and make it difficult to build a healthy relationship.

Anger issues

If your partner has a quick temper and frequently loses their cool, it's a red flag. This type of behavior can escalate into physical or emotional abuse and can make it difficult for  your partner to have a healthy relationship.​

Lack of empathy

If your partner seems incapable of putting themselves in your shoes and understanding your feelings, it's a red flag. This type of behavior can make it difficult for your partner to have a healthy relationship and can also indicate a lack of emotional intelligence. 

It's important to be aware of the red flags that can signal trouble in a relationship. Whether it's lack of communication, controlling behavior, or dishonesty, these red flags can be warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. Remember that these red flags can sometimes be signs of deeper issues and that your date hasn’t yet processed or addressed. Just remember to trust your instincts, be honest with yourself, and seek help if you need it, and you'll be able to navigate the dating world with confidence.