Dating Guide with Maddy MacRae – Dating Diaries TikTok series and Vodka Cruiser Bold Choice Campaign star.
By Savannah Stodal
Hey single ladies, worry no more! Maddy MacRae is here to spill the tea on all the do’s and don’ts of dating, with her latest Dating Diaries series on TikTok.
Getting into the year it’s never too late to secure your perfect match.
TikTok star Maddy MacRae, who recently did a campaign with Vodka Cruiser on their Bold Choice campaign has provided the best tips and advice for online dating in society today.
Millions of followers have experienced her online dating adventure over 2024; now, we dive into a total dating recap, helping you find love this year.
Maddy initially started the series as a way to share her dating experience.
“I was ready to meet someone… by documenting it and having a little routine – it got me out of the house, and it got me going on dates”.
Maddy says her best date was one she went on with her current boyfriend, which was a drive-in movie, following a wholesome picnic date with her pup.
“He set up his car and full set up the back seat with a mattress and bedding, he picked me up and he actually walked to my front door in an apartment complex.”
“He actually made the effort to get out of the car, come in, knock on the door and say hi.”
On the other hand, there has been plenty of failed dates – Maddy says they all had one thing in common: a one-sided conversation.
“I realised within 15 minutes that the man was only every talking about himself and was never going to ask a question back – so I decided to test him and be like, I’m just not going to ask him any questions.”
“We sat there in silence for 2 minutes.”
Maddy says her best advice is to listen up!
“If I was to give any advice… make sure that you’re actively listening and you’re asking questions.”
“Like, I’ve been on dates before being like, oh, that was a really fun date. Then I realised I was the fun part of that date because I was the one that ran it. I ran the conversation.”
When that date’s been scheduled Maddy’s key green flags include:
- Eye contact,
- Active listening with lots of questions,
- And of course, punctuality!
If you’re searching for love, there’s no time like the present.
“You should get started now, start swiping and just say yes to a date!”
Using the dating apps, Maddy says it’s best to organise an in-person date as soon as possible to avoid the endless talking stage.
“As soon as you match only exchange a couple of messages before you meet – I like to skip the texting phase just because it’s going to fizzle and die. Try and get the date sorted.”
The 2025 dating pool is not for the weak and is rather a dating swamp. Although there are challenges remain open minded, say yes to experiences, and move forward quickly after rejection.
“Brush it off when they cancel or ghost you because it does happen a lot, just pick yourself back up and move onto the next one” says Maddy.
Having a daring attitude and taking the lead has led to Maddy’s current exclusive relationship.
“Be bold and ask certain questions about where we are, asking him to be my valentine, and asking him to be my boyfriend.”
“I think a lot of the time I’m waiting, wishing, and wondering if they’re interested in me, if they like me, and if they want to make me their girlfriend. Why am I waiting when I should just ask!”.
Maddy says it’s important to have a pre-date routine – hers involving a drink and a dance before leaving the house.
Focusing on calming nerves and feeling confident before meeting someone new.
“I recently partnered with Vodka Cruiser after the Dating Diaries, but it was actually a big step of mine that I would always have a drink beforehand to calm the nerves before a date.
“I would have a beverage and then have a boogie. It was all about setting the tone of how I felt feeling confident stepping into the date.”
“An hour before I had this awful feeling of dread in my stomach about meeting a new person, and so actually setting up that routine of making dating really exciting.”
“It’s been really wonderful to work with Vodka Cruiser because they were one of my drink choices when I was getting ready for a date.”
If you’re still flying solo, your besties are here to save the day! Dinner with the girls is always a win, whether you’re single or taken.
“I’ve been single for 5 years and definitely felt very lonely, but I guess it’s kind of about celebrating how wonderful it is to be single.”
“I don’t think I would be where I am now if I had been in a relationship, I think it’s about not feeling sad and sorry with yourself that you’re on your own just kind of like celebrating how wonderful it is that you get to have this time and independence before finding the love that you’re looking for”.
Follow @maddy_macrae for more of Maddy on Instagram and TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@maddy_macrae_?lang=en
