Dating has always been a tricky business, but if you look back at the advice people used to follow, it’s clear that romance used to come with some truly bizarre rules. From rigid gender roles to absurd strategies for impressing a potential partner, old-school dating advice was often more about following strange social expectations than building a genuine connection. While some of these tips might have made sense decades ago, today they’d be met with laughter—or outright confusion. Here are 12 hilariously outdated dating tips from the past that would never work today.
1. “Don’t Speak Your Mind Too Much—Men Prefer a Woman Who Listens”
For much of the 20th century, women were frequently told to keep their thoughts to themselves when dating. The idea was that men found strong opinions “intimidating,” so a woman should focus on nodding, smiling, and asking lots of questions rather than expressing her own ideas. Magazines advised women to act interested in whatever the man was talking about—whether they actually cared or not. The Hollywood Reporter has shared celebrities who are looking to erase this idea of women remaining silent, including at any age.
These days, this advice would be a major red flag. No one wants to date a person who agrees with everything just to be “pleasant.” A relationship built on silence and forced admiration isn’t going to last long in an era where mutual respect and communication are key.
2. “If You Want a Husband, Learn How to Make the Perfect Pot Roast”
Throughout the mid-20th century, women’s magazines drilled in the idea that the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. Young women were advised to perfect their cooking skills, particularly when it came to hearty, home-cooked meals like pot roasts, meatloaf, and casseroles. If a woman couldn’t cook, the assumption was that no man would want to marry her. Because pot roasts are great for any time, even when not courting anyone, Delishably has a delectably fascinating rundown of this filling meal.
While cooking is still a great skill, it’s hardly a dealbreaker in modern dating. Today, relationships are built on shared experiences, not just who can whip up the best Sunday dinner. Plus, with takeout and meal delivery services, no one’s love life depends on mastering a roast.
3. “Ladies, If You’re on a Date, Don’t Eat Too Much”
Believe it or not, old dating guides warned women against eating too much in front of a man, lest they appear “unladylike.” The idea was that dainty, small bites made a woman seem more refined, while a hearty appetite was a turn-off. Some guides even suggested that women eat a snack before the date so they wouldn’t embarrass themselves by actually finishing a meal. As for who pays for the check when having dinners out, experts on CBS have some input.
Today, this advice is downright laughable. A modern date would be far more concerned if their partner just sat there picking at a salad the whole time. Being able to enjoy a meal together is part of the experience—no one’s judging you for finishing your plate.
4. “If You Want to Catch a Man, Wear Ribbons in Your Hair”
In the 1950s and ’60s, advice columns suggested that women should look as youthful and feminine as possible—meaning ribbons, bows, and pastel outfits were encouraged. The thinking was that men preferred a “soft, innocent look” rather than anything too bold or modern. Some guides even claimed that a woman who wore red was sending the wrong message.
Today, fashion is all about personal expression, and the idea that men are only attracted to frilly bows and pastels is completely outdated. If anything, confidence is the real key to attraction—not ribbons and lace.
5. “Never Call a Man First—It Makes You Look Desperate”
For decades, women were told to let men take the lead in every aspect of dating, including making the first call. If a woman picked up the phone first, she was seen as “pushy” or too eager, which supposedly turned men off. Instead, she was advised to wait patiently, even if it meant sitting by the phone for days.
This rule has completely collapsed in the age of texting and social media. If someone’s interested, they reach out—it’s as simple as that. In today’s dating world, waiting by the phone just means missing out on good conversations.
6. “If You Want to Meet a Man, Hang Out Near Hardware Stores”
Yes, this was real advice. Some dating guides suggested that women should strategically place themselves in locations where “marriage-minded men” would be—like hardware stores, car dealerships, or even lumber yards. The idea was that men would appreciate a woman who showed interest in “manly” things, even if she had no clue what she was doing.
While meeting people through shared interests is still great advice, today’s dating scene doesn’t require hanging around the tool aisle pretending to shop for a wrench. Online dating and social events make it much easier to connect with potential partners—no need to fake an interest in power drills.
7. “Make Sure to ‘Accidentally’ Drop Your Handkerchief”
This tip dates back even further, but well into the 20th century, women were still advised to use “subtle signals” to get a man’s attention. One of the most famous tricks was dropping a handkerchief so a gentleman would have to pick it up, giving them a chance to start a conversation.
These days, if you drop something, chances are people will just assume it was an accident—not a cleverly planned romantic move. The modern equivalent would probably be sending a text or striking up a conversation—no props required.
8. “If He Doesn’t Open the Car Door for You, Dump Him”
Chivalry was once considered an absolute must in dating, and men were expected to perform a whole list of “gentlemanly” actions, from pulling out chairs to opening car doors. If a man failed at one of these, women were sometimes advised to move on because it meant he “wasn’t raised right.”
While politeness is still important, relationships today are built on equality, not a rigid list of outdated courtship rules. Most modern couples don’t judge their relationship based on car door etiquette.
9. “Never Be Funnier Than Your Date”
For years, women were warned not to be too witty or make too many jokes, as it might “intimidate” a man. Instead, they were encouraged to laugh at his jokes, even if they weren’t funny, and let him take the spotlight.
This couldn’t be further from modern dating advice. Humor is one of the most attractive qualities in a partner, and most people appreciate a good back-and-forth. If someone feels threatened by your sense of humor, they’re probably not worth dating in the first place.
10. “Men Don’t Like Girls Who Wear Glasses”
A common stereotype in old dating advice was that glasses made women seem too “serious” or “bookish”—which, apparently, men didn’t like. Some guides even suggested taking glasses off before a date or squinting through the evening just to appear more attractive.
Thankfully, nerdy-chic is now a thing, and glasses are more fashionable than ever. The idea that vision correction somehow ruins romance is one of the most ridiculous dating myths from the past.
11. “If You Want to Impress a Man, Pretend to Be Helpless”
Women were once encouraged to act clueless when faced with small challenges, like opening jars or reading maps, to make men feel more “needed.” This was supposed to stroke their ego and make them feel protective.
Modern dating thrives on mutual respect, not forced helplessness. In fact, most people today find self-sufficiency attractive, not intimidating.
12. “Don’t Break Up With Him—You Might Not Find Anyone Else”
Perhaps the worst dating advice of all, this old-fashioned rule pushed the idea that staying in a bad relationship was better than being single. Women were often told to “make it work” rather than risk loneliness.
Today, people understand that being single is far better than being stuck in a miserable relationship. Love isn’t about settling—it’s about finding someone who truly makes you happy.
Thankfully, dating has come a long way, and these old-fashioned tips are now nothing more than a hilarious glimpse into the past. While some old-school romance ideas still hold charm, most of these belong in the history books—not in modern relationships!
