Leslie Wardman’s Guide to Building Confidence in Dating (2025)

Originally posted on KJRH News
By Travis Guillory

Dating Tips for Valentine's Day

This Valentine's Day, more people are single than ever before. So, we're working for you to get tips from a dating expert.

Leslie Wardman has been a matchmaker for about 20 years and is the CEO of Ambiance Matchmaking. She said, “Who you end up with is one of the most important decisions you’re going to make in your life.”

Know yourself

“You need to know who you are, what made you who you are, and kind of do some work in that department.”

Know what you want

“If you can make a list – let’s say top 5 – of things that are important to you.”

Be confident (in yourself and in your relationship)

“Insecurity is pretty much the root of all evil, from what I can tell, when it comes to relationships. I hear this all the time (when I ask about what happened with relationships) and he or she didn’t trust them or got jealous for no reason.”

Be authentic

“You want this person to get to know the real you. You don’t want to present somebody that you’re not.”

Take time to enjoy it (especially with online dating and apps)

“There are neurons now that are viewing dating like it’s fast food. It’s ridiculous. Somebody will go on a perfectly good date and on the way home, they’re swiping.

Stay positive

“Just kind of hang lose and just be positive and be open-minded and just realize that no matter what, you can take something positive. Even if you didn’t meet your soulmate or something, there should be something positive, if nothing, maybe a good laugh about something.”

And next to constantly talking about your ex, what's the biggest deal-breaker and turnoff?

“Usually it’s smoking and stuff like that. But (the answer is) not listening and eye contact and just having and open flow of energy.”

Of course, it's also important to be cautious with dating apps and online sites. Wardman said about 25 percent of the profiles are fake.