Beyond the Profile Pic: Vetting, Values, and First Impressions in Dating

Dating With Borders

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In this episode of Dating with Borders, Teresa and Joe take a trip down memory lane to when they first started exploring the world of dating apps. They laugh about how overwhelming it can be to navigate the endless "selection" of potential matches and dive into what actually makes them swipe "yes" on someone. With humor and honesty, they talk about what they were looking for on the dating scene this time around, including a refreshing focus on fun and playfulness.

As the conversation flows, they touch on the sting of rejection and how they each handled it after those initial first dates. Joe brings a dose of curiosity (and humor) when he asks Teresa about her worst date ever, and she doesn't hold back on the details. The two also discuss their "vetting" processes for online dating, sharing some of the strategies they've developed to find genuine connections and avoid disappointments, including the pitfalls of catfishing.

Then, they tackle the hot topic of who should pay for the first date—a conversation that brings out different perspectives but plenty of laughs. Teresa takes this as an opportunity to ask Joe directly about his first impressions of her, especially whether she looked like her profile photos in real life.

The discussion turns to how they each size up a first date, paying close attention to how the other person interacts with waitstaff as a measure of kindness and character. Joe recounts a memorable story of a time he walked out on a date due to their treatment of the staff, underlining his commitment to finding someone who values respect and decency.

Finally, Joe shares his non-negotiables, revealing what he considers essential in a partner. Throughout the episode, Teresa and Joe’s candid and witty insights provide an honest look at modern dating and what truly matters to each of them as they continue to navigate love across borders.