Another day, another set of dating questions. In my now 15 years of being a dating coach, the questions have changed over time. In 2011, when sites like Match.com, eHarmony and OkCupid reigned supreme, things were slower paced. (Not quite, “It’s lost in the mail,” but you get it.)

Now, with dating apps at our fingertips and texting being the primary method of communication (in fact, people rarely want an unplanned call now!), the questions tend to center around urgency, instant gratification and knowing things that simply can’t be known yet … right now.

Q: We exchanged numbers after the first date, and he's texting too much (about nothing). So many “How are you?” messages! How to gently reset things?

A: The most important thing at this point is to get the next date on the calendar. I agree — no one has time for texting without intention.

"I know you had mentioned going out again. Let me know what you had in mind."

Or, "I can't tell from our texts if you were looking to meet again. Let me know!"

And if he's truly overdoing it, "I love that you want to share so much! I definitely want to keep getting to know each other, so probably best we schedule another date in person. I'm not as much of a texter as you are."

Anything of this nature should do the trick.

Q: How do you know if you'd prefer being single for good?

A: This is an interesting question. If you live a beautifully content life and feel no lack in it, then being single is a wonderfully valid choice (one many people are afraid to make).

It takes an immense amount of strength to remain single when society and the rest of the world (and likely family) is telling you that you are doing something wrong. Especially when you know in your heart of hearts that you are doing everything right.

All of that said, life doesn't have to be so black-and-white, and you don't have to put a moratorium on relationships. There's something extremely satisfying about not *looking* for anything and yet being open to anything.

Q: I’m dating as a single mom. How can I tell if men are really into the package deal or not?

A: Simple: by dating them.

I get this question often from women, as it relates to children or age or height. "How do I know they're OK with my [fill in the blank]?"

Assume that if someone has seen it in your profile (and your profile is accurate), they are comfortable with it. I understand that it's tempting to check to make sure they've read it, but I wouldn't. It might help, in one of your prompts, to list the general ages of your children. For example, Hinge has the prompt “You wouldn’t know it, but I” and you might answer “am a DC native who comes with two teenage boys, a goldendoodle named Harry, and a pumpkin bread recipe that makes people stop in their tracks.” It’s not front and center, but it’s there.

The rest you'll know over time.

Q: After the second date, he said he just wanted to be friends. How do I move on from potential that I felt?

A: This one is tough, especially if it takes you a while to find a great connection. As hard as it is, my best advice is to cut off contact.

You're not required to be friends with someone you would rather date.

I understand that the lost potential is often the hardest. But trust me when I tell you that the person you're going to be with will want to be with you.

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