Why I Created Start With Me
And why the dating world needs it
After my divorce, I fell into one of the darkest places I’ve ever been. It was more than grief—it was a complete unraveling. Depression hit hard, and at its worst, I questioned if I even wanted to be here anymore. But that breakdown became a breakthrough. I worked through the pain, piece by piece—through therapy, through self-reflection, through rebuilding everything I thought I knew about love, relationships, and myself.
When I finally stepped back into the dating world, I noticed something right away:
Everyone’s looking for love. But most people haven’t done the work to actually find it.
People are out there swiping, hoping for real connection—but bringing the same old patterns, fears, and confusion into every new match. I realized that if I had known half of what I know now—about emotional intelligence, attachment, communication—my marriage might never have failed in the first place.
That realization turned into a mission.
And that mission became Start With Me.
What Makes Start With Me Different?
We’re not here to fix you. You’re not broken. But if you’re looking for real love, the kind that grows and sticks and feels like home—you do need to understand who you are and how you connect.
That’s where we start.
Before anyone can access the dating pool, attend singles events, or work with a matchmaker on our platform, they go through a psychology-based self-discovery journey. It’s built to raise your self-awareness, help you reflect on what actually matters to you in relationships, and surface the patterns that shape how you show up.
This isn’t a dating app for everyone. It’s a dating app for people who are ready.
We Built Features That Reflect Real Life
Start With Me is designed from the inside out—both in how you use it, and who you find on it.
Here’s what makes it stand apart:
Searchable Profiles (with actual words): You don’t just scroll through pictures. You can search using real language. Want someone who mentions "secure attachment" or "co-parenting"? You can look for that.
Hidden Fields: Some traits or preferences help others find you—but don’t need to be shown on your public profile. You stay in control.
The Dating Pool is Optional: You don’t have to match with strangers. Some users only use the app for in-person singles events or to connect with a matchmaker.
Event Host Dashboard: We’ve made it easy for venues and event organizers to host singles events through the platform, then turn those events into matchable experiences. Hosts choose when post-event matching opens, and only attendees can connect.
Support Directory: You can also search for therapists and dating coaches right inside the app. If you want professional support while you're growing or dating, we help you find it.
Who Is This For?
Our early adopters are emotionally intelligent singles—mostly in the 28–45 range—many of whom are divorced, healing, or simply tired of the surface-level games.
They’re not chasing likes. They’re looking for something real.
They’ve done the work—or are finally ready to start.
What We Believe
Love isn’t luck.
It’s not a numbers game.
It’s a relationship with yourself first—and then with someone who gets you.
Start With Me is the space for people who believe in that.
We’re not just creating a dating app. We’re raising the emotional standard of love—and giving people the tools to meet each other with clarity, honesty, and depth.
If that sounds like the kind of love you’re ready for, you’re in the right place.