From a popular dating coach and podcast host, a guide to dismantling the myths that get in the way of finding love Does dating feel like you’re chasing a “happily ever after” that always seems out of reach? You’re not many modern daters are stuck following old rules, hung up on ideas like instant chemistry and “the One.” In F the Fairy Tale , love expert Damona Hoffman helps readers break free of those dating myths—and write their own love stories. Drawing on nearly twenty years of experience as a dating coach, Hoffman reveals the four pillars of strong goals, values, communication, and trust. And she doesn’t just tell readers what to do or not to do—she explains why , exploring the psychological and societal factors behind our behavior to help us break free of old habits for good. F the Fairy Tale gives you the tools to create the happy ending to your love story that’s just right for you.
Damona Hoffman, aka “Dear Mrs D”, was an early adopter of the online dating trend in 2001. At the time she was working in television casting for CBS and teaching courses at night for actors on auditioning and marketing techniques. The classes were focused on personal branding and making a good impression in an audition room. She led many actors to career success and several are now regulars on some of TV’s most popular series.
She began applying her techniques for actors towards her own online dating “career” and realized that the better her branding was and the more prepared she was to make the first impression, the better her results. In 2003, she met the man who would later become her husband on a dating site. Shortly after, friends, relatives, and friends of friends began asking for her online dating secret and eventually that turned into a new career. Her unconventional strategy has helped many people find a perfect match online. In addition to writing for The Huffington Post, Damona Hoffman pens a bi-monthly column on JDate, and hosts a radio program, Dates & Mates with Dear Mrs D. Her new book is called "SPIN YOUR WEB: How to Brand Yourself for Successful Online Dating".
Ms. Hoffman holds a B.S. in Communications from Northwestern University and a Graduate Certificate from UCLA.
In theory, this book was really insightful, BUT chapters 8-11 contradicted part 1 and I was wincing every time value and preferences were overly simplified. I'm sorry, but as a dating coach, challenging a client to date interracial with no discussion of cultural competence felt irresponsible. If I take out some of the wonky advice in these chapters and just focus on the writing prompts and exercises, it reads better. In my opinion, the prompts and visualization exercises are worth reading and journaling. The advice wasn't nuanced enough and at times didn't support the point.
Big picture: If you are dating to get married, I think this book could be a really helpful resource to deconstruct how you can go about finding a partner. Spoiler, we all need to learn how to be emotionally competent and available to be a good partner.
Thank you to Seal Press/Hachette for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
F The Fairy Tale by Damona Hoffman is a modern dating guide that covers the common pitfalls and myths that keep couples from finding love in the modern dating app era. She uses examples from her life as a podcast host, tv love expert, columnist and dating app spokesperson to shine a light on some challenges that people have encountered and how to avoid them. She gives practical advice on filtering matches, communication and building connection.
I found this to be a helpful and enjoyable read that uses statistics, common myths and actual experiences with dating to help readers find lasting relationships.
I really liked the four pillars for a solid relationship that can last: goals, values, communication and trust. I’ll add respect in there too. Enjoyed this read, would recommend to my single friends 🙂
GET the book! This had me hooked from page 1. Damona comes accross as one of your girlfriends who tells it to you exactly like it is. She definitely had me dig deeper and change my perspective on what I really want in a partner and what I want for my love story. I'll be braving the waters of Dating again these next few weeks - I'll be sure to update here!
"F the Fairytale" is commendable as Hoffman equipoised empirical research with client's anecdote to evince why following certain protocols will be one's best tactic when dating--despite what is commonly touted. The book is unique as it reads like a hybrid between a textbook and a typical book due to its somewhat colloquial writing.
Top-down, the book is divided into 4 parts that reflect the time horizon of dating. Part 1 is the mindest, part 2 is the search, part 3 is the date and part 4 is the future. Each part is then comprised of multiple chapters that first discusses a dating myth, then a "pillar," and then actionable steps to take. Each part ends with a quick summary of the section. For example, in part 4, The future, Hoffman discusses the "soulmate" myth, and delves into philosophical history--referencing Plato's symposium--to explain the concept of the soulmate and why today's use of the vernacular is misinformed and inappropriate as a mindset for dating. All of her definitions and categories were clearly operationalized which helped with clarity.
She commonly references her experiences in marketing, acting (in improv), social psychology and other well-known dating gurus to augment her viewpoints. For example, Hoffman references Logan Ury, Chief psychologist at Hinge and many social psychologists, including the Gottesman, who are famous for their research on relationship psychology.
Hoffman also boldly takes on controversial topics that many other dating coaches have not broached, demonstrating her unique ability to tactfully tackle political topics. Her specific consideration for safety for the female audience and discussion of race in dating were also wonderfully articulated and not a topic I have seen any other dating coaches truly broach. Additionally, she also takes a modern stance on dating, and classifies the different types of dating apps, and how to effectively date in a pandemic (and modern online dating) context.
On a personal preference, I wish she had more empirical research with outcome data to support her given stances. I enjoy reading the theory of different experiments that would have supported her claim. Though she was brave tackling race and politics in her book, the discussion was also surface level. Hoffman could have supported her book better by showing evidence of why dating other races and embracing DEI may lead to happier marriages using data (or if not, why). People enjoy familiarity and so dating within one culture fits into one's comfort zone as well as obviate possible disagreements. Does she have data to show marital satisfaction and/or divorce rates of those who date/marry across cultures longitudinal versus control groups? Overall, a deeper dive into certain areas of her book would have strengthened her points considerably.
Wishing I read this a few years ago before I started to take dating a lot more seriously as something I pursued. Some useful nuggets in it. Here’s my notecard worth of takeaways
- rejection reframe (50): spare the heartache and find someone who is more prepared and aligned to meet serving your goals. Know that was is for me will not pass me as the feng shui expert shares. - deal breakers (40): “If something is a deeply held value of yours, a match can only shape shift for you for so long before returning to their true self.” - relationship growth mindset (227): grow into an expansive partnership and shared life by looking past quirks since they share your values and qualities you are seeking. “Each day we chose to be together another day.” As John Mayer sings it, Love is a verb which makes it a choice. - Don’t let apathy pervade anymore: “… the biggest pain you will suffer is taht of an unrealized relationship— a love that will never be because you were afraid to be vulnerable and express interest in the other person.” (237) make the follow up clear that you admire and enjoy their company and want to see them again before you say good bye. - Go for the ones you’re physically attracted to, have aligned values with and goals and enjoy spending good ol’ time with them even being bored together. - “Interoception” is the perceptions of sensation insdie your body—> emotional regulation (243) - have a pre-date ritual → workout that day, listen to a playlsit with the best vibes. Call a hypeman or listen to a voice note affirming how you rock. Have a clothing change of at least shoes or earrings to change the mode that you’ve been operating in. - Post date reflection —> what emotions were present on the date? how was the energy? Are you aligned in values? Are you more curious about them? Do you have the same goals? What does your gut say? - End the date on a high note. Make it 60-90 minutes tops to gage interest rather than dragging it on (195) - You can how your interest by flirting with facial expression, tone of voice, playful talking topics, and what you wear. “flirts are not born, they’re made.” (197) - Improv techniques in flirting: 1. Listening: look engagement. Try “yes and…” 2. Storytelling: ask about the concert they went to or event with music experience rather than the music they generally like to hear a story and build off of that. 3. Body language: get out of head and into body. Try mirroring how they are sitting.
(I guess technically this review will contain spoilers, but it's non-fiction, sooooo...)
Overall, I thought this book had a lot of helpful reframings of how we think about and approach modern dating. For example, I think she makes a strong case for giving people at least 3 dates as long as you remain curious about them, even if you haven't felt the elusive "spark." Speaking of, apparently sometimes when you feel initial butterflies, attraction, or sparks, it's actually just your body flooding you with adrenaline because something about the person feels familiar to someone that has previously elicited this response.
She even brought some enlightenment to my own personal feeling that my brain seems to work at half speed when I'm talking to someone I'm interested in, to the point that it takes me so long to process info that I forget to ask follow-up questions and barely talk/don't think of said questions until the convo has already moved on. Apparently, it's a flight, fight, freeze adrenaline response, and my body chooses to freeze!! Yay me!!
I also enjoyed her framing of the importance of shared goals and shared values in replacement of traditional dating rules and more superficial "must-haves" and "dealbreakers." My biggest issue with the book is the importance it usually placed on having/needing a partner, buuuut I guess it is a dating book, so that's not really a fair critique?
***quotes***
"When we have very full, satisfying lives, it's hard to make the space for a person you haven't met to enter into it. I hear from busy clients that they'll make the time when the meet the person, but what they fail to realize is that statistically speaking, going to the same places and doing the same things is likely to yield the same results, in other words, no new matches." (1:43:50)
"You want a relationship, but it helps to see it as additive to your already full life, not filling a hole of something is missing." (1:48:05)
***reminders to myself*** Tidbit about 4 different types of dating apps: -Legacy (match, OKcupid, etc) -Swipe/big net (Bumble, Tinder, etc) -3rd type that is more select, I forget the name (eHarmony, coffeemeetsbagel) -Niche (JDate, ChristianMingle, OnlyFarmers, etc.)
if you’re serious about getting out there again, this is the book for you! Don’t bother reading anything else because this book pretty much covers the important stuff without any extra fluff. Damon’s covers what’s important (the 4 pillars: goals, values, communication, and trust) and what’s not (the 4 myths: lists, rules, chemistry, and soulmates). This book was SO well written and well organized. It was clear and concise and really easy to read through, saving you time so you can go and start actually dating and getting your online profiles ready. I’ve read other dating books (ahem Ury and Kim) and they were so all over the place and focused a lot on what happened in the authors love lives, with little actual advice. This book is the complete opposite: Of course the book offers personal anecdotes, but to a small degree, leaving plenty of room for more facts and data.
I’m subtracting one star for some items that were a bit “woo-woo” (feng shui, vision boarding), however to Damona’s credit she does actually point this out and acknowledges this.
Great book! Highly recommend for both the seasoned and newbie dater!!!
F the Fairy Tale is a wonderful new book from acclaimed dating coach Damona Hoffman. It is extremely informative and filled with excellent thoughts and advice on modern-day dating. This is not a how-to guide but in the author's own words, a "why-how" guide. She lays out all of the developments such as travel, technology, and gender equality and how they have drastically changed dating. She presents what she feels are the four most common dating myths and how to work to overcome them. She explains how to discover the personal beliefs that may be limiting your success in the dating world and offers sound advice on how to navigate the dating world in every aspect. Most importantly, she teaches us what she refers to as the four pillars or elements that promote the healthiest and longest lasting of relationships. Everyone in the dating world today could use this book. Many thanks to Seal Press for the chance to read a copy and express my opinion.
So far... I am still in the introduction and I have a feeling I will find this book and its author hard to relate to. She talks about being brown skinned with wild curly hair and full figured or curvy... And I looked at the back cover at the white woman who wrote this book with head tilt... what??? Okay her hair and nose could lean towards poc, but her skin is alabaster white. Okay, no issue, maybe I will relate fine as I am white and full figured and tall, yeah, maybe I can relate. Then she starts online dating on websites and has dates lined up in the first week... so... no, I won't be able to relate at all. I did online dating in 2015 and it wasn't that easy. I guess I will see where this goes.
This is a fantastic nuts and bolts guide to finding love in the modern era. F The Fairy Tale gives readers researched backed best practices for every phase of modern dating. Everything from how to select the correct dating profile photos to selecting your partner based on goals and values is in this book. If you want to get out off the cycle of endless swiping and get practical steps to finding your forever person, then this book is for you.
The book is easy to read and excellently indexed so you can go right to the section that would best help you. This is the book modern daters need.
Dating is hard no matter how you look at it. Before Covid when people did talk to each other a little it was hard. Since the computer and all the different websites, social media it has gotten worse. Men have forgotten how to talk to women and women have forgotten how to communicate too. It's a mess. This book did break down the myths which had me laughing because we all like to build this dream of the perfect person....a lot of SINGLE folks need to read this book and get out there! A saying I once was told.....every pot has a cover!!!
Hoffman had an event at the local bookstore and after she read some of the intro to her book, I decided to check it out because she starts by saying how she wasn't an It Girl in high school or college and that she was always the one left holding her friends' bags (literally) while they were chatted up by guys. Since that was my experience as well, I was hoping that she would give insight about living through that or what her experiences with dating were like, but those first few pages are the only place she mentioned it. She goes from a dating desert to going out all the time in her twenties, which...I can't relate, so it was a wash on that front.
At any rate, the book gives practical advice for online dating and things to consider when dating and developing a relationship. There are several journaling exercises throughout, and I found the questions to be pretty thoughtful, so I would definitely recommend the book for that. The writing is clear and straightforward as well as encouraging. However, I am still on the lookout for a book that's about dating for people who can't get dates, so the search continues.
For my eyes only (aka gibberish that only makes sense to me):
I loved this book! I listened to it because I have listened to her podcast. I found this to be a helpful and enjoyable read that uses statistics, common myths, and actual experiences with dating to help readers find lasting relationships. Hoffman gives practical advice on filtering matches, communication, and building connections.
Even if you are already in a relationship (like myself), there is some solid information about expectation and communication that is helpful in all facets of life.
Dating is hard, this book won’t change that, but it was a nice take on how to figure out what you are hoping to find and tips on how to find it. Most of us are dating with a “myth,” and while we might not consciously call it a myth, we are looking for something that isn’t necessarily easy to find. Instead of falling for myths she details various pillars that she has seen build strong relationships. These include goals, values, communication, and trust, and she provides guidance on how to incorporate those pillars in your dating goals. Dating has changed in recent years and it is really not getting any easier for those of us wading through trying to find someone to do life with. This book might help you find more tools to add to your backpack as you brace yourself and try to put yourself out there.
My favourite book this year so far. It's helped me realize what I am looking for in a real relationship. The foundational pillars and also what I need to work on for myself. Fantastic book with the practical tips we all need to see us through modern day dating.
Absolutely definitive guide to understanding the dating process today. In clear and enjoyable language, Damona guides us in learning more about ourselves; as a 60+ female, I'm feeling much more hopeful about finding that special someone...
Very practical! Appreciated that. No nonsense. Fun as an audiobook. Inspired me to get on a data driven dating app where I now have met my soulmate - 97% match despite all my “requirements” so thank you to the author for this one :)
This is very close to the curriculum that I teach for Healthy Relationships but adds in tips for online dating. Would be a great read for singles and those that are dating.
I love Damona and I support everything that she does! Good insights about dating & love. Some things I knew and some things were new. Got some good tips to equip me on my dating journey.
wasn’t familiar with Damona Hoffman before this but I am now a HUGE fan. Boiling down the dating process, and pulling back to show where to really put your energy during that search and exploration process, Hoffman has put forth a really marvelous book.
Giving actionable steps to evaluate what one is looking for, and guidance in how to filter for what’s really important, she points out how many people cast too wide a net in some cases and are too picky with their dealbreakers. This may be what resonated with me most. Some of it is what I’ve found myself telling friends for years. To see these thoughts here, backed up with Hoffman’s client experiences and examples, was pretty satisfying, I have to say.
While I don’t think any self-improvement or advice books should be followed to the word, this one provides a solid way forward for people in any phase of their dating journey. Broken down into the mindset, the search, the date, and the future, there is fresh perspective on how to think strategically and creatively in the process.
The author’s clients are lucky to have her hands on help but, for those of you who want to benefit from her wisdom when that’s not an option, pick up this book!