Unpopular opinion: I think the whole 'just be yourself' dating advice is a total trap
Went on a date last night where I tried to follow that advice, no filter, just honest about my weird night shift sleep schedule and my deep love for old sci-fi movies. The vibe died in about twenty minutes. She said she had an early morning and left. I'm starting to think 'yourself' is the last person you should be on a first date. Anyone else feel like you have to perform a slightly better version of you just to get past the first meeting?
I used to believe that advice too, but a couple bad dates changed my mind. You kind of have to ease people into your real weirdness, not lead with it. It's like a trailer for a movie, you show the good parts first.