At a Glance
- Jahad Carter’s “Hopeless Romantic Society” series spotlights dating red flags
- He warns against ignoring gut feelings that signal danger
- Why it matters: His advice helps daters find real connection amid digital-era detachment
Jahad Carter hears the wildest dating stories on the street. The 27-year-old creator of “Hopeless Romantic Society” has built a following by asking strangers one question: “What was the craziest thing you ever did for love?” The answers reveal a pattern Carter calls the “nonchalance epidemic”-people too afraid to show they care.
Street Interviews Reveal Dating Crisis
Carter’s man-on-the-street videos capture raw moments of heartbreak and hope. He approaches strangers with his signature question, then listens as they unload tales of ignored red flags and self-betrayal.
Key takeaways from hundreds of interviews:
- People override their instincts when love feels exciting
- Butterflies often mask danger signals
- The chase for drama blocks real connection
“Just because you love someone and you wanna practice loyalty, you’ll abandon yourself,” Carter tells News Of Los Angeles. He says those so-called butterflies aren’t always romantic-they’re your nervous system flashing warning lights.
Trust Your Wiring, Not the Chase
The influencer emphasizes bodily intuition. “Stop overriding our wiring when we pick up on dangerous, shady behaviors,” he urges. His street interviews show daters repeatedly dismissing gut feelings to stay loyal to partners who display clear warning signs.
Carter’s rule: if someone makes you feel anxious or hyper-alert, pay attention. Real connection feels calm, not chaotic.
Calm Beats Chaos Every Time
After years of dating and documenting others’ stories, Carter learned boredom signals safety. “The calmer and calmer that I feel when opening up or interacting… that is something that I feel like I wanna go closer to,” he shares.
He calls this the “boredom advantage”-steady, easy energy beats roller-coaster drama. When conversation flows without games or anxiety, that’s the right match.
Slow Down to Speed Up Love
For anyone re-entering dating after heartbreak, Carter prescribes patience. His recovery plan:
- Skip nightlife scenes heavy on alcohol
- Avoid party environments designed for hookups
- Seek meet-cutes in everyday places
- Move at a “manicured” pace
“Take your time and listen to yourself and your nervous system,” he advises. Therapy, deep breaths, and slower timelines help daters avoid repeating past patterns.
Bring Back Real-World Romance
Despite his online fame, Carter pushes for offline connection. “We need to bring back the meet-cutes,” he insists. His wish list includes coffee shops, libraries, and park walks-places where conversation happens without screens.
He wants singles to look up from phones and notice people already in their orbit. Real chemistry happens face-to-face, not through filtered photos and curated bios.
End the Nonchalance Epidemic
Carter coins “nonchalance epidemic” to describe dating’s emotional armor. People act indifferent because vulnerability feels risky. They hide feelings to appear cool, then wonder why relationships feel empty.
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and share that you love and care for someone,” he says. Expressing emotion isn’t needy-it’s human.
Never Reward Avoidant Behavior
When someone keeps you guessing, Carter says walk away. “Do not spend your time waiting for someone to show up and be present with you in the connection,” he warns. Awarding inconsistent behavior teaches people they can treat you poorly and still keep your attention.
His bottom line: if they wanted to, they would. If they don’t, believe them and move on.
Key Takeaways
- Trust gut feelings over butterflies
- Calm energy tops dramatic sparks
- Express feelings without apology
- Refuse to wait for inconsistent partners
- Seek real-world meet-cutes over app swipes
Carter continues filming his series while searching for his own coffee-shop moment. Until then, he’ll keep asking strangers about love, recording the answers, and reminding daters that real connection starts with honoring your own instincts.
