MAYA ROSE FERNANDES
Most people struggle to navigate dating culture. Gomantak Times Digital caught up with Riti Pinakin to talk about her dating coach business, based in North Goa, and enlighten us not only about Goa’s dating scene, but also the needs-based services she offers to help men improve their dating game.
Riti has been working in the dating field internationally for six years now. She was based in Barcelona, Spain, for 11 years and previously worked as an event designer before moving full-time into life as a dating coach.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your connection with Goa.
Goa has been my go-to escape for the last decade, and will now be home for the next few years. My coaching business operates, both, in-person and online, and it goes where I go. I’m lucky to have clients all over the world.
Tell us a bit about your coaching business and how it started.
In a nutshell, it started with me giving dating tips to a male friend over dinner a few years ago, and revamping his dating profile. It worked and he had over a 100 matches in a week. He suggested that I do this professionally, and I thought, why not?
After that, through consistent work, training and word of mouth, I was lucky enough to get some amazing clients, and that’s how it began.
I help men understand the intricacies of the dating game and build enjoyable, sexy and safe connections with women. It’s great for men to have a woman’s perspective on the matter, and it’s a win-win for everyone in the dating game.
Dating should be fun and easy, not nerve-wracking, and that’s where I can help.
What is the dating scene in Goa like, from your experience?
It’s quite complex to navigate – there’s a cross section of people not just from all over India, but all over the world, in high concentration, across social and class barriers.
It can be tricky to know who to approach and how, and suss out vibe while finding things in common.
How does Goa compare to the rest of India?
Goa is definitely a bit of a ‘dating bubble’ – there’s a high turnover of people, lots of tourists, and so, the dating pool ebbs and flows a lot compared to metros – this can be great or not, depending on whether you’re looking to keep things casual or seeking a relationship.
Goa is definitely a bit of a ‘dating bubble’ – there’s a high turnover of people, lots of tourists, and so, the dating pool ebbs and flows a lot compared to metros
...and abroad?
The overseas dating scene is a little more open and familiar as people have kind of grown up with it. In India, ‘dating culture’ as a concept is still fairly new, and so can lend itself to a lot of confusion and trial and error.
‘Dating’ seems to form a middle ground between the one-night-stand culture and the other end of the spectrum, which is the more traditional ‘meet with a view to get married eventually’ mindset – fun and easy, but with scope for real connection.
Luckily, my coaching style has developed through experience across Europe and India, and is adaptable to all sorts of different cultural dynamics.
In India, ‘dating culture’ as a concept is still fairly new, and so can lend itself to a lot of confusion and trial and error.
What services do you offer as a dating coach?
My services go beyond just understanding the dating scene; I specialise in helping men understand women deeply. Obviously ‘women’ is a huge generalisation as each one is different, but there are certain universals: confidence is always attractive, overconfidence is always a vibe killer, and there’s a fine line between them.
Knowing how to approach with charisma while also making a woman feel safe and respected is paramount.
So many of my clients are amazed at how making really small and basic changes can really turn the dating game around for them.
So many of my clients are amazed at how making really small and basic changes can really turn the dating game around for them.
What are the differences of using a dating coach vs using a matchmaker or a dating app?
Unlike matchmakers, who make choices on behalf of individuals, and dating apps which essentially just widen the dating pool, I, as a dating coach, empower men to make their own decisions and we learn how to follow through on those.
I focus on great communication and self-worth through a series of classes and roleplays. At the end of them, I can guarantee you’ll have the confidence to talk to any woman in any room, no matter where you are.
I focus on great communication and self-worth through a series of classes and roleplays. At the end of them, I can guarantee you’ll have the confidence to talk to any woman in any room, no matter where you are.
What do you feel are the benefits of using a dating coach?
A coach will define certain concepts and help you practice them till you feel confident enough to do it on our own. As of now, my expertise lies with coaching heterosexual men.
The benefits extend beyond dating insights – self-awareness, great communication, and unwavering confidence are great skills for all walks of life.
In India specifically, it’s important to navigate a maze of traditional and modern dating expectations while approaching women, and my coaching addresses this precisely.
In India specifically, it’s important to navigate a maze of traditional and modern dating expectations while approaching women, and my coaching addresses this precisely.
What are some of the challenges and rewards for you, so far?
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I tailor each course specifically to the needs and goals of each client, and this approach is definitely always appreciated.
Seeing my clients form genuine connections and feeling great about themselves is immensely rewarding.
Challenges arise when individuals are hesitant to step out of their comfort zones or address deep-seated beliefs about relationships and women – this can take a while, but I really do believe anyone can get out of their shell, and at any age.
Seeing my clients form genuine connections and feeling great about themselves is immensely rewarding.
How does one sign up to work with you and what do you cover?
Signing up is open to anyone looking to enhance their dating experiences. This is done with complete confidentiality. No specific criteria need to be met; I coach men of all ages whether they’re just starting out, or maybe looking to get back in the game after a hiatus, and personalise my approach to their specific needs and goals.
Some men want to learn the art of flirting, others want to know how to go beyond dating and find a meaningful relationship. The approach varies accordingly.
The coaching covers everything from how to make first contact, the art of conversation and flirting, to learning certain non-negotiables for all women, non-verbal clues like body language, to how to take rejection in your stride, and many other topics.
Most of these lessons can be applied across in person or through online dating. After the initial coaching, I offer a follow up period.
I also offer a full dating profile rehaul and I’ve never had a client that didn’t get more guaranteed matches after this. Apps are so popular here now, and a lot of men don’t realise how important it is to have a thoughtfully-created profile to stand out from the crowd.
I also offer a full dating profile rehaul and I’ve never had a client that didn’t get more guaranteed matches after this.
What’s next for you and your business?
For those eager to transform their dating lives, do reach out for a personalized consultation. You can connect with me by filling out a contact form at ritipinakin.com, and I’ll be in touch.