Fed-up woman’s brutally honest take on Australian men after dating men in the UK: ‘It’s really embarrassing… get your act together’
Dating apps might offer endless matches, but they’ve rewritten the romance rulebook.
First dates are casual, commitment is uncertain, and for many young Australians, ‘trying hard’ is out of fashion.
And now Cassidy McGill says the cultural shift is impossible to ignore.
After travelling through Europe and returning to London several times, she noticed the contrast between dating overseas and in Australia becomes clearer with every trip.
‘Every time it’s a noticeable difference between how the men are in Australia compared to other parts of the world,’ she said.
Her criticism isn’t aimed at Australian men as people, but at what she sees as a passive dating culture.
‘I think Australian men are becoming more and more nonchalant. Too cool for school,’ she said.
‘They are just simply not approaching women. It is literally an epidemic.’
Cassidy McGill believes the cultural shift in dating expectations has become impossible to ignore
By comparison, London felt unfamiliar.
‘I’ve never been hit on so much in my life. European men are becoming more brazen and forward,’ the former Love Island contestant said.
The difference, she admitted, affected her confidence more than she expected.
‘It’s not like I’ve felt ugly, but the way in which women just don’t get approached in Australia is f***ed,’ she said.
‘It’s something that not just Australian women are talking about. It’s women from all parts of the world that come to Australia. They have the same experience.’
After arriving in London, she said those insecurities disappeared, and she felt like herself again.
Cassidy emphasised that she wasn’t making the comparison because she dislikes Australia.
‘I love Australia. I love where I come from,’ she said.
‘I just know that the Aussie men are going to blow up over this, but you guys suck and you need to get your [act] together because it’s really embarrassing.
‘Your inability to be vulnerable, make the first move, put yourself out there and take the risk of being rejected is so wildly unattractive.’
Has dating become low effort?
Cassidy’s comments come at a time when many singles feel dating is increasingly transactional.
Where previous generations met through work, friends, or chance, today’s dating culture is shaped by apps rewarding quick decisions and the sense another match is always available.
Experts argue this abundance of choice means people invest less in each connection, making it easier to move on rather than work through uncertainty.
Many women responding to Cassidy’s video echoed that feeling.
‘I gave up on the apps because exactly as you said it seemed like every guy on there was only after hookups, wanted a trad wife and kids, or otherwise shared none of my interests,’ one woman wrote.
Another said dates felt one-sided.
‘Australian men don’t have the knack for conversation or hospitality,’ she wrote.
‘I’d be lucky if a date asked me anything about myself. They all want to f*** me at the end, and are pretty disingenuous when it comes to getting me to that point.’
Earlier this year, American expat Becky Perry sparked a similar discussion after describing a first date with an Australian man in Sydney.
He soon told her he wasn’t looking for a relationship as he planned to move overseas, but wanted something casual.
When she declined his suggestion to be friends with benefits but offered friendship, he replied: ‘Why would I be friends with you if I can’t f*** you?’
Thousands of women said it reflected a shift to viewing dating as transactional.
Everyone seems to be waiting
Many men claimed that Australians aren’t lazy, they’re just more cautious.
‘Men these days are worried about being labelled a creep or a stalker or much worse, so there is a reluctance to move without clear signs that she is interested,’ one argued on Reddit.
Another said it’s about culture, not gender.
‘I don’t think dating is harder, I think our generation isn’t taught how to do it,’ he wrote.
‘Men used to be taught to try and fail. Now we’re taught to avoid creepiness at all costs and wait for a perfect green light before making any moves.
‘Women used to be taught to look for a man and show interest. Now they’re taught to be wary and have a shield up.
‘Men are waiting for signals most women aren’t giving, while women are waiting for moves most men aren’t making.’
The tension in 2026 is clear: many women appreciate initiative, while men say they’re reluctant to risk making someone uncomfortable.
Both sides are waiting for the other to go first.
Men don’t need to plan extravagant dates or engage in outdated ideas of courtship – all women like Cassidy are after is someone willing to show genuine interest, plan something thoughtful, and take the risk of hearing ‘no, thank you’
Why does dating feel different overseas?
Some say Australia’s dating culture mirrors its broader social culture.
‘Australians, especially men, are less effusive and demonstrative than Americans,’ wrote one Australian man now living in the US.
Others note that big international cities like London encourage more social interaction.
Millions arrive knowing nobody, making talking to strangers more common – unlike Australia, where friendship groups often form early and stay intact, making it less natural to approach new people.
It’s no secret Australian singles view dating as a chore in 2026. Endlessly swiping, half-hearted chats and fruitless dates leave many questioning whether the effort is worth it.
The central frustration for many is a lack of effort from both sides.
Men don’t need to plan extravagant dates or rely on outdated courtship – most women like Cassidy just want genuine interest, a thoughtful plan, and someone willing to risk hearing, ‘no, thank you.’
