Dating is a numbers game. What we try to promise is good first dates. Once that first date happens, it's really up to you.

In this quote, Sam Yagan explains the concept of dating as a "numbers game," implying that success in dating often involves meeting many potential partners to find the right match. He suggests that while dating can feel like a process of trial and error, the key to starting a relationship is having a good first date. Yagan emphasizes that the platform or service, such as OKCupid, can help facilitate those initial connections, but the outcome ultimately depends on the individuals involved and their ability to develop a meaningful connection after that first meeting.

Yagan’s statement highlights the importance of the first date as a critical moment in the dating process. It sets the tone for whether the relationship will move forward or fizzle out. While online dating services can increase the chances of finding a compatible partner, it is still up to the individuals to decide if there is chemistry and potential for a relationship beyond that first interaction.

The origin of this quote comes from Yagan’s role in OKCupid, a dating platform that has focused on improving matching algorithms and providing users with meaningful connections. He is emphasizing that while the platform can set the stage for successful encounters, the ultimate responsibility for making a relationship work lies with the individuals involved. His view reflects the growing understanding that dating apps are tools that help facilitate connections but do not guarantee long-term success on their own.

Ultimately, Yagan’s quote underscores the idea that dating is a process that involves meeting many people to find the right one. While a good first date is important, the success of the relationship depends on how both individuals engage with each other beyond that initial interaction. This reinforces the idea that dating, while facilitated by technology, is ultimately about human connection and effort.