A Costly Mistake and a Deep Disappointment
I hired Pete O’Neal as a dating coach, and it turned out to be one of the most disappointing investments I’ve ever made.
Our initial video call took place on February 5, 2025. At the end of the call, I signed up for 3 months of coaching at a price of $3,500. He immediately pushed me to sign up for a 6-month package instead — despite never having worked together. That was the first red flag: he was more interested in maximizing his earnings than assessing whether we were a good match.
Throughout the program, his coaching approach was one-size-fits-all and rigid. Instead of tailoring strategies to my personality and preferences, Pete insisted on generic formulas — like going to Latin dance classes multiple times per week. I tried this, but quickly found the loud nightclub-style atmosphere overwhelming and counterproductive. When I voiced my discomfort, his response was to "just shout if you have to" and "talk to guys nearby to stay social." He even recommended I go on specific days because another client of his did. It was bizarre.
Expecting someone to thrive in high-stimulation environments they find draining is like giving every patient the same pair of glasses and calling it optometry. It's lazy and negligent — especially at this price point.
I came to Pete hoping to improve my conversational skills in dating. Instead, I got platitudes like “go into Headquarters,” his vague buzzword for discussing "fun" topics — like the beach. He never took the time to understand what I was actually looking for: deeper, more meaningful interactions with women of substance. His coaching seemed geared toward chasing superficial encounters, not building authentic connections.
His advice around fitness was equally rigid and tone-deaf. While encouraging exercise is reasonable, he pushed me to join a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym, despite my complete lack of interest. When I suggested other forms of physical activity I actually enjoyed, he dismissed them and insisted that BJJ was the best option — claiming it burns 1,000 calories per workout, as if that alone made it the only valid path. His unwillingness to adapt his recommendations to my preferences made the entire process feel forced and unsustainable.
Another letdown was the professional photo shoot that was supposed to help with my online dating profile. After the shoot, I was suddenly asked — in front of the photographer — to Venmo him an $80 “tip” because he “drove a long way.” This was never disclosed beforehand, and the social pressure left me little choice but to pay. The photos themselves were underwhelming: all staged, with no variety or social context. Needless to say, they didn’t improve my results.
When I brought up that I wasn’t getting many matches — even after the professional photo shoot — he didn’t consider that the photos themselves might be subpar. Instead, he blamed my physical appearance and, at one point, rhetorically asked, “Do you think hot girls — like 9s or 10s — want to f*** you?” He framed it as “real talk,” but it came off as unnecessary, insulting, and completely unhelpful. Rather than offering constructive feedback, he resorted to shame-based tactics that left me feeling worse, not better.
Midway through the program, I asked Pete if we could pause due to a medical issue. He agreed. But when it became clear I wouldn't be able to continue, I requested a prorated refund — which was clearly outlined as an option in the signed agreement. Pete refused. I filed a dispute with American Express, and while they initially refunded me, they reversed the decision after Pete responded with no new information. I reopened the case and the same thing happened. AmEx’s handling of this was disgraceful, but that’s a separate issue.
The real issue is Pete’s character. He showed no regard for the agreement, no empathy for my health, and no integrity in how he runs his business. He takes advantage of people who are vulnerable, masking it with charm and faux confidence. He is not someone you can trust — with your money or your emotional well-being.
Bottom line: Do not hire Pete O’Neal. If you're serious about improving your dating life, look elsewhere — preferably to someone who listens, adapts, and treats you with basic decency.