Online Debate Intensifies Over Billionaire's 'May I Meet You?' Dating Advice, With 45% of Young Men Avoiding In-Person Approaches

A seemingly simple dating tip from billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman—the phrase "May I meet you?"—has ignited a widespread online debate and meme storm, prompting commentary from various public figures, including Rob Henderson. The Times and The Sunday Times highlighted the discussion, with Henderson arguing that the line is "not a bad pickup line" amidst concerns that 45% of men aged 18 to 25 have never asked a woman out in person.

Ackman initially shared his go-to approach on X, stating, "I would ask: 'May I meet you?' before engaging further in a conversation." He attributed the line's effectiveness to a combination of proper grammar and politeness, suggesting it as a solution for young men struggling to meet women in an era dominated by dating apps. He maintained that the technique worked for him long before his financial success.

The advice quickly went viral, drawing significant mockery and skepticism across social media platforms. Many users on X shared humorous memes and anecdotal failures, with some finding the line awkward or outdated. Despite the online backlash, Ackman encouraged persistence, telling one user who was rejected, "Her loss, your gain."

Rob Henderson, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, weighed in on the discussion in an article for The Times, asserting that the line "is not cool — but it is kind of interesting." Henderson's piece moved beyond the specific phrase, advocating for young men to become genuinely "interesting" by developing skills, engaging in real-world activities, and improving general conversational abilities. He emphasized that the opening line matters less than the individual's overall substance and confidence.

The phenomenon has also led to discussions about the "Bill Ackman Effect," where the sheer virality and meme status of the line might ironically make it more effective in certain social contexts, creating an inside joke that fosters connection. This broader conversation underscores a prevailing challenge for young adults in navigating in-person social interactions in an increasingly digital world.