If anyone understands how to set a mood, it’s Troye Sivan. Bumble just named the pop star as the first international host of their social series Bee Line, where he takes calls from users and hands out real-time advice on everything from awkward openers to hosting someone at your apartment.
Between prepping for the release of his upcoming album, She’s the Best (dropping October 9), Sivan sat down to field dating questions with his usual charm and zero filter.
Here is what went down during his turn on the hotline, along with his essential rules for surviving modern dating.
Navigating Red Flags and Hard-to-Get Games
Sivan did not hold back when callers brought him their worst dating dilemmas. When one user asked if playing hard to get actually works, he suggested keeping things simple rather than playing games.
“There’s a balance, I think,” Sivan said. “Everyone likes a little bit of a chase, but also communication is key. Don’t be crazy. Don’t be toxic. Don’t be weird. I think you should follow your gut. If you are excited to talk to the person, I think that you should talk to the person.”
Thank you Troye for not being a complete sociopath like the rest of the single men out there! He also had zero patience for self-absorbed matches. One caller mentioned a guy who claimed he had “never met a girl like her,” yet had not asked a single question about her life.
“If he hasn’t asked a single question about you, what is he talking about?” Sivan asked. “I think this is a major red flag. This guy sounds like a con artist, honestly. And I think that you need to run fast. For everyone out there, ask questions on dates. Let’s like, get it together.”
And I am right there with Troye. Men these days like to project this persona of someone deeply curious and inquisitive when they’re really just preoccupied with themselves. In an era where everyone conflates working on their life goals with selfishness and self involvement, we’re all doomed to see these jokes of men several times around us. They’re growing at alarming rates…
Setting the Vibe for Home Dates
When a caller asked how to host someone for the first time, Sivan treated the topic like an art form. He broke down his routine for making a space feel welcoming without trying too hard.
First up is scent. Sivan recommends lighting a candle 15 to 20 minutes before your date arrives. His personal choice is Sassafras by Tzulang Yo for something woody and cozy (sounds very chic and I approve).
Lighting came next, and he made his stance on ceiling lights crystal clear.
“No overhead lights, especially not on a date,” Sivan said. “You want lamps, you want candles, create an atmosphere.” PREACH TROYE. We must eliminate overhead lighting, especially industrial lighting. It has no space in 2026 or any year for that matter.
Food and music round out his host checklist. He suggested having refreshments ready, with one key ground rule: skip the onions and garlic in case things go well. For the music, he playfully plugged his own upcoming release.
“You might wanna listen to She’s the Best by Troye Sivan,” he joked. “I’ve heard it gets people laid all the time.” Oh Troye, you sure know to market. What a cheeky plug.
Music Taste, Bill Splitting, and Calling in Sick
The advice kept rolling as Sivan tackled financial etiquette and workplace priorities. When asked about who pays on a second date after the guy took care of drinks on the first, Sivan said it makes sense to step up.
“I do think it’s on you,” he said. “It’s nice to split the bill or share or take turns. I always try to pay, always. And then if they’re really insistent, I’ll let them pay sometimes. If they got the last one, maybe it’s your turn.”
Another caller asked if a date offering to “chuck a sickie” (Australian slang for calling in sick to work) was a green flag. Sivan immediately approved, sharing a story about a friend who called out of work at a hospital just to hang out on the beach in Perth with Dua Lipa, only to get caught when paparazzi photos surfaced online, awkward… but hey, I’d also ditch work to hang with Ms. Lipa.
Finally, when asked if dating someone with completely different music taste is a dealbreaker, Sivan called his sister, Sage, for a second opinion. She pointed out that watching a partner get passionate about something they love is actually endearing. Sivan agreed, calling it “sexy and cool to be taught about music.”
Whether you need to overhaul your apartment lighting or ditch a match who only talks about himself, Sivan’s guide is a solid starting point.
