We’re sitting down with some amazing Canadians who are dishing on all things datenight. From their own first date stories, to dating pet peeves, a look into their businesses and life, advice, and more!
Who they are
Meet Colleen and La Vance Dotson, creators behind the dating app, WooYourBoo. They’ve created a unique platform that allows couples to discover their love languages, and swipe and match on date ideas in their area!
Colleen and La Vance first met at university in the U.S., and have now been married for 13 years with three children (10, six, and five years old).
Since Colleen is Canadian and La Vance is American, they agreed that whoever got the best job first is where they’d move after school. Colleen graduated first, moved back home to Canada, and got a job at a university in Toronto. A few months later, La Vance packed up all his belongings, moved to Canada, and never looked back.
What inspired you to create WooYourBoo?
LD: We married young and up until the point, I had several men who advised me how to get into a relationship but no one ever taught me how to build a relationship. Early in our marriage, my wife said, “La Vance, you don’t woo me”.
I was both offended and inspired. I was offended because I bought her things, took her to restaurants, and all the “typical” stuff you think you should do. Looking back, she was really saying that I didn’t make her feel loved. I was inspired to create WooYourBoo because I wanted to woo her but I didn’t know how to.
Just think about it – how often are men taught how to woo women? I mean we’re taught how to pick them up but rarely how to keep a woman happy for a long period of time.
Let’s talk love languages
CD & LD: Our Love Languages are Physical Touch, Acts of Service, and Quality Time.
Now that we are aware of what makes each other feel loved, we can intentionally do things that will support and strengthen our love in the marriage.
Tell us about your first date
LD: Our first unofficial date was at a Chinese restaurant back in Missouri where she paid because I forgot to activate my debit card. It was so embarrassing! When I told her the issue she said, “You’ll get it next time”.
In my mind I said, “There’s going to be a next time?” I felt like I dropped the ball big time (and I did) but she didn’t make me feel bad for it. I learned more about her in that one act than I did during the entire date.
What are some favourite local date night spots near you?
CD & LD: We had a great spot called Aria but they unfortunately moved to Burlington this summer. We also enjoy hanging out at Chinguacousy Park with our kids, spending quality time alone together, and grabbing sushi from Kibo or August 8 here in Brampton. Gladiator Burger is a great spot as well!
What are your biggest dating pet peeves?
LD: My biggest dating pet peeve is going to a spot with great reviews that turns out to have mediocre service.
CD: Someone asking you out on a date and then when the bill comes they ask if you’re splitting the bill.
What’s the best thing about being part of such a human-driven business in the community?
CD & LD: We believe the only thing that really matters in life is human relationships.
How well we treat the people around us and ourselves is a reflection of how well we live our lives. WooYourBoo is a company that believes all real happiness stems from the quality of relationships we have.
Best piece of dating advice you’d like to share?
CD & LD: Our best dating advice for all couples is to be gracious and leave room for magic. We put a lot of expectations on dating and people that we shouldn’t. If we allow people to be themselves, while being ourselves, we have an opportunity to create a beautiful experience with one another.
Download the Woo Your Boo app here in IOS and Android. You and your boo can swipe and match on date ideas in your area to always have fresh ideas in the mix!
Want to be a creator for Woo Your Boo? Apply here to spread the love.
Keep the magic alive in your relationship with these tips on how to date your spouse. Happy dating!