Embrace the Cringe: Kevin McDonald’s Guide to Gym & Love Success

Getting Real About LGBTQ+ Dating: An Insight from @yourfriendkevin_

Join us as we explore Season 4 of Out’s Dating PrEP. This series features prominent LGBTQ+ figures sharing dating tips and insights for finding self-love and romance. You can catch the entire series on Out.com/DatingPrEP.

Navigating Modern Dating

In the modern world, dating often feels like an endless audition. You constantly curate, filter, and perform, all in the hope that someone will click on your carefully crafted dating app profile. But what if love, and life, were more about showing up sweaty, awkward and unapologetically real?

Meet Kevin McDonald, a Los Angeles-based personal trainer, influencer, and self-described “philosophy bro”. McDonald, known as @yourfriendkevin_ on TikTok, is on a mission to remind us of just that.

Embracing the Cringe with @yourfriendkevin_

Through unfiltered gym fails and messy, hilarious date confessions, McDonald promotes the idea that connection begins when we embrace our flaws and learn to laugh at ourselves. He believes that confidence isn’t sculpted in the gym, but built one honest, vulnerable moment at a time.

Let’s delve into McDonald’s approach to dating, his chaotic date stories, and what it truly means to be your authentic self — cringe and all.

Facing Dating Fears

One of the common fears people have when approaching dating is the fear of being “cringe”. According to McDonald, if you’re already worrying about how you’re being judged, your mindset’s already in the wrong spot. True connection, he believes, comes from focusing on the other person and being your authentic self.

The Importance of Authenticity

McDonald challenges you to ask, why do you feel the need to impress a person? What about your current self is not good enough for them? And is it fair to put that pressure on yourself? In his view, authenticity comes from stepping back and questioning why you feel the need to present a different version of yourself to those you’re trying to impress.

Dealing with Perfectionism in Queer Relationships

In queer relationships, the quest for validation or appearing “perfect” can sometimes be a pitfall. McDonald’s advice? Instead of seeking to be “perfect”, seek to find someone to share affection with, as this goal is much more obtainable and authentic.

Finding Love within the Queer Community

If you’re a queer individual feeling like love is harder to find, McDonald advises that you should look for support, affection, and people who appreciate you. Surrounding yourself with independent, strong, unique people will naturally lead you towards compassion and love.

Queerness Shapes Fitness Journey

McDonald shares that his fitness journey has been greatly influenced by the queer community. The sense of community, whether it’s through group fitness or simply hanging out with friends, has changed the way he views fitness.

Building Confidence Over Time

Building his confidence wasn’t a quick journey for McDonald. It began with making small physical changes and gradually seeing himself in a more positive light. He emphasizes that taking steps towards self-improvement is necessary to build confidence and self-esteem.

Staying Safe While Dating

McDonald advises that protection in dating goes both ways, not just in terms of sexual health but also emotional wellbeing. His key message is to know your worth, trust your partners, and reciprocate that trust.

Challenges within the Queer Community

Finally, McDonald mentions a key issue within the queer community impacting dating: selfishness. He emphasizes that focusing solely on oneself and forgetting the support systems around us puts us at a disadvantage in dating, fitness, and life in general.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.