Betül Büsra is the founder of the offline dating show "Have you heard of...". The show celebrates its first anniversary in October 2025. That's 12 months of PowerPoint pitches in which friends introduce their favorite singles to the audience. A format in which people don't get to know each other based on app profiles, but on how their friends present them in a funny and loving way. In an interview with FAIL IN LOVE NIGHTS, Betül explains how she came up with the idea for "Do you already know..." and what the pitches are all about.
"You already know" brings people together in real life - without swipes and chats. What was the decisive moment for you when you knew We have to take dating offline again?
Honestly? The moment came when I realized that I had played through Bumble - every profile, every conversation, everything seemed so similar. At some point I thought to myself: This can't be it. We scroll, swipe, write - but we don't meet anymore really. And that's when I knew: dating simply has to happen offline, we've forgotten how to approach each other. With real looks, real nervousness and moments that you can't plan or filter.
Many people long for a real connection but are overwhelmed by dating apps at the same time. How does your format help bring trust and ease back into dating?
I think Do you already know...? something happens that apps simply can't do: You see people as they really are - not filtered, not posed and just for real! The singles are introduced by their social environment, with honest, charming insights that are often funnier and more genuine than any self-description. This automatically creates a sense of lightness. And the audience realizes: "Okay, this isn't about being perfect, it's about being human." This creates a nice, relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to get to know someone again - without pressure, without a mask, just with a smile. Dating loses what I consider to be its uptight, posed character - I want to create an atmosphere of looseness and joy.
What should a presentation ideally look like when pitching your single bestie on your stage?
Preferably as you are - genuine, humorous and with a pinch of charm. It's not about giving a perfect PowerPoint show, but rather a little declaration of love for friendship on stage. The best presentations are the ones where you can tell there's heart in it. Whether that's with photos, funny anecdotes or a short video, it doesn't matter. The only important thing is that you show the person as you know them - with their quirks, highlights and everything that makes them lovable - the very things that are withheld from us in online dating. And to be honest: the more personal and imperfect, the better. The public loves authenticity. Therefore: less text, no slides loaded with information, but rather stories and moments that can be underpinned by pictures or videos.
What is the best or perhaps most embarrassing moment that has happened on the "Do you know" stage so far?
In fact, there hasn't been a really embarrassing moment so far - and that's the beauty of it. Even when it comes to dating, the atmosphere is always respectful, warm and full of humor. People laugh with each other, not about someone. We pay attention to this safe space at all our events and are delighted to welcome guests who, like us, also respect it.
The best moment? When singles come up to me after the show and say: "It's the first time in a long time that I've dared to show myself." Or when a pitch actually turns into a couple - those are the moments that make everything worthwhile. I experience a lot of gratitude and encouragement at the events because everyone is tired of online dating. That's why I'm happy every time the event ensures that people who otherwise wouldn't have met are able to meet again.
What general tips can you give people who are currently looking for a new love?
To be honest: we are already perfect as we are. Nobody out there is supposed to 'complete' us - and that's exactly what we should keep reminding ourselves of. If you really internalize this, everything changes: you meet others with more ease, less fear and much more joy. I am a big fan of mindful dating - in other words, getting to know each other more consciously. Instead of directly judging or projecting expectations onto the other person, we can simply listen, feel and ask ourselves: How do I feel about this person right now? I hope that we learn to see and celebrate our own strengths - and not seek them out of a feeling of emptiness or despair. Love should be a complement, not a stopgap.
Thank you very much Betül!
You can find further information at www.kenntihrschon.de