At 59, billionaire Bill Ackman isn't just about making waves in the financial world but also in the realm of dating advice. The founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, known for his sharp investment strategies and outspoken nature, recently took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to offer his unique perspective on meeting women in public settings. Concerned about the happiness and social dynamics of the next generation, Ackman shared some retro-style wisdom that caught many by surprise.
Ackman revealed that during his younger days, he would approach someone he found interesting with the simple question, "May I meet you?" According to him, this straightforward yet polite method almost never failed, allowing him to meet a variety of intriguing individuals. He emphasized the importance of "proper grammar and politeness" in making this approach successful, suggesting it could work across all genders and orientations.
“Just two cents from an older happily married guy concerned about our next generation’s happiness and population replacement rates,” he wrote.
The post, shared on November 16, 2025, quickly gained traction, amassing 24 million views and a flurry of comments. While many applauded Ackman's advice, noting they'd be inclined to agree to a date if approached this way, others responded with humor and skepticism. Some users shared memes and jokes, poking fun at the notion that such a simple line could work universally.
One commenter humorously recounted, "I tried this at the coffee shop. I asked this cute girl sitting next to me, ‘May I meet you?’ She said no. The end," accompanied by a GIF of a comically defeated character. Another meme depicted the influence of appearances on dating success, illustrating two contrasting scenarios with the same pick-up line.
For those unfamiliar, Bill Ackman is a prominent figure in the finance world, with a net worth of $9.2 billion according to Forbes. As the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, his ventures and opinions often make headlines. Not just confined to financial wisdom, Ackman enjoys a substantial following of 1.8 million on X, where his candid views frequently stir public conversation.
Despite the mixed reactions, Ackman stands by his approach, noting that his success with the line occurred even when he didn't have much money. He advocates balancing personal and professional goals, giving each the attention they deserve. In today's digital age, where swiping and DMing dominate, perhaps Ackman's old-school, respectful query might just be the refreshing breeze needed to change the dating game.