Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a dating app?
Nope. SmartHearts is a course and exclusive community of graduates. No swiping, no matching, no inbox full of crickets, or just a bunch of "hey." The community is a space to connect with other self-aware singles who've also completed the course, via forum-based conversation.
How long does it take?
The course takes about 4 hours total, broken into sections you can move through at your own pace. Most people spread it out over a few sittings. There's no timer and no deadline — go at whatever speed actually works for your life.
How much does it cost?
Since we are currently in pre-launch mode, pricing depends on when you join — early members get the biggest discounts (so sign up now for the best rates!). The full price of the final course will be in the $125-150 range.
Will someone be reading my answers in the course?
For most of the course, no. Your reflection exercises are completely private — they're just for you. The reflection exercises are designed to help you think, not to be graded or evaluated by anyone else. However, there are some simple quizzes and surveys that will be read very briefly by our very tiny SmartHearts staff. When taking a quiz that will be read/graded, you will be informed ahead of time.
Is it queer friendly?
Absolutely. The course is written to be inclusive of all identities and orientations. And when community doors open, there will be a dedicated queer space. Fair heads up: that community is still growing, so if it speaks to you, spreading the word helps build something worth being part of.
Who made this?
That would be me, Jen. You can learn more about me here.
Do I need to be actively dating to take this?
Not at all. Whether you're deep in the apps, taking a break, freshly single, or just quietly tired of the same patterns — the course meets you where you are.
Is this like therapy?
It's not therapy, nor is it a substitute for therapy, particularly if you’re dealing with significant mental health stress. You might recognize some of the concepts from therapy or personal development material. It works great alongside therapy, but it's also effective if you’ve never been to therapy.
**If the course feels too emotionally heavy, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here for support.**
**If the course feels too emotionally heavy, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here for support.**
What if I start and don't finish?
The course will be here when you're ready to come back. Life happens. That said, the sections build on each other, and the community access is the grand prize, so finishing is where the real payoff is. You've got this!
What if I've already done a lot of self-work?
That's awesome! If you already know this stuff, the course will probably feel pretty familiar, maybe even validating. And honestly? The best part is beyond just the course content. It's that you'll be joining a community of other singles who will also know this stuff, where everyone's working with the same tools and language.
Will there be live sessions or is it all self-paced?
The course itself is fully self-paced. There will be live Q&A Sessions in the community as it grows. The community will also host local meetups and themed events to attend in real life, right here in Chicago!
Can I do this anonymously?
You'll need to create an authentic account to access the course and community, but you have control over how much of yourself you share in the community space. You'll be able to use your first name or a username in the community. Your reflection work inside the course is always private to you only.
Can I still benefit if I'm not really into online communities?
Yes! There will be in-person events you can attend - both exclusive and public. These will be announced via email and on social media (be sure to follow us!). You can also participate as minimally as you like in the online space. Just remember that the more you participate in the community, the easier it will be to connect with others there.
Would I be required to only date people in SmartHearts?
Absolutely not. The course is designed to help you navigate your own dating life in any situation or environment. The community of graduates is there as an added benefit, giving you a place to easily meet like-minded singles in your area. The course can help you write a better dating app profile, approach someone in public, or develop a stronger bond with someone you already just met.
Can I take the course if I'm already in a relationship?
Yes. The material is applicable no matter your relationship status — understanding yourself and how you show up is always relevant. Just note that the community side is designed exclusively for singles, so that piece wouldn't apply to you. But the course itself? Absolutely fair game.
Are there refunds?
There are no refunds for the course.
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