"Can I Meet You?": Bill Ackman's Dating Advice Goes Viral

The Pick-Up Line That Went Viral

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman recently shared a unique piece of advice on social media, sparking a wave of reactions that ranged from humor to serious discussions about modern dating. The financier, who is 59 years old, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his thoughts on how online culture has impacted the way people meet strangers.

Ackman noted that many young men find it challenging to connect with women in public settings. He then offered a piece of dating advice—his go-to pick-up line. "May I meet you?" he wrote, explaining that he almost never received a "No" in response. This simple question, he said, often led to further conversations and helped him meet "a lot of really interesting people."

He emphasized that the combination of proper grammar and politeness was key to the line's effectiveness. Ackman encouraged others to try it out, suggesting that it could be a useful tool for initiating conversations.

The post quickly gained traction, receiving over 33 million views and more than 4,600 comments by Tuesday. Much of the engagement came in the form of memes and jokes, with users playing on the line's simplicity and formality.

One user created a meme featuring Steve Buscemi dressed as a teenager from 30 Rock, referencing the popular "How do you do, fellow kids" meme. This highlighted the awkwardness of older adults trying to relate to younger generations. Others took a different approach, pairing Ackman’s line with images of comedian Shane Gillis staring into the camera or former U.S. President Joe Biden whispering into a woman’s ear.

A comment quoted by People suggested that the line would have a different reception if delivered by a "5’8" junior banker" instead of a "6’3" hedge fund billionaire." Many users also pointed out Ackman’s wealth, calling him "out of touch" and advising him to focus on financial advice rather than dating tips.

Despite the humor, Ackman’s post also sparked a broader conversation about how romantic interactions now take place behind screens rather than in real life. Jess Carbino, a former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble, told Fortune that approaching someone in person feels foreign to many young adults because it is no longer the norm.

While the line’s formality made it easy to mock, it also hinted at the structured approach that many young people miss, which explains why it resonated with some. Carbino added that the weekend’s fascination with the line says more about the underlying vulnerability of people than the charm of the line itself.

After the post went viral, Ackman clarified that the line works best "when you are moving" and mentioned hearing that a Stanford student had successfully used it. He concluded by stating that a world where human interaction is encouraged and rewarded is a better one.

Bill Ackman is the founder and CEO of hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management. As of November 18, he has a net worth of $9.3 billion, according to Forbes.