Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina went viral recently for giving out some hard-learned dating wisdom to men: stop sending her photos of their genitals in her DMs (direct messages). The Republican congresswoman made the blunt request during a public interview, where she was also asked whether she would ever date a Democrat.
Mace said in the interview with TMZ that she would consider it if she ever decides to date again, but suggested her recent experiences with unwanted explicit messages have not exactly made the prospect more appealing, as, according to her, “That’s nasty!” With that said, Mace said she has received plenty of dating offers since photos of her tattooed arms went viral, but she has turned down the men who approached her regardless of their political affiliation.
The state representative also said she is unsure whether she wants a relationship at all. With her children grown, Mace described herself as a happy, independent woman who enjoys being a single pet owner and workaholic. The congresswoman also referenced having endured traumatic romantic experiences, separate from her two divorces.
Rep. Mace appeared to be referring to her former fiancé Patrick Bryant, whom she has alleged took nude photos and videos of her without her consent. Bryant has denied the allegations. For Mace, unsolicited nude photos clearly aren’t helping anyone’s chances. “I’m happy,” she said, according to TMZ’s account, while making clear that sending explicit pictures isn’t the way into her heart. Still, she also isn’t ruling out finding love in the future, even if it’s a Democrat.
The internet has plenty of advice for Rep. Mace
Mace’s comments quickly produced a wave of reactions online, ranging from supportive dating advice to jokes. “Don’t give up. You’ll find Mr. Right. Just take your time and don’t force it. You deserve to be happy,” wrote one helpful X commenter. Another commenter criticized men who send unsolicited explicit images, calling the behavior “seriously low class.”
Others took a less sympathetic approach. One commenter joked, “What about brick pics?” while another wrote, “Real men don’t send d pics they disappoint women in person.” Mace has apparently joined in on the joke, especially those with political flavors. Apparently, some X users have been sending her pictures of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, presenting them as a d[expletive] pic.
In any case, Mace is scheduled to leave Congress in January, potentially giving her more time for a personal life if she eventually decides she wants one. For now, however, her message to potential suitors is straightforward: politics apparently isn’t the dealbreaker, but unsolicited nude photos are. Ironically, an X user roleplaying as George Washington couldn’t help but drop a nugget of wisdom for Mace, writing, “stop defacing your body with crazy tattoos and you’ll meet a better quality of guys.”
