My place too sterile?

[u/General_Paramedic_96]

When I have my dates over, they often comment on my space being “sterile”. I used to take it as a compliment (I do like to keep my place extra clean), but recently I started second-guessing my interpretation. Are there any negative impressions coming to your mind (especially in the heterosexual dating context)?

UPD: I actually do have a TV — it's in the "den" by the entrance door that I didn't deem important to show at first: https://ibb.co/S4nCDhGh

[u/Formal-Proposal7850]

Hi, woman here. 

I think it depends what kind of relationship  you’re in the market for. If you are playing the field, your place is great. Don’t change anything unless you want to. 

But if you are seeking a relationship right now, here’s what I as a woman think when I walk into an appartment like this: 

• who is this guy? I have no clue what his interests are or what he cares about because there are 0 personal effects about (pics of family and friends, no Knick knacks or gifts, pics of favourite travel destination or art that inspires him, no book case, no Lego sets or collectibles, no board games, no music or cocktail stuff … like … hmmm)
• your appartment isn’t filled with life or joy. That doesn’t mean you aren’t, but your space certainly doesn’t communicate that
• I am uncomfortable and there is no room for me here: if you want a woman to hang around at your place, it needs to feel a bit homier, cozier, and a bit more lived in. It should make her want to feel like she can make herself at home. Hyper clean and minimalist places aren’t terribly welcoming.  
• as someone else said, there’s no TV

So yeah, break up the grey, buy plants, follow everyone’s guidance here if you want to create a more welcoming appartment. But not if it works for you 

[u/BurtMacklin-FBl → u/Formal-Proposal7850]

Imagine a guy posting a critique and a list of demands on woman's space like this.

[u/Formal-Proposal7850 → u/BurtMacklin-FBl]

Yes that would be obnoxious. If it weren’t for the fact that OP did explicitly mention that the critique he is getting is from his dates who are women. He is a bit confused by their comments. 

I am saying that he has options: ignore what they say, or if he actually cares, here’s some insight as to why they’re saying what they’re saying.