Pop Culture

Nia Long Says She Wants 'Effort' In Dating, Jokes About Hookups Signing NDAs

The 'Michael' actress admits that she doesn't know how to "casually date."

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 20: Nia Long attends the Premiere of Lionsgate's "Michael" at Dolby Theatre on April 20, 2026 in Hollywood, California.
Julian Hamilton/FilmMagic

Nia Long has serious expectations when it comes to dating.

The Michael actress was a guest on the Tuesday (April 21) episode of the podcast Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, where she detailed what she seeks in a dating partner in the years since breaking up with her ex-fiancé, Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka. The former couple shares a 14-year-old son, Kez, while Long also has a 25-year-old son, Massai Dorsey II, from a previous relationship.

Around the 56-minute mark of the video below, Long joked that dating is “stupid” and “so dumb,” before explaining what she wants from a partner.

“I want flowers sent to my house. I need you to show consistent effort. I need you to show me that I need you,” the actress said.

Long added that she’s “experienced good love” throughout her life, causing her to notice the difference between genuine connection and “playtime.”

“But what I do think I need to do more of is engage in playtime,” she admitted. “‘Cause I've always been in a relationship. I've always been like, "‘Oh, you like me. I like you. Okay, now we're a thing.’ And then five years later and you're like, Oh, whoa. But I don't really know how to casually date.”

The entertainer and Palmer also laughed about wanting possible short-term partners to sign non-disclosure agreements, which mirrors something Long said in a recent Playboy interview.

“People talk too much. I need them to shut up. If we’re going to have a one-night stand, I almost feel like I need to have them sign NDAs,” she told the publication.

Last month, Long filed a restraining order against a woman who thought she was romantically involved with The Best Man star. The alleged stalker, Carrie McDonald, was reported to have repeatedly come to Long’s home in Los Angeles uninvited, in addition to sending gifts and love letters.

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