If the answer isn’t a fully confident “yes,” The Boyfriend Formula, is your next step.

If the answer isn’t a fully confident “yes,” The Boyfriend Formula, is your next step.

The Boyfriend Formula is an online coaching program for professional gay men who are sick and tired of the ghosting, rejection and casual dating culture that comes with gay dating and gay relationships.
But it is more than a gay relationship coaching program. This isn't about changing who you are. It's about emotional intelligence in dating and becoming more of who you already are, attracting the right partner, and building something real together.
I work with gay men, professionals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who want to break through personal and relationship barriers, build confidence, and create meaningful connections. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, looking for dating advice for gay men, or ready to find a partner who truly fits your life, The Boyfriend Formula gives you the tools to get there.
Many gay men experience what psychologists call emotional delay, postponing emotional development because, first, we had to learn how to survive in a heteronormative world. That can manifest as overachieving, people-pleasing, emotional overdependence, or avoidance of commitment.
The Boyfriend Formula helps you reconnect with the parts of yourself that want to love and be loved, without having to pretend to be somebody you're not.

Leandro felt stuck and undervalued at work, disconnected in his relationship, and unsure how to move forward. He loved his field but struggled with confidence and clarity.
Through our coaching, Leandro got reminded of his purpose, identified what truly mattered to him, and learned how to present with confidence. He found the courage to have an honest conversation with his partner, leading them to resolve their differences.
At work, his confidence soared. He began receiving praise from clients and his manager, and was soon poached by his dream company, doubling his salary.
He also repaired the relationships with his parents after they became distant after their divorce.
100%
He Did the Work - and It Paid Off
Every stage of The Boyfriend Formula combines my own proven methods with years of research in coaching, therapy, and healing practices. Designed specifically for high-achieving gay men, it helps you build confidence, break old dating patterns, and create real, lasting love and success in every area of your life.
Neuro Pathway Mapping™
Rewire emotional and neurological patterns that sabotage relationships and success.
The Boyfriend Formula™
A ‘you first’ approach to building relationships, focused on emotional intelligence and dating clarity.
The Human Connection Code™
Assess the health and compatibility of your relationships, Based on a 4-pillar, 12-element model.,
Relationship Archetypes
Explore sexual identity, desire, and relationship dynamics unique to gay men.
Helping you deepen intimacy and align erotic and emotional needs.
Lifestyle Alignment Strategy
Design a lifestyle that integrates personal growth with the relationships , career, and social life you want.
Community & Connection
Join a small, supportive group of like-minded gay men, and share the journey with others who understand your challenges and goals.
Within weeks, the entire relationship with my partner evolved. I became more relaxed, there were fewer arguments. Even the incredibly difficult relationship with my father improved.
Mark M.
Manager
Markus has helped me understand that before I can get what I want, I need to first work out what that is. Working with Markus and his Your Ultimate Life Program helped me work out what I wanted and ask for it.
Michael C.
Project Manager
After I worked with Markus, I had the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and I had the courage to make amazing changes. I saw massive changes, including in my business.
Justin G.
Manager
After working with Markus I had the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and the courage to make amazing changes. I saw massive changes, including in my business.
Zee N.
Lecturer
Working with Markus gave me confidence to step up for myself, ultimately helping me get a new job and see big improvements in my relationship.
Martin
Manager in Healthcare
I recently had to make some big decisions in my life and relationship. Working with Markus gave me confidence to step up for myself, ultimately helping me get a new job and see big improvements in my relationship.
Leandro M.
Social Media and Digital Marketing Specialist
I’m Markus van Driel, as a life and relationship coach, I have worked with high achieving gay professionals in Europe, UK and around the world helping them build confidence, break unhelpful dating patterns, and create relationships that truly fit their lives.
Over the last decade, I’ve developed Neuro Pathway Mapping™ and The Boyfriend Formula™, unique philosophies that combine coaching, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence to create lasting change.
My work is built on years of professional training and experience in coaching and therapy-based practices, along with lived experience navigating love, divorce, career, financial struggles and identity as a gay man.
If you’re ready to date with clarity and confidence, this is where we start.
Emotional Intelligence
Relationship Mastery
Communication
Community

(EUR, ex-VAT. 3-month minimum. Available in Dutch and English.)
Please join the waiting list and we will keep you updated when the program starts.
Cohorts are kept intentionally small, up to 10 participants. This ensures everyone gets real coaching time. For the best experience I will run this program only with a minimum of 6 participants
You'll be viewing slides and content, and you'll want to be fully present rather than distracted. A laptop or desktop is strongly recommended, as well as a good internet connection and a quiet space for during group calls. A tablet also works fine, but your phone screen is too small.
All payments are processed securely through Stripe. We accept credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, iDEAL, Revolut Pay and several other options.
The programme is designed specifically for gay men and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The group dynamic, the content and the coaching all reflect that lived experience — which is what makes it different from generic dating or confidence coaching.
