Dating Intentionally

What if dating apps aren’t the problem, but the expectations we bring to them? In this episode, I’m talking with sociologist and dating expert Dr. Jess Carbino about how dating apps have changed the way we meet people, why we put so much pressure on finding an instant connection, and how to approach dating with more intention. Jess shares what she learned from her time as Tinder’s 25th employee, why the spark isn’t the only thing that matters when choosing a partner, and how romantic relationships can help us understand ourselves and change the patterns we bring into our relationships. We’re getting into how to... Use dating apps as a way to meet people instead of treating every match like a promise of a relationship Let go of the pressure to find a magical meet-cute or experience love at first sight Balance chemistry and attraction with compatibility and long-term potential Understand how our early relationships shape the patterns we repeat in adulthood Think critically about how AI can help with dating and where it can get in the way of genuine connection Decide what matters most to you before you start swiping Know what you can and can’t learn about someone from a dating profile Create a dating profile that reflects who you really are instead of who you think you should be Stop trying to present an idealized version of yourself to attract a partner Approach dating with more confidence and trust that not meeting someone yet doesn’t mean you never will Plus, Jess and I answer a dating dilemma from a 46-year-old single dad who has started dating a woman again after their first attempt ended because she didn’t feel the spark. We talk about how long to give the connection to develop, what might be holding her back, and what he should consider before continuing to invest in the relationship. MENTIONED Jess’s upcoming book: Better Love — available to preorder through her website MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me Submit a dating dilemma

What do you do when someone’s words say one thing, but their actions tell a different story? In this episode, I’m answering four Dating Dilemmas about confusing behavior, mixed signals, and figuring out whether a connection is actually right for you. We’re talking about someone who keeps dating you but won't define the relationship, someone who says they’re ready to date but isn’t available, a long-distance connection that goes nowhere, and a relationship that starts intensely and then ends abruptly. The common thread? Instead of trying to figure out exactly how someone feels about you, pay attention to how their behavior makes you feel and whether the relationship they’re offering is one you actually want. Submit a dating dilemma: https://forms.gle/qNimkXbWPwM4euW47 In this episode: How to ask for clarity when someone avoids commitment What to do when someone isn’t ready to date How to navigate a confusing long-distance connection Why intense beginnings don’t guarantee lasting interest How to recognize unhealthy communication patterns Why you don’t have to match someone else’s pace How to move on without waiting for an apology When to stop playing detective and trust what you see MENTIONED: Episode 306 on pacing mismatch MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me Submit a dating dilemma

What if building a lasting relationship has less to do with falling in love and more to do with knowing yourself, choosing the right person, and learning how to love someone who is different from you? In this episode, I’m talking with relationship expert Kristy Scher about why we can’t rely on chemistry and the excitement of falling in love alone to build a lasting relationship, and how developing self-awareness and taking responsibility for our own behavior can change the way we show up in relationships. Kristy breaks down the difference between falling in love and mature love, why disillusionment is a necessary part of building intimacy, and how learning to tolerate discomfort and embrace our differences can help us create deeper, more connected relationships. We’re getting into how to... Find the right fit instead of getting swept up in the intensity of falling in love Understand the three essentials of a lasting partnership: love, lust, and like Move through disillusionment and build mature love Stay true to yourself while making room for your partner to be different Recognize how social media shapes our views of relationships and gender Understand how childhood experiences and personal wounds affect our relationships Take responsibility for your own behavior instead of focusing only on your partner’s flaws Appreciate your partner’s efforts while giving grace without dropping your standards Get comfortable with silence and stop feeling responsible for carrying every conversation Stop imagining a future with someone before you know them and learn to tolerate uncertainty in dating Plus, Kristy and I answer a dating dilemma from a 26-year-old man who wants a serious relationship but finds himself imagining a future with women before he even knows them. We talk about why the desire for connection can make us rush ahead, how to get curious about our own unmet needs, and why taking the time to discover whether someone is actually right for you matters more than simply finding someone who’s available. MENTIONED Kristy’s year-long program: The Way of the Adored Woman™ Kristy’s Instagram MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me Submit a dating dilemma

Have you ever gone on what felt like a really good date, only to get the dreaded “I had a great time, but I didn’t feel a romantic connection” text afterward? In this episode, I’m breaking down what actually creates romantic connection in early dating and 10 ways to make it easier for that connection to develop without forcing chemistry, performing, or trying to convince someone to like you. I’m getting into... What a romantic connection actually feels like in the first few dates Why a great conversation doesn’t always translate into romantic chemistry Why first dates can feel more like performances than real connection The interview, audition, and evaluation date traps that keep dates feeling platonic Why playing it cool and waiting for the other person to make every move can kill momentum How compliments, vulnerability, and follow-up questions create more connection Why showing more of your personality makes you more attractive to the right people The role texting and between-date communication plays in building momentum Why physical touch and flirting matter and how to do both without making things overly sexual How being honest about your interest can make dating feel less confusing Why talking about your goals and dreams can create surprising intimacy How to give someone more access to the real you without oversharing Why your job isn’t to make someone like you, but to make it possible for them to actually get to know you Plus, I answer a Dating Dilemma from a listener wondering how to embrace a slow burn when the person she’s dating is still seeing other people, including how to think about exclusivity, sex, and boundaries in early dating. MENTIONED IN THIS EP Ep 211 on flirting w/ Francesca Hogi THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me Submit a dating dilemma

What if getting divorced wasn’t the end of your love story, but a chance to rebuild your life and learn to date in a completely different way? In this episode, I’m talking with dating-after-divorce creator Alex Daly about dating after divorce, rebuilding your life from scratch, and how approaching dating with curiosity and an experimental mindset can help you figure out what you actually want. Alex shares her experience of getting divorced in her late 30s, moving to a new city, and re-entering the dating world after a long break. We’re talking about her Hoe era, why dating doesn’t have to be so serious, and how letting go of the pressure to find a relationship can actually create space for a connection to develop naturally. We’re getting into how to... Rebuild your life and approach dating after divorce Use dating as an opportunity to explore what you actually want Have a "Hoe era" without shame, guilt, or putting pressure on yourself to find a relationship Date safely and have conversations about sexual health Handle ghosting and other disappointing parts of dating without taking them personally Let go of arbitrary dating rules and take an experimental approach instead Know when it’s time to try dating outside of your usual “type” Transition from enjoying your single life into a relationship without rushing it Have check-in conversations with a new partner without turning them into pressure-filled “what are we?” conversations Look at your own patterns and take responsibility for how you show up in relationships Talk about divorce in early dating without oversharing or bad-mouthing your ex Build a relationship differently after learning from what didn’t work in the past Trust that it’s never too late to start over, date, explore, or find love Plus, Alex and I answer a dating dilemma from a listener who has spent years repeating a cycle with her ex-husband and continues to find herself attracted to men who don’t choose her. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me Submit a dating dilemma

How fast should a relationship actually move? In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the trickiest parts of early dating: what to do when you and the person you’re dating aren’t moving at the same pace. We’ll talk about why pacing mismatches are so normal, how to tell when a relationship is simply moving slowly versus going nowhere, and how to navigate it when one person is ready for the next step before the other. I'm getting into... Why there’s no universal timeline for becoming official, having sex, saying “I love you,” or hitting other relationship milestones The difference between a pacing mismatch and a pacing problem Why wanting the same relationship but moving at different speeds can still work How to talk about pacing without turning every date into a relationship check-in What to say when you need more time or when you’re the one waiting Why someone moving slowly doesn’t necessarily mean they’re less interested in you How to know when “slow” has become stagnant The five areas of a relationship where you should still see some forward motion Why catching feelings makes pacing feel so much more stressful How to stay present and keep vetting someone instead of obsessing over the next milestone Plus, I answer a Dating Dilemma from a listener whose two past connections unexpectedly came back into her life. MENTIONED: The Slow Burn Masterclass: How To Stop Rushing Connections - live on 10/19! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me Submit a dating dilemma

Why do so many couples who believe in equality still end up falling into traditional gender roles? I’m joined by Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez, author of The Ambition Penalty, to talk about what happens when money, ambition, power, and gender collide in dating and relationships. We get into why women’s success can create unexpected tension in heterosexual relationships, what happens when a woman earns more than her male partner, and why saying you want an equal relationship is very different from building one in practice. We also talk about dating when you’re financially successful, expanding what it means to “provide,” when to start talking about money, and how to think about a partner who isn’t where you want them to be financially. In this episode... Why modern couples still fall into traditional gender roles What can happen when a woman earns more than her male partner Why believing in equality doesn’t automatically create an equal relationship What real support for an ambitious partner looks like in practice Why “providing” in a relationship should mean much more than money When and how to start talking about salary, debt, savings, and finances while dating How to date someone who is financially behind without dating their potential Why having a full life and strong community outside your relationship matters MENTIONED Stefanie’s Substack, Too Ambitious Fair Play by Eve Rodsky THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me Submit a dating dilemma

Texting can create SO much unnecessary anxiety in early dating. You’re wondering if you’re texting too much, if you should text first, why they suddenly seem less responsive, or whether someone who’s great in person but terrible over text is actually worth pursuing. In this episode, I’m breaking down what texting should actually look like before, after and between dates so you can stop analyzing every message and focus more on the connection happening in real life. This episode originally aired in December 2023. You’ll learn: Why texting too much before a first date can create false intimacy Why you don’t need to wait for someone else to text first after a good date The texting mistake that can turn a promising connection into a pen-pal situation What realistic communication between dates can look like What to do when you notice someone’s texting suddenly slow down or change How to handle dating someone who texts much less than you’d prefer Why double texting isn’t the dating crime people make it out to be What to do when texting turns sexual earlier than you’re comfortable with Plus, I answer a new Dating Dilemma from a listener who's worried she accidentally gave her date the impression that she only wants something physical. MENTIONED Speaking in Thumbs by Mimi Winsberg Free Texting Templates! MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me Submit a dating dilemma

What if the secret to better dates isn’t saying the “right” thing, but worrying less about how you’re coming across and getting more curious about the person in front of you? In this episode, I’m talking with experimental social psychologist and author Vanessa Bohns about the science of what we say, what we hold back, and how other people actually respond to us. Vanessa breaks down why we often underestimate how much people like us, why vulnerability tends to go over better than we expect, and how asking the right kinds of questions can create more intimacy without making a date feel like an interview. We’re getting into how to... Decide when to share something vulnerable or sensitive in early dating Tell the difference between healthy vulnerability and trauma dumping Figure out why you feel the urge to disclose something Talk about your accomplishments without sounding like you’re bragging Understand the “liking gap” and why your dates may like you more than you think Ask questions that actually build connection instead of slipping into interview mode Use follow-up questions to naturally get into deeper conversations Handle dates where you’re doing all the asking and they aren’t asking anything back Decide whether you should give someone feedback after a date Be honest without saying something unnecessarily hurtful Stop focusing so much on impressing someone and start paying attention to whether you actually like them Plus, Vanessa and I answer a dating dilemma from a listener who is four dates in with someone she likes and wondering whether she should proactively tell him she’s still dating other people. MENTIONED Vanessa's book: Should I Say Something?: The Science of What to Share―and What to Keep to Yourself Vanessa's Instagram MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me Submit a dating dilemma

How do you actually know if you’re in a healthy relationship? In this episode, I’m breaking down the four pillars I believe healthy relationships are built on: responsiveness, safety, freedom, and connection. We’ll talk about what each one actually looks like, where we tend to get it wrong, and how you can start building these qualities from the very beginning of dating. I'm getting into... What it really means to feel understood and cared for by your partner Why validation doesn’t mean agreeing with everything your partner says How to tell the difference between relationship safety and simply avoiding conflict Why calm and steadiness aren’t signs that something is missing How independence and freedom can actually strengthen your relationship Why your partner shouldn’t have to be your entire support system How small everyday “bids for connection” build intimacy over time What to look for in early dating if you want to build a healthy long-term relationship Four questions you can ask yourself to assess the health of your relationship Plus, I answer a Dating Dilemma from a listener wondering whether she should give a promising connection more time or whether she’s already trying too hard to manage her way into compatibility. MENTIONED: Episode 244 on building inner security THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me Submit a dating dilemma

What if jealousy wasn’t a sign that something is wrong with you or your relationship, but an emotion you could actually learn from? In this episode, I’m talking with relationship coach Ally Iseman about why jealousy gets such a bad reputation, what it’s actually trying to tell us, and how to work through it without blaming your partner or shaming yourself. Ally breaks down the different types of jealousy, including insecurity, comparison, fear of abandonment, distrust, and retroactive jealousy, and explains why learning to tolerate discomfort is one of the most important relationship skills you can build. We’re getting into how to... The difference between jealousy and envy Figure out whether your jealousy is about you, your relationship, or something from your past What to do when jealousy comes up Work through retroactive jealousy Ask your partner for reassurance without making them responsible for your emotions Handle it when your partner is jealous of your past Understand the difference between boundaries, rules, and relationship agreements Stop trying to force certainty or commitment before you actually know someone Build the relationship skills that help you navigate uncomfortable conversations Decide what to do when the person you’re dating handles a situation in a way that completely turns you off Plus, Ally and I answer a dating dilemma from a listener who showed up to a museum and caught the guy she was seeing on a date with another woman after he told her he was sick. CONNECT WITH ALLY on Instagram THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me

Dating comes with a lot of frustrating uncertainty. You can’t know if attraction will grow, whether someone will choose the relationship, or how another person will react when you tell them the truth. In this special 300th episode of Dating Intentionally, I’m answering your dating dilemmas about what happens when you want certainty, but the situation simply can’t give it to you yet. We’re getting into four dating dilemmas: How long should you give someone to warm up physically when you’re tired of making the first move? What do you do when you’ve been telling little lies to make someone like you and now the relationship is getting more serious? Should you give a longtime friend a romantic chance when you’re not sure the attraction is there? How long do you wait when your partner says they need to “figure things out”? I’m talking about... Why trying to control the outcome can actually make dating harder How to tell the difference between accepting someone’s pace and ignoring your own needs Why self-worth can affect how honestly you show up when you really like someone What to do when you’re curious about someone but don’t feel an immediate spark Why you don’t need to play out an entire relationship in your head before you’ve even gone on one date What “figuring things out” should actually look like inside a relationship How to make dating decisions when you have no idea how the story will end And because this is episode 300, I’m ending with a rapid-fire Q&A covering questions like: What’s the most underrated green flag? How do you stop obsessing over someone after it ends? Should you give up if they cancel twice without rescheduling? How do you tell someone you don’t want to text all day? And how do you stay unbothered when you know the person you’re dating is seeing other people too? Submit a dating dilemma THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Book a 1:1 with me

What if dating felt less like a stressful search for your person and more like an experience you could actually enjoy? In this episode, I’m talking with Serena Kerrigan, creator and author of Let’s Fucking Date, about lowering the stakes in dating, stopping the need to control the outcome, and staying open to connections that don’t look exactly how you expected. Serena shares how meeting her boyfriend challenged her assumptions about age, success, and what the “right” partner should look like, plus the mindset shifts that helped her stop overmanaging her dating life and actually enjoy it. We’re getting into how to... Use Serena’s “potential, practice, or plot” framework to make every date feel worthwhile Stop putting so much pressure on every first date to become something Stay open to people who don’t fit the picture you had in your head Tell the difference between showing interest and doing too much Give someone enough space to actually reveal how interested they are Let go of control when dating feels uncertain Get out of your comfort zone when your dating life feels stagnant Stop treating self-improvement like a formula that guarantees you a relationship Know when an “ick” is meaningful and when you might need to get a grip Date with a more abundant mindset when age and timelines are stressing you out THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Date Tracker: Start your 7-day free trial! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me

Feel like you're done wasting time on the wrong connections? I get it! In this episode, I'm breaking down seven of the most common mistakes I see people make in early dating, from dating someone's potential and staying in situationships to taking constant dating breaks, avoiding uncomfortable conversations, and being pen pals. I'm also sharing what to do differently so you can protect your time and energy and get closer to the relationship you actually want. In this episode, you'll learn: Why dating someone's potential can keep you invested way too long How staying in a situationship can delay you from finding your person Why constantly taking breaks from dating may be slowing you down and what to work on instead How speaking up about small issues early can reveal someone's ability to handle conflict What it means to date from your "back foot" and why it's a time waster Why texting for weeks before meeting can create false intimacy How to recognize red flags without confusing them with preferences Why getting curious about someone's behavior can help you make better decisions sooner How to stay grounded in who someone is today instead of who you hope they'll become Plus, I answer a dating dilemma from a 40-year-old man who just learned that his new girlfriend occasionally smokes cigarettes and he's not sure what to do. Ready to date with intention? Start your 7-day free trial of Date Tracker at thedatetracker.com! (iOS link) MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Ep 260 - How to end a situationship Ep 186 - Tips for taking a dating break Ep 286 - Balancing effort in early dating Ep 192 - Sneaky red flags in early dating THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Say hi on Instagram Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me

How much is your self-worth affecting the way you date? In this episode, I’m talking with psychologist and author Dr. Marisa G. Franco about how our past experiences can shape what we believe we deserve, how we interpret rejection, and even our ability to accept love from someone who genuinely likes us. We’ll also explore what it means to build self-worth and how to stop dating from a place of fear and start going after what you want. We’re getting into how to... Understand the difference between self-esteem and self-worth Recognize when you’re dating to avoid rejection instead of pursuing what you want Understand why rejection hits some people so much harder than others Identify old experiences that may still be shaping how you see yourself Stop assuming someone doesn’t like you when there’s no evidence they don’t Build self-worth by paying attention and responding to your emotions Know when you’re seeking healthy reassurance versus outsourcing your worth to a partner Navigate dating when you don’t feel completely confident or worthy yet MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment by Dr. Marisa G. Franco Marisa's website THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Ready to date with more confidence? Start your 7-day free trial of Date Tracker! (iOS link) Take the quiz: What's holding you back in dating? Say hi on Instagram Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me

There's a reason you keep dating the same people in different fonts: it's your dating patterns. In this episode, I'm sharing the three patterns I discovered while tracking my own dating life, how they were getting in the way of the relationship I actually wanted, and what I did differently once I could finally see them. I'm also walking you through a simple way to identify your own patterns and turn them into experiments so you can start getting different dating results. In this episode, you'll learn: What dating patterns actually are and how they can quietly influence who you choose and how you behave Common patterns like getting attached too quickly, chasing unavailable people, staying too long, or writing people off too soon The three dating patterns I discovered in my own dating life Why I stopped rushing physical intimacy and started approaching sex differently How I realized I was trying to earn affection instead of evaluating whether someone was right for me Why consistency can feel less exciting when you're used to chasing someone's attention How tracking my dates helped me spot behaviors I couldn't see in the moment How to turn your own dating patterns into small experiments that help you make different choices Plus, I answer a dating dilemma from a 41-year-old man figuring out how to start dating again after a 13-year marriage—and how to avoid falling back into old people-pleasing habits. Ready to date with more confidence? Start your 7-day free trial of Date Tracker! (iOS link) MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode 277 on IRL dating What my date tracking note looked like & the emoji key THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Say hi on Instagram Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me

How do you stay open-minded in dating without settling for less than what you want? And what happens when someone treats you well, checks a lot of the important boxes, but something still feels… off? In this episode, I’m joined by licensed therapist Jordanne Sculler to talk about the messy, nuanced parts of dating that don’t fit neatly into a set of rules. We unpack why familiar relationship dynamics can feel more attractive than healthy ones, why self-awareness alone doesn’t always break old patterns, and how to tell when you’re honoring your needs versus shrinking yourself to keep someone around. Listen for... How to be open in dating without lowering your standards Why dating checklists can get in the way of real connection The difference between self-soothing and suppressing a legitimate need Why someone healthy might initially feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar How to stop focusing so much on whether someone likes you and ask whether you like them What dating disappointment can bring up about your self-worth How social media can reinforce negative stories about dating Grieving the relationship or life timeline you thought you’d have by now Why processing disappointment is different from simply “getting over it” How Jordanne met her husband after initially writing him off And at the end, we answer a dating dilemma from a woman wondering if she made a huge mistake by ending things with a great guy who didn’t feel like her person. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Ready to date with more confidence? Start your 7-day free trial of Date Tracker! (iOS link) Say hi on Instagram Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me

In this episode, I'm sharing 5 tiny habits that can help you get better dating results, feel more confident and in control, and make dating a little more enjoyable. We’ll talk about how to make decisions without endlessly second-guessing yourself, learn from your dates, show interest without playing games, protect your mindset from dating negativity, and get clear on intentions early. In this episode, we cover: How being more decisive can build confidence and self-trust Why tracking and reflecting on your dates can help you spot patterns and learn what actually works for you How to show interest when you're interested without playing it cool or worrying about “double texting” Why opting out of negative dating narratives can help you stay open and hopeful How bringing up your intentions early can help you avoid confusion, situationships, and wasted time Dating habits from the Dating Intentionally community that helped people stay grounded and keep going A dating dilemma about bad timing, competing connections, and whether being direct after two dates was “too much” Ready to date with more confidence? Start your 7-day free trial of Date Tracker! (iOS link) MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode 286 - If they wanted to they would? The truth about effort in dating THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Say hi on Instagram Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me

What can you learn from a first date that was just okay? And why does what happens after the date sometimes tell you more than the date itself? This is another episode of First Date Vibe Check, where I bring on a listener to walk me through a recent first date, from matching and messaging to the date itself, the post-date feelings, and what happened next. This time, I’m talking to Katelyn (39), a single mom looking for a long-term relationship. She met “Trey” on Facebook Dating, moved the conversation over to Instagram, and eventually went on a two-hour dinner date. We’re getting into: Why she prefers active first dates over dinner How she uses Instagram in her dating life The green flags she looks for in dating app conversations How she realized she wasn’t actually that excited about him Why feeling safe and having a “good enough” time doesn’t automatically mean you should go on a second date The post-date interaction that gave her a whole new data point Her firm boundary around second dates at home How she decides whether to give someone another chance And how to spend less time on the apps while getting to the date faster Plus, Katelyn shares her best advice for staying positive when dating feels like a never-ending series of almosts. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Want to break down a first date with me on the pod? Apply here. Get the Date Tracker app (iOS only for now) so you can do your own vibe checks! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 💗 Bellesa: EVERYONE gets a free Rose suction toy with EVERY single order! bboutique.co/vibe/datingintentionally-pod 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 🛏️ Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first order MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me

Whether you’re newly single, coming out of a long-term relationship, or you’ve simply been out of the dating world for years, getting back into dating can feel overwhelming. The apps have changed, the dating culture has changed, and you may have changed, too. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to get back into the dating scene with less pressure, more confidence, and a whole lot more perspective. Think of this as your dating bestie’s guide to getting your feet wet again without expecting yourself to immediately find your future spouse. Listen for: How to know if you’re actually ready to date Why your first goal should simply be going on a date, not finding a relationship How to lower the stakes Why awkward, boring, or unsuccessful dates are actually part of the process The different ways to meet people to date How to manage fears around rejection, inexperience, being judged, or someone changing their mind Why you need to stop getting ahead of yourself How journaling, setting intentions, and finding ways to feel confident can make the process feel more manageable The biggest lessons I learned when I jumped back into dating after a six-year relationship And I'm sharing a new dating dilemma at the end about trying to figure out whether someone wants kids before you date them. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 💗 Bellesa: EVERYONE gets a free Rose suction toy with EVERY single order! bboutique.co/vibe/datingintentionally-pod 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 🛏️ Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first order MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Start tracking dates with Date Tracker (iOS) Submit a dating dilemma Reveal your dating blindspot (quiz) Book a 1:1 with me Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube

If someone doesn't have any red flags, is that a green flag? This is the third episode of First Date Vibe Check, where I bring on listeners who are actively dating to walk through a recent first date with me, from how they met and planned the date to what actually happened and how they felt afterward. This time, I'm talking to Jenny, a 27-year-old in the UK who is relatively new to dating and using it to build confidence, meet people, and figure out what she actually wants. She met "Steve" on Breeze, an app that skips the messaging and gets you straight to the date. We're getting into her unconventional first-date setup, the venue that had absolutely no vibe, the spontaneous bar-hopping that followed, and the green flags and amber flags she noticed along the way. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Want to break down a first date with me on the pod? Apply here. Get the Date Tracker app so you can do your own vibe checks! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 💗 Bellesa: EVERYONE gets a free Rose suction toy with EVERY single order! bboutique.co/vibe/datingintentionally-pod 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 🛏️ Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first order MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me

How much information do you actually need before you make a decision in your dating life? In this episode, I’m answering four real dating dilemmas that all come down to that one question. We’re talking about dating two people and not knowing who to choose, deciding whether a sexual-health disclosure is a deal breaker, trying to figure out whether a struggling relationship is still worth fighting for, and realizing in hindsight that someone wasn’t quite who you thought they were. The common thread? You’re rarely going to get 100% certainty in early dating. Instead, you have to learn how to gather information, stay connected to your values, and make decisions based on what you actually know, not what you wish you knew. Submit a dating dilemma In this episode: How to choose between two people without turning dating into a competition What to do when someone discloses an STI and you’re unsure how you feel about it How to tell when someone is overwhelmed by life versus no longer prioritizing the relationship What to make of someone who seems great at first but gradually reveals a very different side of themselves Why you should evaluate people against your own needs, not against each other How to make good dating decisions without waiting for perfect certainty THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 💗 Bellesa: EVERYONE gets a free Rose suction toy with EVERY single order! bboutique.co/vibe/datingintentionally-pod 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 🛏️ Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first order MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Book a 1:1 with me Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube Reveal your dating blindspot (quiz)

What if a first date is too easy and comfortable? This is the second episode of First Date Vibe Check, where I bring on listeners who are actively dating to walk through a recent first date with me, from how they met and planned the date to what actually happened and how they felt afterward. This time, I'm talking to Carol Ann, a 47-year-old single mom in the Midwest who met Zach on Hinge after taking a several-month break from dating. We're getting into her dating-app approach, the messaging that led to this first date, and how she's learned to trust her body. Carol Ann also shares her thoughts on the spark, the green flags she noticed along the way, and what happened after. Stay tuned for her update at the end. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Want to break down a first date with me on the pod? Apply here. Get the Date Tracker app so you can do your own vibe checks! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 💗 Bellesa: EVERYONE gets a free Rose suction toy with EVERY single order! bboutique.co/vibe/datingintentionally-pod 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 🛏️ Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first order MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube Reveal your dating blindspot (quiz)

Why do so many relationships seem to fall apart at around three months? You finally feel like things are going somewhere, and then suddenly, something shifts. In this episode, I'm breaking down the “three-month cliff” and what’s really happening when a promising relationship suddenly fizzles, pulls back, or ends. We’ll talk about: The 3 biggest reasons relationships fall apart around three months How to tell whether it’s a genuine incompatibility, a commitment issue, or simply a lack of chemistry Signs that it's you or them (depending on the situation) How to actually make it past the three-month mark Why a three-month relationship that ends is NOT a failure Plus, I answer a dating dilemma from a 43-year-old man who is worried about eventually outliving his future partner. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode 285 with Chris Rackliffe about codependency THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 💗 Bellesa: EVERYONE gets a free Rose suction toy with EVERY single order! bboutique.co/vibe/datingintentionally-pod 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 🛏️ Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first order MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Submit a dating dilemma Reveal your dating blindspot (quiz) Book a 1:1 with me Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube

This is the first episode of a new series called First Date Vibe Check, where I bring on listeners who are actively dating to walk through a recent first date with me - how they met, how the date got planned, what actually happened, and how they felt afterward. First up is Savannah, a 30-year-old middle school teacher in California who's had a wild six months, including discovering the boyfriend she'd been dating for three months had a wife. We're discussing everything from why speed dating rebuilt her dating confidence to sending the first message when nobody reaches out to the exact moment a good first date starts to get awkward. Savannah also shares the shift that took the pressure off her first dates: you don't need to feel romantic feelings on date one; you just need to feel safe and curious. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Want to break down a first date with me on the pod? Apply here. Get the Date Tracker app so you can do your own vibe checks! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 💗 Bellesa: EVERYONE gets a free Rose suction toy with EVERY single order! bboutique.co/vibe/datingintentionally-pod 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 🛏️ Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first order MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Submit a dating dilemma Book a 1:1 with me Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube Reveal your dating blindspot (quiz)

When you’re always the one texting first, planning the dates, and keeping a connection moving forward, it’s easy to start wondering: do they actually like me, or am I doing all the work? In this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about effort in dating: why some people initiate more than others, what someone’s effort actually tells you about their interest, and how to stop spiraling when someone goes quiet. Tune in for... What effort and initiation actually look like in dating (and why they matter) The real reasons someone might not initiate, and why the reason doesn’t change what you do next The one question to ask yourself when dating feels one-sided: do you want clarity, connection, or desire? The “I can’t tell” text and exactly when to send it Why “if they wanted to, they would” is complicated dating advice The difference between having standards, setting boundaries, and trying to control someone’s behavior Why initiation chicken and wanting to be chased can keep you stuck How multi-dating helped me stop investing in people who weren’t showing up How to tell the difference between a normal imbalance in effort and a connection that isn’t reciprocal Whether you’re carrying a connection for a few weeks, wondering why you’re always the one making plans, or staring at your phone trying to figure out what their silence means, this episode will help you stop decoding their behavior and start paying attention to what their effort is showing you. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma from a man who reconnected with someone he dated 18 years ago and has spent two months texting without ever meeting up. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Book a 1:1 with me Close The Loop text templates Free texting guide THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 💗 Bellesa: EVERYONE gets a free Rose suction toy with EVERY single order! bboutique.co/vibe/datingintentionally-pod 😎 Zenni: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping on orders over $65 🛏️ Boll & Branch: Get 15% off your first order MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Submit a dating dilemma Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube Get the Date Tracker app! Reveal your dating blindspot (quiz)

Do you tend to go all in when you like someone, to the point where you've lost touch with your own life a bit? I'm chatting with Chris Rackliffe, an anxious attachment coach and author of Needy No More: The Journey from Anxious to Secure Attachment, who's helped thousands of people heal from patterns of trauma, abandonment, and codependency. We're getting into why we lose ourselves in dating and what to do about it. We cover: The earliest signs you're starting to abandon yourself when you meet someone new Why resentment is the clearest signal a compromise has tipped into self-betrayal Chris's framework for codependency Why guilt is proportional to how long you've been overriding your own needs His concept of emotional diversification, and why spreading out your sources of connection is a protective strategy, not just something nice to have How to apply this whether you're in early dating or an established relationship Whether opposite sleep schedules are actually a dealbreaker At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about whether opposite sleep schedules are a dealbreaker. CONNECT WITH CHRIS Find Chris on Instagram and TikTok THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally FREE STUFF Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more MORE FROM DATING INTENTIONALLY Submit a dating dilemma Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube Join the Date Tracker app waitlist Reveal your dating blindspot (quiz)

Rejection doesn't have to destroy your confidence or convince you that you'll never find your person. In this episode, I'm sharing how to bounce back faster after getting rejected, ghosted, or hearing "there wasn't a spark." We'll talk about why rejection feels so personal, how to stop the anxiety spirals before they take over, and the mindset shifts that will help you keep your self-worth intact while continuing to date intentionally. Tune in for... Why rejection feels so much bigger than it actually is How to stop telling yourself hopeless stories after a "no" The 24-hour rule for bouncing back faster Practical ways to stop anxiety spirals after rejection What to say when someone rejects you (and what not to say) Why rejection isn't a reflection of your worth The questions to ask yourself instead of "What's wrong with me?" My own experiences navigating rejection while dating Whether you've been ghosted before a first date or rejected after a few months of dating, this episode will help you move forward with more confidence and resilience. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Dating Roadblock Quiz Episode 281 (Kelsey Darragh) on healing after heartbreak Episode 221 (Cole Zesinger) on moving on after a breakup My "closing the loop" text templates THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally FREE STUFF Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more CONNECT WITH ME Submit a dating dilemma Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube

Is someone being "out of your league" even a real thing? In this episode, I'm chatting with relationship scientist and author Paul Eastwick (Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection) to unpack the science of mate value, why matchmaking based on shared traits almost never works, and what actually predicts compatibility (it's not the traits on your list). From decoding your own dating patterns to knowing when attraction is genuinely going to grow, this conversation is packed with practical, research-backed advice for anyone who feels stuck comparing partners against a checklist. In this episode, we cover: Why what you say you want in a partner doesn't predict who you actually choose The truth about mate value and dating "out of your league" Why matchmaking based on shared traits and interests rarely works What actually predicts long-term compatibility (hint: it's not a trait) Why attraction often grows slowly instead of hitting all at once Whether a strict list of dealbreakers helps or hurts you At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about a situationship where trust was broken, and whether it's worth trying to repair it. CONNECT WITH PAUL Love Factually podcast THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally FREE STUFF Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more CONNECT WITH ME Submit a dating dilemma Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube

Dating today can be a mess, and so much of that mess stems from confusion, uncertainty, and ambiguity showing up in ways that just infuriate us. In this episode, I'm answering four listener dating dilemmas that each capture a different flavor of that chaos, from the planning-phase ghost to the partner whose humor crosses a line to the slow fade that sends you spiraling over someone you barely know. These aren't rare, one-off situations either. I hear versions of these same four patterns constantly, which is exactly why I wanted to break them down together. I'm covering: What to do when a guy keeps initiating dates that never actually happen Why a plan without a set time, date, and location usually isn't a real plan at all How to know if you're being "managerial" by helping plan a date, or just being reasonable How to handle a new boyfriend whose "jokes" cross a real line What it means when a partner says the only way to be with you is to suppress part of himself Whether to say something when a casual connection's slow responses start to bother you How much effort is reasonable to expect when you're not looking for anything serious How to hold onto your sense of self when someone goes quiet after a great phone call How to tell the difference between an old trigger and an actual red flag in the moment For each one, I give you the exact tweak I'd make if I were in your shoes, along with the bigger pattern underneath so you can spot it before it drains you again. My hope is that you walk away from this episode more decisive, less likely to spiral, and a little more convinced that most of this isn't actually about you. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally FREE STUFF Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more CONNECT WITH ME Submit a dating dilemma Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube

How do you actually get over a breakup, and why does it feel so impossible? In this episode, I'm chatting with author and mental health advocate Kelsey Darragh to unpack the science of heartbreak, why no-contact is so difficult, and what actually helps you move forward after a breakup (It's not the closure moment you think it is). From healing after a long-term relationship to knowing when you're ready to date again, this conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone struggling to let go of an ex or rebuild trust in love. In this episode, we cover: Why the story you tell yourself about your breakup matters The psychology behind no-contact (and how to stick with it) The truth about where closure comes from How to know when you're ready to date again Heartbreak vs. mental health: when to seek extra support Whether you should tell a new partner about mistakes you've made in past relationships At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about whether you need to disclose past cheating before entering a new relationship. CONNECT WITH KELSEY On Instagram Get her new book, Don't Do What I Did THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally FREE STUFF Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more CONNECT WITH ME Submit a dating dilemma Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube

Not sure who's worthy of a first date? In this episode, I'm sharing my exact process for deciding who gets a first date, including the one screening step I wish I'd done more of before meeting people in person. The 3 questions to ask yourself before meeting someone What's actually worth paying attention to on a profile (and what to ignore) Why over-vetting someone like a job interview backfires How texting for too long creates a false sense of intimacy Why a quick phone or video screening call beats weeks of DMs How vetting works differently when you meet someone offline vs. on the apps At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma from a woman whose boyfriend of three months lied about his age. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE How to nail a first date from start to finish THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally FREE STUFF Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more CONNECT WITH ME Submit a dating dilemma Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube

It's finale week, which means we're wrapping up this season of Love Island Lessons with five final dating takeaways from Love Island USA Season 8. In this episode, I'm breaking down why exclusivity has a place in modern dating (and why it's not the same as being in a situationship), how to recognize breadcrumbing before you get emotionally invested, and why waiting for someone to change is one of the biggest traps you can fall into. I also share my thoughts on what the compatibility challenge got wrong and why meeting the family is such a meaningful milestone in a relationship. Plus, we recap the finale couples, the winners, and the biggest dating lessons from the villa. MENTIONED IN THIS EP Tips for meeting the parents (and other relationship firsts) How to tell if you're compatible before you catch feelings CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I sit down with Hinge's Love & Connection Expert, licensed marriage and family therapist Moe Ari Brown, to unpack what Hinge's latest LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. Report reveals about modern dating. We dive into why so many first dates feel like they're going nowhere, the surprising "question deficit" that's making it harder to build connection, and why clarity is becoming one of the most attractive qualities in dating today. You'll learn... Why so many people aren't asking enough questions on dates and how it's impacting attraction. The best first date habits that actually lead to stronger connections. What Hinge's latest dating research reveals about how dating is changing in 2026. Why uncertainty is making people more intentional about what they want in a partner. The difference between saying you're emotionally available and actually showing it. How to communicate your intentions without killing the vibe. Why consistency matters more than grand romantic gestures. The case for embracing a slow burn How to build attraction through curiosity, clarity, and genuine connection. A listener dating dilemma: What do you do when you have a crush on your non-binary friend and can't tell if the feelings are mutual? Whether you've been frustrated by awkward first dates, mixed signals, or conversations that never seem to go anywhere, this episode will give you practical insights—and a fresh perspective on what actually helps relationships get off the ground. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally FREE STUFF Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more CONNECT WITH ME Submit a dating dilemma Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube

Summer dating is the best, IMO. Vacation flings, coordinating dates when everyone's going away, dating app struggles and more - we get into it all in this guide to dating in the summer. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma about a promising Hinge connection that fizzled out after both people traveled, and how to tell the difference between someone losing interest and your own anxiety talking. You'll learn... The conversation you need to have before you/they travel The biggest dating app mistake to avoid in the summer My tips for getting to the date quickly even when people's schedules are crazy Advice for deciding to take a break (or not) this summer How to navigate a vacation romance without the heartbreak and drama MENTIONED IN THIS EP Ep 277 with Camille Virginia about meeting people IRL Ep 249 with Eric Resnick about revamping your dating app profile Ep 186 on how (and when) to take a dating break The waitlist for Date Tracker, my new dating journaling app coming soon! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally FREE STUFF Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more CONNECT WITH ME Submit a dating dilemma Slide into my DMs on IG Watch the pod on YouTube

Movie Night brought the drama and lots of lessons to learn about dating. I’m watching Love Island USA Season 8 to draw real-life dating lessons from it. This week (Episodes 23–29), I’m breaking down why feeling stressed more often than at peace is a major red flag, why even well-meaning friends can give terrible dating advice, and why you should check in with a friend before pursuing someone they're interested in. I also get into a better way to have the exclusivity conversation, what it actually takes to rebuild trust after betrayal, and why "fixing" a relationship is never one person's job. Plus, I share my thoughts on the aftermath of Movie Night and what all the chaos can teach us about healthy relationships. MENTIONED IN THIS EP Tips for becoming exclusive in dating How to define the relationship CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Approachability is a skill you can learn. I'm chatting with Camille Virginia, author of The Offline Dating Method and founder of Master Offline Dating, who went from a socially anxious introvert to one of the leading voices on meeting people in real life. I LOVE her book and this convo was so helpful. We get into: Where "high quality" like-minded single people are (and why you keep missing them) The limiting beliefs holding you back more than a lack of single people How to create a meaningful connection before you ever ask someone out Reading the signals that someone is open to being approached Sending signals that you're open to being approached At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about how to safely and gracefully exit a date that's gone wrong. CONNECT WITH CAMILLE Camille's Instagram Camille's website THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Enter to win Bellesa products! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I'm getting into how to gain more certainty in dating by figuring out if you're actually compatible with someone before you're in too deep emotionally. I'm breaking down the three tiers of compatibility (the big stuff, the important stuff, and the emotional stuff), the five things to look for in the first month of getting to know someone, and three ways to actually start building compatibility early on instead of waiting around to "discover" it. I also do a quick gut check for anyone seeing someone right now, plus why chemistry alone can never carry a relationship long-term and how Johnny and I built our own little love languages over time. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma from a woman whose date ghosted her after they slept together on date two. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Download 90+ dating questions THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Casa Amor has officially arrived, and it exposed exactly why so many dating connections fall apart. I’m watching Love Island USA Season 8 to pull real-life dating lessons from the villa. This week (Week 4, Episodes 16–21), I’m breaking down why scorekeeping is a losing strategy, what having high standards actually looks like, and why asking about someone else's dating life too early can backfire. I also get into the red flag behind "I was just joking," why toxic attachments can feel stronger than healthy connections, and how hope can keep us stuck in relationships that aren't actually right for us. There's a lot to unpack after Casa Amor. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Jacob Lucas, a dating coach who went from the boxing world to building a huge online following, helping people date with intention. We're discussing everything from his "love at first sight" story with his wife (and why he didn't act on those intense early feelings) to the difference between your gut instinct and your anxiety, to why some people text constantly but never actually make plans. Jacob also breaks down how to invite physical touch rather than force it, and why the right person never gets scared off by your boundaries. At the end, we tackle four listener dating dilemmas about long-distance dating with a busy partner, shooting your shot a second time, handling a too-touchy first date, and what to do when the conversation never goes below the surface. CONNECT WITH JACOB Instagram & TikTok: @jacoblucas101 YouTube: Jacob Lucas Dating Coach THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

How much can you really know about someone after three dates? Not enough to know if they're your forever person, but definitely enough to spot signs that they're worth continuing to get to know. In this episode, I'm breaking down 10 green flags to look for on the first few dates that tell you to keep going! We'll talk about the difference between real green flags and behaviors that only look promising, why consistency matters more than chemistry, and how to tell whether someone's actions actually match their words. You'll learn: The #1 green flag that creates connection quickly Why initiative and follow-through are different (and why you need both) How to tell if someone is rushing the connection The role consistency plays in building trust What someone's relationship history can reveal about them Why feeling calm around someone is often a better sign than feeling a spark Green flags submitted by listeners from their own dating experiences Behaviors that seem like green flags—but aren't Plus, I answer a Dating Dilemma from a listener whose partner struggles with emotional conversations and discuss how couples can navigate different comfort levels around difficult feelings. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Things are not looking good for the islander's connections, and we can learn a lot about dating just from spotting the early signs things won't work out. I’m watching Love Island USA Season 8 to pull real-life dating lessons from the villa. This week (Week 3, Episodes 10–15), I’m breaking down what happens when you rush physical intimacy too soon, why emotional repair breaks down in early relationships, and how defensiveness can quietly destroy a connection before it ever has a chance. I also get into the importance of multi-dating in early stages, why slow-burn connections built on friendship can actually be stronger than instant chemistry, and how extreme highs and lows are often a huge red flag. So much to unpack here. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Amanda McCracken, author of When Longing Becomes Your Lover, about the psychology term taking over dating culture: limerence. We're discussing everything from the difference between a crush and full-blown limerence to how ADHD can fuel the dopamine chase, why distance and uncertainty make feelings burn brighter, and how Amanda finally took her real-life crushes off the pedestal. Amanda also shares how she identified as a late-in-life virgin into her forties, and how she eventually built the secure, "boring," trusting relationship she once avoided. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about a casual hookup that turned into real feelings, right before he moved several states away. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Book: When Longing Becomes Your Lover: Breaking from Infatuation, Rejection, and Perfectionism to Find Authentic Love Amanda's work: www.amandajmccracken.com Instagram: @AmandaJMcCracken Podcast: The Longing Lab THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

We have five new dating dilemmas! I'm answering listener questions about uneven effort, intense early connections, addiction recovery, confusing endings, and relationships that move way too fast. I get into... What it means when you're always the one initiating dates How to tell the difference between interest and investment Why we ignore red flags when we're excited about someone The mistake people make after noticing a shift in someone's behavior Whether it's too risky to date someone in addiction recovery If sending a "close the loop" text is actually worth it What to do when a new relationship is moving at lightning speed Why trying to decode someone's feelings often keeps you stuck If you've ever found yourself wondering, "am I overreacting?" or spending more time analyzing someone's behavior than evaluating whether the relationship is working for you, this episode is for you. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Free dating FAQ guide: datingintentionally.com/gift Close the loop text templates on IG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

What can we learn about dating from Love Island? Turns out - a lot. I'm watching Love Island USA Season 8 to pull real-life dating takeaways from the villa. This week (episodes 5-9), I'm getting into early dating expectations, knowing your needs, and how important it is to let someone show you who they are. Actions speak louder than words every time. I also talk about how people pleasing can be harmful and why it's GOOD that secure relationships feel boring. So much to unpack here. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Have you read or heard of the book Attached? I'm chatting with Dr. Amir Levine, psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author of Secure and co-author of Attached, a book that has indefinitely changed my life. In this episode, we break down exactly how to attract and spot a securely attached person in early dating, and how to build more security in your life (whether you're in a relationship or not). At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma from a listener who flew across the country for a guy who then changed his mind. You'll learn... All about Dr. Levine's CARP and SIMI frameworks Why CARP should be your new non-negotiable dating standard How to do a "CARP intervention" early without it feeling like a big emotional conversation Why a secure relationship is supposed to feel boring The strategy for distancing yourself from someone who isn't meeting your standards Why most of us already have secure people in our lives and keep ignoring them How your attachment style can be totally different with different people (yes, even your pet) MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Secure by Dr. Amir Levine Dr. Levine's website: amirlevinemd.com Attachment Quiz Dr. Levine's Masterclass: The Science Of Connection THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I'm walking you through everything you need to nail a first date, from confirming the time and getting in the right mindset to navigating the conversation, handling the check, and knowing whether to go in for the kiss. This episode originally aired in January 2024/ At the end, I tackle a new dating dilemma about a woman who's dating a guy who didn't acknowledge her birthday. You'll learn... Six mindset tips for a first date My fave low-pressure first date questions What to do when your date isn't pulling their weight Who pays for the first date? Why you should NEVER plan date two on date one MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 90+ questions to ask your date! My dating "rules" episode Anti-Ghost text templates Relationship Needs Masterclass - June 22 & 29 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I’m Talia, host of Dating Intentionally, and I’m kicking off a six-week “Love Island Lessons” series alongside Love Island USA Season 8 (spoilers for episodes 1–4) to pull real-life dating takeaways from the villa. Tune in to hear me break down five key lessons about early dating we learned this week in the villa: why trying to be chosen keeps you stuck, how jumping to conclusions pushes people away and tips for navigating a dating culture where multi-dating is the norm. I'm sharing my biggest gripe about first interactions on the show, which can teach us how to have better first dates. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with my best friend Rachel Saslaw, founder of Storytell NYC. She talks about how she spent six years actively dating before landing a committed relationship with an amazing match in an unexpected way. We're discussing everything from why she refused to subscribe to the "men suck" mentality to using dating as a training ground for self-discovery to the "flirting with life" energy that shifted everything. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about a guy who went quiet right before a planned first date, then resurfaced at the last minute with a long explanation. YOU'LL LEARN... Why hating men won't help you date men (same goes for men dating women!) How to set a "minimum viable goal" for dating when your calendar is packed Why the most aligned version of you is the one who attracts the right person How to give a new person a blank slate after you've been burned The case for grieving your single years and not racing past them Why low-barrier first dates (the coffee walk) beat the high-stakes dinner MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The book we'll never shut up about, The Artist's Way StoryTell - a live storytelling event in NYC THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I'm breaking down the 3 core mistakes that lead people to commit to the wrong person. It's not a broken picker or a shortage of good people out there. I'm covering why dating for potential keeps you stuck, what happens when you don't know or can't communicate your non-negotiable needs, and why ignoring your gut (which is quieter than anxiety) almost always backfires. I share my own stories from past relationships, what these mistakes actually look like in real time, and what to focus on instead, so you can choose someone you don't have to abandon yourself to keep. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) Relationship Needs Masterclass How To Leave Your Situationship THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

This episode originally aired on Sex Ed with DB! In Sleepless in Seattle, a woman hears a stranger’s voice on the radio and decides she has to be with him. A few cross-country flights, some light stalking, and one dramatic Empire State Building finale later. Was it a recipe for true love? Or just another rom-com ignoring boundaries in the name of "destiny?" In this episode, I joined DB to unpack the film’s gender dynamics, its borderline obsessive premise, and why rom-coms always overlook the stable, reliable guy. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia Wayfair: Get your outdoor space summer-ready! wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Sandy Weiner, a dating coach who has spent 13 years helping people date after divorce, and started her own dating journey at 52 after leaving a 23-year marriage. We're discussing everything from knowing when you're actually ready to date again to navigating the "jaded factor" in midlife dating to having the dating conversation with your kids (at any age). Sandy also shares why being picky about what matters and wide open about what doesn't is the mindset shift most people miss, plus how she creatively meets people offline through meetups, classes, and even emailing her network with her dating profile. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma from a 51-year-old single mom in a casual situation with a separated 43-year-old, and whether she should walk away or stay. CONNECT WITH SANDY Last First Date Radio Sandy's IG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia Wayfair: Get your outdoor space summer-ready! wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Communication is the most important thing in a relationship, but no one tells you what good communication actually looks like in practice. In this episode, I'm getting into relationship check-ins: the structured conversations my husband, Johnny, and I have had about 70 times over three years, and the single biggest reason our day-to-day relationship is virtually tension-free. I'm walking you through the exact questions we use (based on the Gottman State of the Union method, with our own additions), how check-ins have actually changed our relationship over time, when to start doing them, how to bring it up with your partner without making it weird, what to do if things get heated, and the most common mistakes people make. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma about whether to give a great connection another shot after months apart. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE My original episode on check-ins (ep 14) The Gottman State Of The Union check-in format My post on other check-in formats Free dating guides: datingintentionally.com/gift My episode with Zach Brittle on repair vs resolve THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia Wayfair: Get your outdoor space summer-ready! wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Trevor Hanson, a licensed marriage and family therapist. He and his team at The Art Of Healing help people move from anxious attachment to secure attachment in a structured, results-oriented way. We get into what anxious attachment actually looks like in dating for both men and women, why you can feel totally secure when you're single but completely fall apart once a relationship starts, and what emotionally corrective experiences are, and why they're what actually rewires your nervous system, not just reading more books or gaining more self-awareness. Trevor also shares why you don't need to be fully healed before you date, how conflict, followed by repair, builds real security over time, the problem with using AI to write your texts, and more. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma from a guy who's not sure how to follow up after sending someone a rose on Hinge. CONNECT WITH TREVOR Trevor's IG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia Wayfair: Get your outdoor space summer-ready! wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Emotional availability is one of the most desired traits in a partner, but it's so hard to find. In this episode, I'm walking through four real listener dilemmas that show how emotional unavailability actually shows up: from being blindsided by a breakup after a seemingly perfect relationship, to oversharing too early with someone you barely know, to getting stuck in a months-long holding pattern, to wondering if your sky-high standards are actually a wall. I'm breaking down what emotional availability really looks like, why "chasing the feeling" keeps people stuck, and how to start recognizing emotional availability so you don't miss it. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode 152 - a deeper dive on emotional unavailability Episode 217 - with Julia Kristina, a therapist and expert on emotional intelligence and maturity Episode 255 - healing anxious attachment with Rebecca Ore THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Hanna Anderson and Mackenzie Foltz, the co-hosts of The Dating Detectives, a podcast that combines real PI work with deeply ethical storytelling about people who got conned in love. We're discussing everything from what "dogfishing" actually is (and how it's different from catfishing) to the subtle early red flags most people miss, to why love bombing feels so good even when it's a setup. Mackenzie and Hanna also share their PI-approved guide to vetting someone you're dating without feeling "crazy," including the exact line to use when you've found something on them, plus practical safety tools every single person should know about. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about a guy who keeps liking other women's photos on Instagram after being asked to stop. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE "The Origin Story" — the case that inspired the show The crypto catfish (FaceTime sob story episode) The "time-traveling" investor episode The Twitter vegan episode The "evil stepmother" episode My guest appearance on The Dating Detectives! THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I'm covering how attraction actually works when you're dating for a long-term relationship, from how to know if you're attracted to someone and what's "enough," to how long to give it before walking away, to how attraction can grow over time and what it actually takes for that to happen. I'm also answering a few listener questions, and at the end, I tackle a dating dilemma about a confusing Bumble interaction. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Free dating FAQ guide Stop looking for attraction on the first date Dating outside your type Flirting tips episode THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Keltie Maguire, a life coach who specializes in helping people navigate the kids-or-child-free decision — a topic we've never covered on this show before. After spending years as a fence-sitter herself before ultimately choosing a child-free life, Keltie now helps individuals and couples gain clarity on one of the most complex decisions they'll ever make. We're discussing everything from why "you'll just know" is terrible advice to why a pros and cons list won't actually help you, how to approach this decision when you're ambivalent, and why both people in a couple need to be willing to compromise. Keltie also shares how to talk about the kids question while you're dating: when to bring it up, what to put on your profile, and what to do when your person isn't sure. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about a woman who's finally found a stable, kind man she feels safe with, but she's embarrassed by how he looks. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Kids or Child Free Podcast (Keltie's pod) We Are Child Free Podcast The Baby Decision (book) Amanda White's Substack, Fence Sitter THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Don't let your situationship stop you from getting into a relationship. In this episode, I'm getting into how situationships happen in the first place to why leaving feels impossible to the exact words to use when you finally end it. I share my own 2-year situationship story, break down the difference between situationships and casual dating or friends with benefits, and give you a real plan for healing that works. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma about how to handle inconsistent communication early on when someone takes three days to confirm date plans. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Signs you're in a situationship (ep 69) THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Amy Chan, relationship expert, retreat founder, and author of the brand-new book Unsingle, about why most people are just a few strategic adjustments away from finding their match. We're discussing everything from the dating funnel (and which stage you're most likely sabotaging) to the spectrum between having no standards and over-icking yourself out of love to why dating is a personality game, but relationships are a character game. Amy also breaks down the difference between preferences and non-negotiables, why narcissists are actually great daters, and how to build intuition so you stop overriding your gut. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about taking it slow with a work crush you've known for seven months. CONNECT WITH AMY Get Amy's new book, Unsingle: How To Date Smarter And Create Love That Lasts Listen to our first ep together (about break ups) THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Quince: Get 10% off and 365-day returns at quince.com/talia CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I'm covering one of the biggest sticking points in early dating: feeling connected between dates. I'm getting into the mindset work and how to stop the spiral, including my top practical tips for building connection between dates without overdoing it. Along the way, we talk about the role of phone calls, texting habits, and how to bring this up on a date without making it awkward. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma from a woman who's questioning her long-term compatibility with an on-and-off boyfriend of 2 years. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Ep 244: Building inner security Epi 209: Why self-trust is key to feeling safe Ep 138: Developing self-compassion Texts that are better than "how are you?" What are you looking forward to this week? What was the best part of your day? What’s a win you had today? What’s the most interesting thing that happened to you this week? What did you see recently that’s living rent-free in your mind? If we could skip to the weekend right now, what's the first thing you’d do? What food are you currently craving? THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year! factormeals.com/di50off Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Sharleen Joynt and Andy Levine, the husband-and-wife hosts of Dear Shandy, one of my favorite reality TV recap podcasts. We're discussing everything from what Love Is Blind contestants keep getting wrong (and how it mirrors real life) to why Andy believes online dating is the slow death of modern romance, to how to bring up the "big" topics on a first date. This episode is packed with practical dating advice from a couple who have seen it all. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma from a woman who's not sure whether her boyfriend's travel issues are a dealbreaker. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Ruby the dog: @shandyspoo My 5 needs in a partner THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year! factormeals.com/di50off Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I went on about 150 dates with over 60 people in a year before I met my now husband, and don't for a second think "hope" is what got me through it and kept me motivated. In this episode, which originally aired in 2024, I'm sharing why hope is useless and what to focus on instead: your beliefs. I didn't hope I'd meet someone; I believed it was inevitable. Listen to this episode if you're ready to work on your beliefs so you don't burn out after the rejection, false starts, and ghosting (that's also inevitable if you're dating). At the end, I get into a new dating dilemma about a dramatic reaction to a last-minute date switch-up. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode #68 with Jackie Glaser (self-worth + beliefs) Thank you, More Please by Lily Womble F the Fairytale by Damona Hoffman Breakup Bootcamp by Amy Chan How to Identify Your Needs course THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year! factormeals.com/di50off Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Rebecca Ore, a relationship coach and former anxiously attached dater who transformed her own relationship experience after discovering thought work and coaching. We're discussing everything from why you feel totally fine when you're single but fall apart the second you start liking someone, to what it actually means to stop trying to control your partner and start coming back to yourself. Rebecca also shares her personal experience of learning to separate her self-worth from how others treat her, and how that shift changed everything in her current relationship. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma from a woman who had a five-hour first date and hadn't heard from them two days later. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year! factormeals.com/di50off Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: Submit a dating dilemma ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I'm answering four listener dating dilemmas, from deciding whether a "boring" but stable guy is worth more dates to navigating attraction when everything else aligns, to catching feelings for a newly single college friend, to dealing with a breadcrumbing bartender. I'm sharing how to tell the difference between "boring" and "bored," a better way to think about attraction, and why "right person, wrong time" is a trap. Want my advice on your situation? ⁠Submit your dating dilemma here. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year! factormeals.com/di50off Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT Download my free dating guides (texting, reflections, FAQ) ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Dr. Jennie Young, creator of the Burned Haystack Dating Method and author of the brand-new book Burn the Haystack, on round two! This time, we're getting into everything from her own success story to how to spot toxic dating coaches to why the "ick" deserves way more credit than it gets. Jennie also breaks down how she uses Burn the Haystack beyond the apps, the rhetorical patterns that didn't make it into the book, and the exact opening prompt that reveals her matches political affiliation 99% of the time. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about a woman two and a half months into a relationship with a really nice guy she just isn't falling for. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Listen to our first conversation about Burned Haystack Read Jennie's Substack THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year! factormeals.com/di50off Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm getting into relationship rumination and that "should I stay or should I go" loop that keeps you stuck without ever actually making a decision. I'm covering the science behind why your brain does this, the difference between ambivalence and relationship anxiety, and a set of guided reflection questions to help you figure out what you actually want. I also share my own experience ruminating for years before leaving my ex, answer listener questions from Instagram about dealbreakers, timelines, and finding the courage to leave, and give you practical tips for breaking the cycle. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma from a woman whose boyfriend of four years has always said he can't marry her. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year! factormeals.com/di50off Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Rikki Cloos, the creator and author of Anxious Hearts Guide, one of the most grounded, accessible resources out there for healing insecure attachment. We're discussing communication mistakes most of us make without realizing it, why the words we say rarely match what we actually mean, and how that gap affects relationships. Rikki also shares her framework for improving communication and the seven relationship agreements she has with her husband. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma from a listener who's been in couples therapy for months but is somehow feeling more distant from her partner. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode 48 - all about getting your needs met as an anxiously attached person THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year! factormeals.com/di50off Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I'm breaking down five practical ways to show interest in early dating, even if you're shy, introverted, or just plain terrified. I'm covering what works, no matter how comfortable you are with dating, and why most people hold back too much. Plus, I share some truly cringe-worthy things my listeners (and I) have done to show interest, and at the end, I tackle a dating dilemma about whether you should give someone feedback after you've already moved on. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Ep 244 - Building Inner Safety & Security THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year! factormeals.com/di50off Boll & Branch: Get 15% off the softest bedding at bollandbranch.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Eric Resnick, a dating profile expert with over 20 years of experience and 40,000+ profiles reviewed. We're discussing everything from why Bumble and Tinder are emotionally unhealthy by design, to what your photos are actually saying about you, to how to fix a profile that's getting zero matches, or way too many of the wrong ones. Eric also shares why women need to stop being passive on the apps and what a truly conversation-starting profile actually looks like. At the end, we review two real listener profiles live and break down exactly what to change. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year factormeals.com/di50off Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm answering five dating dilemmas that all circle the same messy truth: early dating is confusing, and you're not alone if you feel like you and your date are on completely different planets. Dating dilemmas: She's 5 dates in with a guy who's sweet in person, but is still active on the apps. She's keeps leaving great first dates only to wait in silence, wondering if she should just text first or hold out. He says he's "open-minded" and she's trying to figure out if that's a green light or a waste of her time. She met a guy at a party, he kissed her and begged her to text him... then gave her the wrong number. Men on the apps keep asking her out in their very first message, then disappearing when she asks to chat first. ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠! THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year factormeals.com/di50off Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Hannah Johnson, aka The Libido Fairy, a sex educator with over half a million followers who helps women reclaim their desire and actually enjoy sex. We're discussing everything from why women lose their sex drive in long-term relationships to the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire to why sex needs to feel rewarding to work. Hannah also shares her brilliant "King and Queen Day" concept (a structured, communication-forward way to feel deeply taken care of by your partner) and her take on transition activities that help your nervous system shift into intimacy mode. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about someone who ignored major red flags and got emotionally attached anyway. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year factormeals.com/di50off Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm breaking down one of the most asked-about milestones in modern dating: exclusivity. I'm covering the difference between being exclusive and defining the relationship, the signs you're actually ready to have this conversation, and how to bring it up without coming off too eager or waiting too long. I also get into how so many situationships are born in this exact moment and what to do if their answer is vague or non-committal. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma from a woman whose boyfriend's best friend is using manipulation and self-harm threats to interfere with their relationship, and what she needs to hear. The line: "Hey, I'm enjoying this connection so much that I just want to focus on getting to know you more, and I'm not seeing anyone else." MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Here's my original episode on defining the relationship (DTR) THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year factormeals.com/di50off Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Emma Wilson, dating coach and creator of the Turning 30 community for single women, who went through a major breakup at 33, built her business from the ground up, moved to Costa Rica for five months, and eventually found her partner in the most unexpected place. We're discussing everything from how societal pressure tricks us into thinking we're ready for a relationship when we're not, to what it actually looks like to trust your timeline without it feeling like an empty cliché. Emma also shares her concept of "expanders"—real people who show you that your path is possible, plus her honest take on slow burn attraction and why butterflies don't have to be instant. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma from a listener who keeps hearing she's great but that the "butterflies just weren't there"—and what that feedback actually means. Check out Emma's podcast, Turning 30! THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year factormeals.com/di50off Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm talking about one of the most important things you can work on, no matter where you are in life: building security within yourself. I'm covering what self-security actually looks like, from meeting yourself with compassion instead of judgment to physically calming your nervous system, taking small risks to build self-trust, and aligning your actions with your values. I also share some of my own story and walk you through the signs that you might need to work on this more. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma from someone who's scared to bring up an important topic, fearing it might rock the boat. ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a yearfactormeals.com/di50off Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Zach Brittle, host of Marriage Talk Radio and a Gottman-trained marriage therapist who's been working with couples for over 20 years. We discuss everything from what singles should know about long-term relationships before they start dating to why "negative sentiment override" can slowly poison even good relationships. Zach breaks down the three factors that drive positive sentiment and explains why repair is more important than resolve in conflict. He also shares practical strategies for navigating hard conversations. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about a couple who can't seem to stop fighting when they're apart. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year factormeals.com/di50off Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm covering everything you need to know about the slow burn, from why it feels so uncomfortable when you've only known whirlwind romances, to how to know if you're actually ready for it, to the signs you need to pump the brakes early on. I also get into where physical intimacy fits in, how to tell the difference between a slow burn and just not vibing with someone, and tips for enjoying the process. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma about whether to keep the door fully closed on a connection that had potential. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Episode 111 — How to stay grounded in dating Episode 146 — Slow burn vs. dead end Episode 172 — When you want a slow burn but they're rushing it Episode 160 — We're attracted to the wrong people Study on friendship formation Instagram post on chemistry-boosting date ideas THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Factor: Get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year factormeals.com/di50off Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this bonus episode, I'm sitting down with Jordan Dann, a couples therapist and psychoanalyst who, like me, loves to watch Love Is Blind on Netflix. This episode contains spoilers! We're talking about the moments from Season 10 (Ohio) living rent-free in our minds, including Alex & Ashley's dynamic that stays on the surface/never gets deep, Brittney and Devonta's pursuer/withdrawer dynamic, and how Bri just isn't ready for a guy like Connor. We touch on the insanity of Chris's behavior throughout the show at the end as well. Who will say yes at the altar this Wednesday? We share our predictions at the end. Check out Jordan's Substack! And here's my first ep with Jordan - all about the honeymoon stage in relationships. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Marina Iakovleva, creator of Dating Beyond Borders, who's spent 12 years exploring how people date around the world. We're discussing everything from why Scandinavians have sex before they even go for coffee to why Eastern Europeans and Dutch couples clash over gift-giving, to how "the talk" looks completely different depending on where you're from. Marina shares which cultures tend to be most compatible (and which ones really struggle together), the truth about paying for dates globally, and the unique challenges of dating as a digital nomad, like dodging passport bros in Mexico. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about navigating different cultural expectations. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

What happens when you have an amazing connection, but the relationship itself is kind of a bust? In this episode, I'm answering four dating dilemmas that all highlight the common dating mistake of confusing connection with compatibility. The truth is, connection is important, but it can't get you anywhere with someone you're incompatible with! Featured dilemmas: 1. A woman who's not sure if she should wait for a great guy she met in person 2. Someone three months into a relationship, wondering if she's asking for too much or just asking the wrong person. 3. Someone who can't tell if the guy she's been dating for three months is a slow burn or not. 4. A woman who's been with someone for over a year and still hasn't heard "I love you" back. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: My take on age gap dating January's Dating Dilemma episode THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Alli Goldberg (back for round 2!) is the creator and host of Love Isn't Blind, the live dating show where the men can't speak, and she's now hosted nearly 100 shows across 10 cities. That means she's interviewed over 800 men, and she has thoughts. Alli shares what patterns she's noticed from all those interviews, including the surprisingly beautiful things men say about what they're looking for. We talk about why couples need to be better wingpeople, why women need to get over being scared of men if they want to date them, and what positive masculinity actually looks like. Alli also shares her own setup success story. Plus, we answer a dating dilemma from a guy who keeps having great first dates but can't seem to get to date two. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm sharing my experiences with saying "I love you" for the first time, from awkwardly blurting it out in a noisy subway station to intentionally saying it over the phone. I'm covering the signs you're actually in love, when to say those three little words, and my advice for being the person who says it first, which, yes, I've done in almost every relationship. I also get into what to do if they're not ready to say it back, how often to say it after the first time, and why both saying and showing love matter equally. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma: a woman who put real effort into romancing her partner, only to be told at the 3-month mark that she didn't do enough. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Rory Uphold, a writer and the author of The Final Girl's Guide to the Horrors of Dating, a book that uses the horror movie framework to help people navigate modern dating. We're discussing everything from how rom-coms groomed us for romantic disappointment and taught women to be chosen instead of the chooser, to the devastating breakup that turned Rory into a final girl, to what she did to rebuild her life after (spoiler: it wasn't therapy). Rory also shares three powerful pieces of advice from her book, including the truth about the walls we build when we're younger, and the walls we have to tear down when we're older. At the end, we tackle two listener questions about grief in relationships and whether to give a former situationship another chance. Get Rory's book: A Final Girl's Guide To The Horrors Of Dating Connect with Rory on IG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

You know you want to be with your partner for a long time, but how do you know when to move in? Today I'm sharing everything I've learned about moving in with a partner, from knowing when you're ready to navigating daily life together. I cover the emotional and practical signs you're ready to cohabitate, the red flags that you're not, and why you need to talk about your relationship timeline first. Then I answer your Instagram questions about handling habit differences, avoiding getting on each other's nerves, managing income disparities, keeping romance alive, and so much more. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma: should you start dating again while unemployed? Episodes & Resources Mentioned: Ep 20: Questions to discuss before moving in together Ep 213: Tara Laferrara on keeping romance alive Low-budget date ideas post THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. wayfair.com JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Author and educator Laura Danger (@thatdarnchat) brought weaponized incompetence and the nag paradox into the mainstream, and today she's here to talk about how these dynamics can show up way before you're married with kids. We get into the early warning signs of domestic inequity you can spot while dating, the green flags that actually matter for a long-term partnership, and what a truly collaborative relationship looks like day to day. Plus, Laura shares her unexpectedly romantic love story, we unpack why "happy wife, happy life" makes me cringe, and we tackle a dating dilemma from someone who started dating their roommate. Check out Laura's amazing book, No More Mediocre: A Call To Reimagine Our Relationships And Demand More THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Feeling uneasy about your partner's friendship with someone of the opposite sex? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm breaking down what that jealousy actually means, when it's a you problem vs. a real red flag, and how to navigate it without sabotaging your relationship. I'm sharing my own experience working through this with Johnny and the one boundary we set that made all the difference. Plus: why your partner having women friends is actually a green flag, how to bring this up without it turning into a fight, and what to do if the conversation goes badly. Then, in this week's dating dilemma, a guy who had a "Hallmark movie moment" with someone who's already in a relationship wants to know if he should pursue it. Instagram post I'm referring to! THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Sabrina Bendory, author of Detached: How to Let Go, Heal and Become Irresistible, joins me to break down what detached dating actually means (hint: it's not about not caring). We get into why you keep ending up in situationships, the difference between limerence and real connection, and two tools to manage dating anxiety that you probably never heard of before. Plus, we tackle a dating dilemma about financial generosity in relationships. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm answering four real dating dilemmas from listeners stuck on whether to stay or leave a relationship. I get into how to end a medium-term relationship, what to do when you've been on the fence for months, the difference between accepting imperfections and settling, and what to actually look for when you give someone a deadline to change. If you're in a relationship that feels "fine" but you're questioning whether fine is enough, this one's for you. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Travis Ambrose, an attachment-focused coach who specializes in helping people on the avoidant end of the spectrum heal and build healthier relationships. We're discussing everything from signs of avoidant attachment to the common mistakes anxious daters make that push avoidants away. Travis also shares his framework for knowing when a relationship is workable versus when it's time to walk away. We also tackle a dating dilemma: navigating a two-month relationship with someone who shows classic avoidant patterns. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Let's get ready for a first date! I'm sharing a pep talk for your next first date, plus my best quick tips for flirting, so you can actually create a romantic connection instead of just a friendly one. I'm covering how to lower the stakes and stop putting so much pressure on yourself, what your real mission is on a first date, and what to do if you're nervous. Then I get into the basics of flirting and more advanced moves. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma from a woman who matched with a guy on Bumble, lost him when she reset her profile, and now he's popped up on Instagram. Should she slide into his DMs? Get 90+ dating questions (and all my free guides): datingintentionallypod.com/gift THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I'm chatting with Amy Nobile Messing, a holistic dating coach who "turbo dated" her way through NYC after leaving a 20-year marriage in her 40. She's now remarried and helping clients of all ages find love with intention. We're discussing everything from how to bring up your divorce on a first date to her four pillars for filtering someone out by date four. Amy also shares the trick question she uses to figure out if someone's actually ready for a relationship. At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about navigating post-divorce dating when external markers like marriage and kids are off the table. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Meundies: Get up to 50% off on underwear with code DATING! meundies.com/dating Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

I’m breaking down the real signs someone is actually ready for a relationship beyond what they say on a dating app or how excited they seem early on. I’m also covering what doesn’t mean much on its own (like good morning texts or initial excitement), how long it should realistically take to see these signs, and what you’ll never see from someone who’s truly ready. Along the way, I share personal examples from my relationship with Johnny. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma from a woman whose boyfriend aired his doubts about her to his friends, which is causing them major issues. Episode mentioned: are you ready for a relationship? THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I'm chatting with Allora Dannon, who went on her first date ever at 32. She's now engaged, and we're discussing everything from how to bring up your lack of experience on a date to navigating physical intimacy when it's all brand new to grieving the timeline you thought you'd have while still moving forward. Whether you're a late bloomer yourself or you want to better support someone who is, this conversation is packed with encouragement and practical advice for anyone who's ever felt "behind." At the end, we tackle a dating dilemma about whether inconsistent texting is a real dealbreaker or a sign of self-sabotage. Check out Allora on TikTok and grab her book! THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I'm breaking down 8 things that seem like red flags but are actually just part of being with someone for a while, like feeling bored sometimes, not being "in love" every single day, having doubts, disagreeing about money, and yes, occasionally thinking about an ex. I'm sharing where the line is between normal and actually problematic, plus what Johnny and I have experienced along the way. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma about whether needing to tell your partner how to show up for you is a sign to move on. Mentioned in this episode: Relationship Needs Masterclass - catch session two on 1/12! Study on how often couples fight about money THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS Quince: Get free shipping & 365-day returns on luxe basics, bedding, and more. quince.com/talia Pique Life: Unlock 20% off your first order! piquelife.com/dating Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

In this episode, I’m joined by dating coach Erika Ettin again to break down the mindset shifts that make dating feel calmer, clearer, and more intentional. We talk about dating NATO (not attached to outcome), avoiding pen-pal dynamics, reading texting patterns, and how to stay open without over-investing too early. At the end, we dive into a text support question from a listener about a promising first date that turns into confusing texting and how to handle it. Where to Find Erika: IG: https://www.instagram.com/alittlenudge Podcast: https://sowemetonline.com/ Website: https://www.alittlenudge.com/ JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally!⁠ MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple DATING COURSES ⁠Swipe, Match, Date - Master The Dating Apps⁠ Relationship Needs Master Class

Starting fresh in dating can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. In this episode, I'm sharing my top 10 tips for dating intentionally in 2026, from building confidence and resilience to utilizing phone calls to combat flakiness to finding an in-person approach that actually fits your life and getting crystal clear on your core needs. This episode is packed with the direction and positivity you might be craving as we head into a new year. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma about people who are on the apps but say they're not ready to date. Sign up for my Relationship Needs Masterclass on 1/5 and 1/12! datingintentionallypod.com/needs Mentioned in this episode: How to set boundaries (ep 73) Being the chooser vs being chosen (ep 218) Dating Intentionally Basics IG post Thanks to our partners: Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Rula: Go to rula.com/datingintentionally and take the first step towards better mental health today. Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally!⁠ MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Being single is treated like something to escape, like something's wrong with you. But what if we stopped thinking of it that way? In this episode, I'm sharing the exact exercise I did after leaving my 6-year relationship that completely changed how I approached dating. I'm sharing the reflection questions I used to build my own security while actively dating, so you can do the same. This episode will help you re-frame urgency and desperation around just finding your person already. REFLECTION QUESTIONS: If I don't like it here, where should I live? How do I want to spend my time? What do I want my lifestyle to be? How will I make my life meaningful without a romantic relationship? What kind of friend and daughter do I want to be? How will I show up for the people in my life? How do I want to spend my money and what are my financial goals as a single person? If I don't meet anyone in the next few years, will I choose to have kids on my own? If I don't get married, what does the best version of my life look like? Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Rula: Go to rula.com/datingintentionally and take the first step towards better mental health today. Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 UPCOMING EVENT Relationship Needs Masterclass: datingintentionallypod.com/needs JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally!⁠ MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ DATING COURSES ⁠Swipe, Match, Date - Master The Dating Apps⁠ Relationship Needs Master Class SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Are you overthinking your dating situations, or are people showing you exactly who they are? In this episode, I break down four real dating dilemmas, which will help you trust your gut, set firmer boundaries, and date with more confidence and ease. Dilemma 1) dating someone who isn’t truly available, Dilemma 2) dealing with inconsistency and repeated cancellations, Dilemma 3) knowing when to state a boundary versus walk away, and Dilemma 4) figuring out whether a “slow burn” is real or a stalled connection. When you learn to observe instead of explain away behavior, dating becomes less confusing and a lot more empowering. Join my Relationship Needs Masterclass on 1/5 and 1/12! datingintentionallypod.com/needs Thanks to our partners: Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Rula: Go to rula.com/datingintentionally and take the first step towards better mental health today. Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally!⁠ MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ DATING COURSES ⁠Swipe, Match, Date - Master The Dating Apps⁠ Relationship Needs Master Class SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple

Breakups aren’t fun, but they don’t have to break you. In this episode, I’m joined by breakup coach Cole Zesiger to talk about why we ruminate, how to stop comparing new dates to an ex, and when you are actually ready to date again. We also get into his divorce story, real healing strategies, and at the end we get into a dating dilemma about staying in touch with exes. Connect with Cole Zesiger: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachcolezesiger YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbR-Co-YONE96kmIsxQPstA Get Cole's Book! Ex's and No's: The Breakup Advice You Don't Want to Hear Thanks to our partners: Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions easily and manage your finances with Rocket Money! Go to rocketmoney.com/dating to get started. AG1: Go to drinkag1.com/dating and get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2 when you first subscribe! Rula: Go to rula.com/datingintentionally and take the first step towards better mental health today. Olive & June: DIY salon-level nails! Get 20% off your first mani system at oliveandjune.com/dating20 JOIN THE COMMUNITY datingintentionallypod.com/community CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠ ⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally!⁠ MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT ⁠Free texting templates & dating FAQ guide⁠ ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ DATING COURSES ⁠Swipe, Match, Date - Master The Dating Apps⁠ ⁠Relationship Needs Master Class SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple