The impact of shame and loneliness in dating

In this podcast episode, a 53-year-old woman named Lauren shares her deep shame and embarrassment about her late start in dating and sex. She feels that her lack of dating experience holds her back from entering into a loving, adult, intimate relationship. The hosts, Laurie Gottlieb and Guy Winch, explore the connection between Lauren's shame and her relationship with her mother, who relied on her for companionship after her father's death. They encourage Lauren to challenge the faulty narrative she has about herself and her worth, acknowledging that her experiences are more typical than she realizes. They also give her tasks, including writing a letter from her grandmother's perspective, embracing her freedom to date, and approaching dates with the mindset of evaluating compatibility rather than seeking approval.