Heart of Dating S16 Ep283: When to Stay vs. When to Walk Away in Dating with Dr. Les Parrott
Nov 12, 2025
Dr. Les Parrott, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of eHarmony, dives into the crucial moments in dating—highlighting when to stay and when to walk away. He discusses the importance of recognizing red flags and differentiates between tolerating flaws and offering grace for growth. Les introduces tools like the SYMBIS assessment and the Heart Chart to help individuals gain self-awareness in relationships. He also emphasizes emotional safety and shares deal breakers to watch out for, making this a must-listen for anyone navigating the dating landscape.
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Dating Patterns, Not People
- People often date repeating patterns instead of the actual person in front of them.
- That hidden pattern-seeking explains why similar relationship failures keep happening.
Give Grace, Demand Accountability
- Offer grace when someone is actively on the road to emotional health but require accountability if they are not.
- Avoid tolerating flaws that are core character issues or expecting to change the other person for you.
Prioritize Runway For Change
- Categorize issues by proximity to your non-negotiables and give different amounts of runway.
- Reject core 'can't-stands' quickly and show more patience for peripheral annoyances.