Dating Intentionally

I’m celebrating three years of the podcast and 3 million downloads by sharing the 10 biggest lessons I’ve learned from 200 episodes!!! THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE 💛 When I started this show in my kitchen in Seattle, I never imagined I’d be talking to hundreds of thousands of daters all over the world. Today, I’m reflecting on the advice that comes up again and again, from “you can date however you want” to “stop chasing the spark," and sharing the mindset shifts that will help you enjoy dating, stay grounded, and actually find the relationship you want. Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck in your love life, this episode will help you recenter on what matters and remind you that you’re not behind, you’re not broken, and dating really can be fun. 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 guides⁠ ⁠⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠⁠ DATING COURSES ⁠Master The Dating Apps⁠ ⁠How To Identify Your Needs ⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Shaun Galanos (@thelovedrive) to discuss what it truly means to bring playfulness and honesty to dating. We dive into why dating actually gets better as you get older and how to embrace the messy parts of love without losing your sense of humor. Shaun shares the advice he gives his clients (that he still needs to hear himself), and we tackle some of your trickiest sex-related questions, including the ones that stump me. Plus, we wrap up with Shaun’s rapid-fire first date hot takes that will change how you think about getting to know someone new. 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 guides⁠ ⁠⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠⁠ DATING COURSES ⁠Master The Dating Apps⁠ ⁠How To Identify Your Needs ⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I’m answering four of your real-life dating dilemmas! We’re talking about what to do when someone says they need to “find themselves” before committing, how to build emotional connection early on without scaring them off, and whether a partner’s pre-trip freak-out is a sign to walk away or just a moment of vulnerability. Plus, we tackle the dreaded slow fade (and what to do). Stick around until the end for a personal update on my first year of marriage!! I'm sharing what surprised me, what challenged us, and what I wish I had known before saying “I do.” 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 guides⁠ ⁠⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠⁠ DATING COURSES ⁠Master The Dating Apps⁠ ⁠How To Identify Your Needs ⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I’m sharing all my tips for dating outside your type! You’re going to hear what it means to have a “type”, success stories from other listeners about how they dated outside their type, why dating outside your type can work, and what I personally looked for on dating apps when using this approach. (It led me to meeting my husband, just saying!) You’ll also hear why this approach is not the same as settling. At the end, I answer a fresh dating dilemma from a woman who's not sure if a friendship could become something romantic. This episode originally aired in April 2024. 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 guides⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ DATING COURSES ⁠⁠Master The Dating Apps⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How To Identify Your Needs ⁠⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠⁠Rate on Apple⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I talk about one of the most frustrating parts of modern dating: mixed signals. I break down why people send mixed signals, why they can feel so addicting (even when we know better), and how to spot them early so you don’t waste your time. You’ll hear real listener examples of hot-and-cold behavior, learn the difference between mixed signals and a slow burn, and get practical strategies for deciding when to walk away. We’ll also cover what clear, green-flag signals actually look like so you can focus on what you do want. This week’s dating dilemma is from a listener who feels like a late bloomer and worries that their lack of dating experience is holding them back from finding a meaningful relationship. Listen to my episode on green flags in early dating! Check out Quince bedding and get FREE shipping & returns! 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 guides ⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠ DATING COURSES ⁠Master The Dating Apps⁠ ⁠How To Identify Your Needs ⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever walked away from a date wondering if you should give it another shot or just move on? In this episode, I’m breaking down a simple three-part framework to help you decide whether to keep seeing someone in those crucial first few dates. I’ll share the exact questions I asked myself back when I was dating, including the ones that helped me recognize when it was worth going on a second (or even tenth) date, and when it was time to let go. I’ll also tell you why enjoying yourself matters more than “feeling the spark,” how to spot dealbreakers early, and why it’s okay to live in the uncertainty of not knowing yet. At the end, I answer a dating dilemma about how to bring up the subject of divorce and an ex when you’re a few months into something new. 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 guides⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ DATING COURSES ⁠⁠Master The Dating Apps⁠⁠ ⁠⁠How To Identify Your Needs ⁠⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠⁠Rate on Apple⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this second installment of Comparing Notes, I sit down with Ali Jackson, host of Finding Mr. Height, to talk about what often comes up around the six-month mark in a relationship. We get into the real stuff: when to start having check-ins, how to tell if someone could be marriage material, and what it means to settle into comfort and routine without losing the spark. We also explore deal breakers, financial conversations, traveling together, navigating family dynamics, and handling your first conflicts. You'll also hear both of our experiences with this milestone! Listen to Comparing Notes Pt 1 - all about the first 3 months of a relationship! Try Quince Bedding! Get FREE shipping 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 ⁠Master The Dating Apps⁠ ⁠How To Identify Your Needs ⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ok, but what does ENM really mean? In this episode, I talk with Claire Perelman, a sex therapist, about what ethical non-monogamy (ENM) actually is (and isn't). We talk about different types of ENM (polyamory, swinging, open relationships, solo poly etc), “ethical” matters (consent, clarity, agreements), and how jealousy, anxiety, and attachment styles show up in real life. Claire shares her path to ENM, why opening a relationship won’t save a broken one, and the difference between adding sexual variety vs. building additional romantic bonds. Claire shares tips on what to ask on first dates to vet for real ENM (vs. cheaters), sexual health norms, pacing to avoid emotional whiplash, and how to decide if this lifestyle fits your values and nervous system. Listen to Claire's first episode on my show Follow Claire on IG Try Quince Bedding! 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 ⁠Master The Dating Apps⁠ ⁠How To Identify Your Needs ⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the crucial difference between being ready to date and ready for a relationship. Unpack the concept of dating readiness and learn why perfection isn't necessary before diving in. Explore emotional needs in dating and how they shape your connections. The discussion also tackles dating while healing from past relationships and the myth of being 'fully healed.' Gain insights through a practical checklist and listener questions, all designed to boost your dating confidence and clarity.

Discover the top 11 red-flag phrases in early dating that you can't afford to ignore. Learn what phrases like “I’m bad at texting” and “I don’t like labels” really mean about a partner's intentions. Find out how to navigate emotional pitfalls and improve your communication skills while dating. The show also tackles dilemmas in long-distance relationships, offering strategies for commitment and connection. Plus, get inspired by real audience dating wins!