Dating Intentionally

When should you have sex with someone new, and is there such a thing as "too soon?" In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common questions about timing, boundaries, and emotional pacing when it comes to sex in early dating. You’ll learn how to know when you’re ready, how to avoid confusing chemistry for connection, and what to do if you want to slow things down after moving too fast. Are you ready for sex? (reflection questions) Do I know my intentions? Do I know their intentions? Do I trust this person emotionally and physically? Can we talk comfortably about boundaries and protection? Am I okay with any possible outcome? Mentioned in this episode: #123 w/ Vanessa & Xander Marin 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 ⁠How To Identify Your Needs 1-hr Class⁠ SUPPORT THE POD ⁠Rate on Apple Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with author and relationship coach Jillian Turecki to talk about the hard truths of love, why it really begins with you, and what changes when you stop outsourcing certainty and start meeting your own needs. We get into the “six human needs” as a simple audit for what’s missing, the seductive pull of victim-mode, and how building a secure base in yourself makes dating easier. We unpack the mental stories that tank early connections, set a clean bar for communication, and draw a firm line between charm and character while defining a true slow burn. It Begins With You: The 9 Hard Truths About Love That Will Change Your Life Check out Jillian's podcast, Jillian On Love Cozy Earth - get 20% off with code DATING 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 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

You don’t have to love dating apps to make them work, but you do need a grounded strategy so you don't lose your mind! In this episode, I’m breaking down how to use dating apps without swearing off them for good every few months (only to come back again). You’ll learn the mindset shifts that make apps less frustrating, how to write a profile that actually gets attention, and what to do when the flakiness or ghosting gets to you. I also answer your top listener questions about filters, messaging, and finding emotionally available people online. Do the apps kinda suck? Yes. But do they allow you to connect with more single people? Also yes. My Substack on how I made a decision about kids after being on the fence for years The Dear Sugar article that helped me with my kids/no kids decision Cozy Earth - get 20% off with code DATING 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 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

She called off her wedding, then married the same man. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Molly Burrets, a clinical psychologist and couples therapist, about what it really looks like to date while healing. We unpack how to know when you’re ready after a breakup, why you don’t have to be fully “healed” to find love, and how new relationships can actually support your growth. From there, we dive into anxious attachment, how “butterflies” can be anxiety in disguise, and why healthy relationships sometimes feel “boring” compared to the chaos we’re used to. Plus, we talk about comparison to exes, scanning for red flags, and what it means to show up with more trust and self-awareness in love. Connect with Dr. Molly on IG Look out for Dr. Molly's podcast, Kissing Frogs coming soon! Cozy Earth - get 20% off with code DATING 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 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

Are they bad at communicating, or just not that into you? Let’s unpack texting habits, mixed signals, and what’s really going on. If you’ve ever found yourself analyzing every message or wondering if a mismatch in communication means they’re not interested, this one’s for you. I’m breaking down the gray area between different communication styles, real incompatibility, and a genuine lack of effort. Plus, a Dating Dilemma from a listener who keeps getting to the third date, but never past it. Try Quince Bedding! Get FREE shipping Episodes mentioned: 170 - what to do when you feel "the shift." 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

The one-year mark in a relationship is a major milestone! It comes with new challenges, changes, and conversations. In this final episode of Comparing Notes, Ali Jackson from Finding Mr. Height and I reflect on what the first year of a healthy relationship really looks like. We discuss moving in together, navigating family and career transitions, maintaining intimacy, and having the “what’s next” conversation. Plus, we answer listener questions about when to talk about marriage, how to handle a routine sex life, and what to do if you’re still unsure about the future. Comparing Notes Pt 1 - all about the first 3 months of a relationship! Comparing Notes Pt. 2 - covering the ins and outs of being in a relationship for 6 months 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

In this episode, you'll learn how to know when to walk away in early dating vs. long-term relationships and why it's so difficult. You’ll get a simple mindset shift that makes the breakup decision stick, plus exact scripts to end it by text, phone, or in person without reopening negotiations. I also map your next steps to take care of yourself and avoid making mistakes after it's over. We close with a listener dilemma about four great dates that ended with “something’s missing," and what to do when that happens. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get info on my 2026 retreat / sign up for the waitlist Get anti-ghost text scripts 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

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

In this episode, I delve into what it truly means to be “ready” to date vs ready for a relationship. There’s a big difference between, and most people confuse the two. I’ll share how to tell if you're ready to date or for a relationship (or both), what true dating readiness looks like, and why you don’t need to have every part of your life perfectly together before putting yourself out there. We’ll also talk about dating while still healing from a breakup, the myth of being “fully healed,” and the mindset shifts that make it easier to date with clarity and confidence. Plus, I’m sharing a practical checklist to help you gauge your own readiness and I answer listener questions about emotional availability and long-term intentions. ⁠⁠Check out Quince bedding!⁠ Episodes mentioned: Casual dating #178 Recovering from a break up #70 How to get closer to someone #189 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF Do I have space in my life for someone? Can I compromise and make decisions w/ someone else in mind? Can I say what I want out loud? When I picture a relationship, do I feel excited or dread? Do I want one because it fits my life right now, or just because I feel lonely or behind? Am I prepared to support someone else's goals, not just focus on myself? Do I know what I need in a partner? CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Slide into my DMs on IG 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

In this episode, I break down the top 11 red-flag phrases to never ignore in early dating, what they really mean, how to spot them even when attraction is loud, and exactly what to say or do in the moment. If you've ever heard the classics like “I’m bad at texting,” “I don’t like labels,” “you’re too good for me,” and “I’m not looking for anything serious right now,” this one is for you. At the end, I answer a Dating Dilemma about a long-distance “is it me or is it them?” situation and close with YOUR dating wins in a new segment. Episode mentioned: #175 - How To Write A Manifest w/ Matchmaker Maria ⁠Check out Quince bedding! CONNECT WITH ME: ⁠⁠Ask a question for me to answer on the pod⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Slide into my DMs on IG 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

I’m breaking down how to handle workplace crushes without risking your job or your peace of mind! I cover what the research says about how common office romances really are, why you should never date a boss or direct report, and the steps to take if you do want to pursue a crush at work, from grabbing a casual lunch to keeping it professional at the office. I also share my own story about dating at a summer job and answer a listener's dilemma about whether to shoot her shot with a coworker she clicked with at a conference. Check out 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

In this episode, I talk with writer and academic Kelly Coyne about intentional living, relationships, and what happens when traditional scripts around dating and marriage fall short. We explore women’s narratives, prenups, communication, gender norms, and the “quiet betrayals” that can erode long-term partnerships. From rethinking chivalry to building a circle of support, this conversation offers a fresh lens on creating sustainable, fulfilling relationships. Get 365 days of FREE shipping with Quince! Find Kelly on IG Kelly's writing 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

In this episode, I’m breaking down 10 practical, low-pressure ways to build emotional closeness that feel fun, natural, and mutual so you’re not stuck carrying all the weight of “going deep.” I’ll show you how to connect through shared experiences, create emotional safety, and build trust without forcing heavy conversations, plus why emotional intimacy is more than just talking about your feelings. You’ll also hear a listener Q&A on oversharing, one-sided connection, and giving things time to develop, a Dating Dilemma on whether “too slow” is a red flag, and a Text Support breakdown of when not to offer a second date. LINKS MENTIONED: Get free shipping on Quince bedding and more!! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Listen to episode 174 about new relationships/integration Try the 36 love questions Check out [The And] question cards - use code TALIA Agape question app 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 How To Identify Your Needs 1-hr Class SUPPORT THE POD Rate on Apple Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices