Welcome back to the show! Today our guest is Cory Smith, a business coach and socializing teacher here in Austin.

Find out more about Cory and his work: coryjsmith.com

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss various topics related to conversation, listening, consent, and rejection.

We explore the importance of proximity and touch in gauging interest, as well as the need to approach interactions without expectations.

We also address the question of how to ask for consent without breaking the mood, emphasizing the importance of playfulness, humor, and open communication.

The conversation delves into the art of listening, with tips on eye contact, body language, and asking why questions. We also go into the difference between empathy and compassion, and the importance of setting boundaries in relationships.

We discuss various aspects of dating and relationships, with a focus on the experiences of gay men. We explore topics such as authenticity, consent, rejection, and the challenges of dating apps.

Corey shares his insights on the stages of psychological development for gay men and the prevalence of validation-seeking behavior on dating apps. We also discuss the importance of safety and boundaries in dating, as well as the need for non-bar environments for the LGBTQ+ community.

Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of communication, self-reflection, and personal growth in navigating the dating world.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:20 The Importance of Proximity and Touch

05:45 Approaching Interactions without Expectations

07:11 Asking for Consent without Breaking the Mood

37:25 Empathy vs. Compassion

47:28 Setting Boundaries in Relationships

51:05 Authenticity and Communication in Relationships

52:34 Consent and Reframing Rejection

55:46 Challenges and Pitfalls of Dating Apps

58:10 Safety and Boundaries in the LGBTQ+ Dating Scene

01:13:02 Dating as a Gay Man: Challenges and Experiences

01:19:22 Creating Non-Bar Environments for LGBTQ+ Community

01:24:37 Approaching Men and Setting Boundaries

01:28:48 Cautious Consent and Protecting Others

01:35:28 Finding Social Activities and Non-Bar Environments

01:37:13 Coaching Session Offer for Podcast Listeners