Dating Intentionally

Not sure who's worthy of a first date? In this episode, I'm sharing my exact process for deciding who gets a first date, including the one screening step I wish I'd done more of before meeting people in person.
The 3 questions to ask yourself before meeting someone
What's actually worth paying attention to on a profile (and what to ignore)
Why over-vetting someone like a job interview backfires
How texting for too long creates a false sense of intimacy
Why a quick phone or video screening call beats weeks of DMs
How vetting works differently when you meet someone offline vs. on the apps

At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma from a woman whose boyfriend of three months lied about his age.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
How to nail a first date from start to finish

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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FREE STUFF
Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more
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Submit a dating dilemma
Slide into my DMs on IG
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It's finale week, which means we're wrapping up this season of Love Island Lessons with five final dating takeaways from Love Island USA Season 8. In this episode, I'm breaking down why exclusivity has a place in modern dating (and why it's not the same as being in a situationship), how to recognize breadcrumbing before you get emotionally invested, and why waiting for someone to change is one of the biggest traps you can fall into. I also share my thoughts on what the compatibility challenge got wrong and why meeting the family is such a meaningful milestone in a relationship. Plus, we recap the finale couples, the winners, and the biggest dating lessons from the villa.

MENTIONED IN THIS EP
Tips for meeting the parents (and other relationship firsts)
How to tell if you're compatible before you catch feelings

CONNECT WITH ME:
⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally
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⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I sit down with Hinge's Love & Connection Expert, licensed marriage and family therapist Moe Ari Brown, to unpack what Hinge's latest LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. Report reveals about modern dating. We dive into why so many first dates feel like they're going nowhere, the surprising "question deficit" that's making it harder to build connection, and why clarity is becoming one of the most attractive qualities in dating today.
You'll learn...
Why so many people aren't asking enough questions on dates and how it's impacting attraction.
The best first date habits that actually lead to stronger connections.
What Hinge's latest dating research reveals about how dating is changing in 2026.
Why uncertainty is making people more intentional about what they want in a partner.
The difference between saying you're emotionally available and actually showing it.
How to communicate your intentions without killing the vibe.
Why consistency matters more than grand romantic gestures.
The case for embracing a slow burn
How to build attraction through curiosity, clarity, and genuine connection.
A listener dating dilemma: What do you do when you have a crush on your non-binary friend and can't tell if the feelings are mutual?

Whether you've been frustrated by awkward first dates, mixed signals, or conversations that never seem to go anywhere, this episode will give you practical insights—and a fresh perspective on what actually helps relationships get off the ground.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally

FREE STUFF
Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more

CONNECT WITH ME
Submit a dating dilemma
Slide into my DMs on IG
Watch the pod on YouTube
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer dating is the best, IMO. Vacation flings, coordinating dates when everyone's going away, dating app struggles and more - we get into it all in this guide to dating in the summer. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma about a promising Hinge connection that fizzled out after both people traveled, and how to tell the difference between someone losing interest and your own anxiety talking.
You'll learn...
The conversation you need to have before you/they travel
The biggest dating app mistake to avoid in the summer
My tips for getting to the date quickly even when people's schedules are crazy
Advice for deciding to take a break (or not) this summer
How to navigate a vacation romance without the heartbreak and drama

MENTIONED IN THIS EP
Ep 277 with Camille Virginia about meeting people IRL
Ep 249 with Eric Resnick about revamping your dating app profile
Ep 186 on how (and when) to take a dating break
The waitlist for Date Tracker, my new dating journaling app coming soon!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! bbvibes.com/DatingIntentionally

FREE STUFF
Dating Guides: 90 questions, FAQ, text templates & more

CONNECT WITH ME
Submit a dating dilemma
Slide into my DMs on IG
Watch the pod on YouTube
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Movie Night brought the drama and lots of lessons to learn about dating. I’m watching Love Island USA Season 8 to draw real-life dating lessons from it. This week (Episodes 23–29), I’m breaking down why feeling stressed more often than at peace is a major red flag, why even well-meaning friends can give terrible dating advice, and why you should check in with a friend before pursuing someone they're interested in. I also get into a better way to have the exclusivity conversation, what it actually takes to rebuild trust after betrayal, and why "fixing" a relationship is never one person's job. Plus, I share my thoughts on the aftermath of Movie Night and what all the chaos can teach us about healthy relationships.

MENTIONED IN THIS EP
Tips for becoming exclusive in dating
How to define the relationship

CONNECT WITH ME:
⁠Slide into my DMs on IG @dating.intentionally
MORE FREE ADVICE & CONTENT
⁠Get more dating advice from me on YouTube⁠
SUPPORT THE POD
⁠Rate on Apple

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.