If you've ever felt the sting of disappointment in dating or wondered how to break free from a cycle of cynicism and nervousness, this conversation is for you.

A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maria and Meghan from "The Intentional Single," and it quickly became one of my most listened-to episodes. Today, I’m thrilled to have them back to dive deep into a topic that so many of us struggle with: the anxiety, pressure, and overwhelming nerves that can come with dating, especially on that first date.

We explore how our goal-oriented culture often programs us to treat dating like a task to be completed. Maria and Meghan offer a refreshing and holistic perspective, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and viewing the person across from you as a gift, not a goal.

We discuss the profound impact that our mindset has on our dating lives, from the stories we tell ourselves to the unconscious beliefs that shape our interactions. You’ll hear about practical tools to manage anxiety in the moment, the power of asking curious, open-ended questions, and how a simple shift in perspective can transform dating from a dreaded chore into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

So, get ready to be encouraged and equipped. And tackle dating with faith, confidence, and hope! Let's jump into my conversation with Maria and Meghan.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:15:00 - Approaching Dating with a Healthy Mindset

00:21:48 - Overcoming Cynicism and Guardedness

00:27:49 - Understanding Fear in Dating

00:35:03 - Grounding Techniques and Easing Nervousness

00:45:32 - The Importance of Mindset in Dating

00:57:18 - The Role of Gratitude in Dating

01:05:00 - Redefining Success in Dating

01:10:49 - Promoting The Intentional Single

Stay in the know on all things TIS!

Reach out to Maria & Meghan: [email protected] 

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❓Got questions about dating, marriage, sex, or hope? Ask them here and they could get answered on a future episode of Always Hope: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/ask

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Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

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Full Courses:

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The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.