In this candid, on-the-road episode, I share a real-time check-in from sunny Phoenix and dive into the realities of dating—the parts you simply can’t avoid if you want healthy companionship. Drawing from my work with women and my own experiences, I outline the core truths of the dating process: you have to engage with strangers, you will encounter poorly behaved matches, misaligned preferences are part of romantic interviewing, you may need to make changes (or decide not to) in yourself or your circumstances, and there will be disappointment and frustration along the way. 

I walk through how to set realistic expectations, strengthen your vetting skills, and protect your emotional wellbeing by choosing disappointment over heartbreak when things aren’t a fit. You’ll learn practical ways to prepare mentally, cut off misaligned or inappropriate dates efficiently, reflect on what you’re willing (and unwilling) to change, and keep dating momentum with a roster mindset so one setback isn’t the end of your story.