Chemistry and availability aren’t the same thing—and that’s a key reason dating can feel confusing. In this episode of Just Ask Her, Gracie and her mom/co-host (certified life coach) Tracy answer three real submissions about mixed signals at work, dating after a layoff, and why first dates from apps often get canceled last-minute.
If you’re dating with intention and you keep wondering “What did I do wrong?”, this episode helps you separate the facts from the story your brain is trying to write—so you can move forward with more confidence and less overthinking.
You’ll hear practical scripts and mindset shifts for navigating modern dating dynamics (especially on the apps), plus how to protect your time and self-respect while still staying open to connection.
In this episode:
Why “chemistry” doesn’t equal “availability” (and how faith/values can change outcomes)
Friendly vs. flirty in work settings—and how to get clarity without spiraling
Should you mention unemployment on your dating profile? (Spoiler: no)
How to talk about a recent layoff on a first date with confidence
Why app dates get canceled so often—and how not to take it personally
The better response when someone cancels (so you don’t carry the whole reschedule)
Why comparison is wrecking your confidence (and what to do instead)
Time Stamps / Chapters:
00:00 — Welcome to 2026 + new studio setup
00:02:21 — Submission #1: Mixed signals at work + mini golf invite “180”
00:05:56 — Friendly vs. flirty: how to get clarity (especially at work)
00:10:42 — Faith/values + “two truths can coexist”
00:13:02 — Lesson: you can do everything right and still not control outcomes
00:15:44 — Submission #2: Laid off—how it affects dating + your profile
00:19:06 — Why you shouldn’t disclose unemployment on apps (and what to say instead)
00:24:11 — Mind drama, shame, overexplaining: what actually hurts your dating life
00:28:49 — Submission #3: Dates keep canceling + confidence crash from comparison
00:32:05 — App reality: most matches don’t meet + lots of day-of cancellations
00:37:49 — What to text when she cancels (and why “pick a new time” backfires)
00:45:00 — Stop over-texting before the date: save conversation for in-person
00:47:32 — Episode wrap: Episode 59 + what’s next
Keywords:
chemistry vs availability dating
friendly vs flirty at work
mixed signals workplace crush
how to ask her out clearly
dating after being laid off
unemployed and dating advice
should I mention unemployment dating profile
what to say when she cancels date
dating app dates cancelled last minute
why dating apps ghosting happens
stop over texting before first date
confidence after rejection dating
dating apps decision fatigue
how to reschedule a date text
modern dating advice for men
Hashtags:
#DatingAdvice #OnlineDating #Confidence