As we are seeing more and more these days, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to relationships… far from it. While monogamy is generally people’s default, Erika and Chris want to shed some knowledge on other types of relationship structures.

While the podcast often focuses on online dating, in this week’s episode, Erika and Chris talk about offline dating, or meeting people in real life (IRL). How do you know if someone is available? Is it appropriate to approach someone in this climate? Is rejection worse if it’s in person? After sharing their own stories, Erika and Chris drill down on how exactly to ask someone out in the real world.

Why do we want what we can’t have? Does the chase make the outcome sweeter? If we have 10 amazing things (or people) in front of us, why do we focus on the one who’s not there? This week, Chris and Erika each share stories, and Erika covers four theories on why exactly we go for the one we can’t have.

You go to an event. Someone hits on you or otherwise makes you feel “icky.” What do you do? This episode is all about those awkward interactions — how to avoid them in the first place and what to do if you can’t. Guest Claire is back, and, with Erika and Chris, shares a story of her own.

You went on a first date. It was okay. Not great, not terrible, but okay. Do you go on a second date? That’s the question that Erika and Chris try to answer in this episode. In this day and age, with so many options on the dating sites and apps, it’s easy to overlook someone who perhaps doesn’t put out the best first impression. Sometimes nerves are at play. And sometimes it’s just not a match. What criteria should you use to determine wither a second or third date is worth it? Listen to find out.

This week, guest Bob shares an incredible story about his first date, wondering whether some guiding power (beyond the powers of OkCupid) brought him together with his girlfriend. Then, Erika and Chris talk about their views on fate, soulmates, and coincidences. While they don’t see eye-to-eye, each shares in interesting perspective, while sharing stories along the way.

If you have questions about first dates, then this is the episode for you. Erika and Chris delve into clients’ questions and then provide their own answers to your burning questions, like how long a date should last, when to kiss someone, and much more.

Some relationships stand the test of time because you’re happy and can’t wait to see your partner every day. And, unfortunately, some relationships endure for the wrong reasons. It’s difficult to know when to stick it out and when to throw in the towel. Should you move out or have a baby together? Should you trek cross country together or break up? On today’s episode, a guest shares his story of staying in a relationship despite red flags and then Erika and Chris discuss reasons one might stay a bit too long and ways we rationalize making that decision.

Whether you don’t live near each other when you meet or your relationship has to turn into a long-distance one after some time, navigating the circumstance can be tricky. How often will you see each other? Are you exclusive? What’s your primary means of communication? Erika and Chris discuss all of this and more this week, and Erika shares her own attempt at meeting someone from afar.

Relationships are not easy. There’s no denying that. And sometimes once you invest more time and energy, it’s hard to know whether to keep investing or to cut things off if the investment is not showing you returns (i.e. happiness). This week, our guest Wendy shares a very personal story about a relationship that goes longer than it perhaps should, and Erika and Chris discuss the implications.