Dates & Mates with Damona Hoffman

Laura Stassi, author and host of the Dating While Gray podcast, reveals how many of our dating challenges and solutions remain the same, regardless of age, gender, or sexuality. And Laura joins Damona for a special Dear Damona segment to answer your questions, like: I’d like to move to Tennessee and meet a Southern gentleman. Should I start dating long distance in the meantime? I have a medical issue that is lowering my self esteem. How can I move past this and begin dating again? Listen to the Dating While Gray podcast wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to follow Laura on Instagram @DatingWhileGray Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator by visiting: DamonaHoffman.com/program Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com TIMESTAMPS Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)   Guest Introduction (00:01:15)   Laura's Background (00:02:19)   Podcast Journey (00:05:41)   Media Representation of Older Daters (00:06:21)   Dating Trends and Challenges (00:10:34)   Dating Attitudes Across Ages (00:11:57)   Learning from Dating Experiences (00:14:04)   Shifting Dating Etiquette (00:15:38)   The rigidity of dating (00:16:16)   Compromise in dating (00:17:22)   Dating models and etiquette (00:18:36)   Older daters' routines (00:19:47)   Generosity in dating (00:20:46)   Communication in dating (00:22:12)   Meeting people offline (00:24:52)   Overcoming fear of being alone (00:27:57)   Reconnecting with past acquaintances (00:29:00)   Long-distance dating considerations (00:31:01)   Exploring Relocation for Love (00:31:59)   Importance of Community (00:32:21)   Dating as Discovery (00:34:13)   Listener Question on Self-Esteem (00:36:20)   Vulnerability in Sharing Challenges (00:37:26)   Stigmas Around Health Issues (00:39:46)   Navigating Disclosure in Dating (00:40:57)   Redefining Sexual Intimacy (00:42:28)   Intentional Dating Post-Pandemic (00:44:01)   Comfort with Oneself (00:45:18)   Closing Remarks and Resources (00:46:14)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aleeza Ben Shalom, celebrity matchmaker of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking, shares actionable advice to help you find your path on this dating journey with wisdom from her new book “Matchmaker, Matchmaker: Find Me a Love That Lasts”. And the Dear Damona question this week is: What are the signs that someone is interested in you? Pre-order your copy of Aleeza's new book, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker: Find Me a Love That Lasts”, by visiting: https://marriagemindedmentor.com/book/ And, follow Aleeza on Instagram @AleezaBenShalom! Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator by visiting: DamonaHoffman.com/program Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com TIMESTAMPS Intro (00:00:00)   Finding your personal dating playbook (00:01:03)   Meet Aleeza Ben Shalom (00:02:14)   Aleeza's journey as a matchmaker (00:02:50)   Date them till you hate them (00:04:02)   The three-date rule (00:05:30)   Clarity in dating decisions (00:06:37)   The importance of staying curious (00:07:25)   Navigating difficult conversations (00:10:30)   Rejection as a form of protection (00:13:20)   The five-day challenge (00:14:42)   Five Day Challenge Explained (00:15:04) Clarifying the No Touching Rule (00:15:49) Tips for the Challenge (00:16:36) Importance of Connection in Dating (00:18:39) Dating Dynamics and Tests (00:19:47) Rules for Same-Sex Couples (00:20:33) Calculating Relationship Compatibility (00:21:06) Interests vs. Core Values (00:22:44) Significance of Family Values (00:24:22) Understanding Timelines in Relationships (00:26:53) Self-Discovery in Dating (00:29:16) The Five-Year Relationship Evolution (00:29:50)   The 555 Dating Rule Explained (00:30:23)   Building Momentum in Dating (00:31:04)   Chemistry and Intentional Dating (00:34:13)   Soulmate Clarity Concept (00:37:38)   Navigating Workplace Relationships (00:40:41)   Dating Gestures and Vibes (00:45:35)   Small Moves in Dating (00:46:29)   Attraction Beyond Age (00:47:22)   Investing in Clear Signals (00:48:52)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode is dedicated to YOU! The holidays are here, bringing all the cozy vibes, family gatherings, and… yep, those inevitable relationship questions. Damona answers all your pressing holiday love questions, from family expectations to finding romance under the mistletoe.She will answer your top questions like: I have been dating a wonderful man for 7 months now and STILL don’t feel a physical connection. Is it time to call it quits? I got ghosted after 4 months of dating, is it something I said? I am interested in some of the singles in my triathlon club. Do I shoot my shot or is it too risky? She made the reservation but then asked for my credit card to reimburse her the deposit. Is that a petty red flag? Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator by visiting: DamonaHoffman.com/program Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com TIMESTAMPS Intro (00:00:00)   Uncertainty in Relationships (00:00:01)   Light-hearted Commentary (00:00:03)   Holiday Dating Dilemmas (00:00:06)   Listener's Voice Memo (00:01:55)   Annie's Relationship Concerns (00:02:01)   Ghosting After Four Months (00:07:58)   Communication Issues in Relationships (00:09:00)   Conflict Resolution Advice (00:12:22)   Triathlon Club Dating Dilemma (00:16:24)   Breaking the Ice in a Club (00:16:46)   The Benefits of Physical Activity (00:17:18)   Navigating Group Dynamics (00:19:50)   Using Dating Apps (00:22:02)   Addressing Gender Roles in Dating (00:23:55)   Finding Common Ground (00:26:12)   Preparing for Holiday Conversations (00:29:38)   Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes (00:30:52)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Frances, Love and Relationships Expert, talks all about first dates from when they start (it’s not when you think) to how to graciously end one that’s just not working for you. And our Dear Damona question of the week is, “My match is great, not a single dealbreaker, and I STILL can’t wrap my head around commitment. What now?” Want to join Lauren’s incredible Love Magnet Makeover? Just visit DamonaHoffman.com/lovemagnet Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com Timestamps Intro (00:00:00)   The First Date Starts Early (00:00:09)   Preparation for First Dates (00:00:14)   Value of First Dates (00:01:05)   Introducing Lauren Francis (00:02:05)   Persistence in Publishing (00:03:09)   Timing in Dating (00:04:38)   Transitioning to Phone Calls (00:05:53)   Setting Up Phone Conversations (00:07:25)   Importance of Privacy (00:09:10)   Breaking the Ice (00:11:21)   Choosing the Right Date Venue (00:12:18)   Being Seen on Dates (00:13:06)   Creating the Right Vibe (00:15:02)   Understanding Enthusiasm in Dating (00:16:35)   The Enthusiasm Gap (00:20:37)   First Dates as Your Party (00:21:37)   Heartache Prevention Tips (00:25:12)   Compatibility and Actions Over Words (00:30:07)   Ghosting and Relationship Alignment (00:31:02)   Rejection Reasons (00:32:58)   Ending Dates Positively (00:34:04)   Creating a Great First Impression (00:35:02)   Love Magnet Makeover Introduction (00:36:01)   Details of Love Magnet Makeover (00:37:04)   A Listener's Commitment Question (00:40:04)   Navigating Relationship Fears (00:41:07)   Understanding Commitment (00:42:19)   Empowerment in Relationships (00:48:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Alfiee, psychologist, host of the Couched in Color podcast and founder of the AAKOMA Project, dives into attachment styles, how depression can impact a partnership, and the ways our traumas and triggers can become unearthed in new relationships. Then this week’s Dear Damona question is: I married too young and stayed too long. Can you please help me get back into the dating game? Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona’s signature online program, The Dating Accelerator by visiting: DamonaHoffman.com/program Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com Timestamps Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)   Attachment Styles Overview (00:00:59)   Expectations in Relationships (00:03:30)   The Desire to Change Partners (00:05:04)   The Fantasy of Relationships (00:06:13)   Effort vs. Work in Relationships (00:08:01)   Unpacking Emotional Baggage (00:08:35)   Understanding Attachment Styles (00:09:55)   Cultural Context of Attachment (00:12:04)   Personal Experiences with Attachment (00:14:23)   Embracing Attachment Nuances (00:15:17)   Understanding Family Dynamics and Attachment Styles (00:16:50)   Personal Reflection on Attachment Styles (00:17:42)   The Impact of Community on Relationships (00:18:26)   Navigating Triggers in Relationships (00:19:55)   Mental Health and Medication Statistics (00:20:37)   Stigma Around Mental Health in Communities (00:22:13)   Dating with Mental Health Challenges (00:23:05)   Recognizing Deal Breakers in Relationships (00:23:43)   Changing Attitudes Towards Therapy (00:25:51)   Generational Differences in Mental Health Views (00:27:06)   Healing from Trauma and Relationships (00:28:08)   The Process of Healing and Trauma Management (00:30:25)   Distinguishing Good and Bad Butterflies (00:32:22)   The Importance of Self-Reflection Before Dating (00:33:14)   Understanding Triggers in Relationships (00:33:50) Disclosing Trauma in Relationships (00:35:17) Trust and Safety in Sharing Trauma (00:36:12) Empowerment in Relationships (00:38:17) Unpopular Opinions on Relationships (00:39:46) Finding a New Relationship After Marriage (00:41:23) Going Where the People Are (00:43:24) Strategic Socializing for Dating (00:45:38). Creating Momentum in Dating (00:49:04) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices