Arranged Marriage & Facebook Dating

Our guest co-host this week was Puja Mohindra, creator of the webseries Geeta’s Guide to Moving On. Geeta’s discusses arranged marriages, moving on after a breakup, and how to find happiness in love. We got the chance to ask Puja more about the show and hear her valuable love advice during Technically Dating.

 

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS (3:11)

In this new segment, Damona will be offering some encouraging words of wisdom to inspire you to live your best life and be your best self. Up this week was the topic of vulnerability.

D’S DATING DISH (8:41)

Facebook is launching a dating feature

Despite the recent bad press involving their data management, Facebook recently announced at a convention that they’ll be launching a dating app. While stocks in other dating app companies dropped, many feel as if this is not the right time to be asking Facebook to be handling even more sensitive personal information. You can read more via CNBC here.

Stanford publishes a study about the lies people tell on dating apps

Stanford researchers recently recruited 200 people who use dating apps and analyzed 3,000 messages during the “discovery phase” of online dating, when a match has occurred but both parties are still getting to know each other. Overwhelmingly, they discovered that people are actually honest on dating apps, with only 7% of messages containing explicit fibs. That said, a sizable amount tell “butler lies,” designed to tactfully initiate conversation or matching interests. You can read more via Stanford News here.

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom are back on.

Katy recently made cryptic comments about being off the market, and it’s recently been confirmed that she’s rekindled the flame with ex Orlando Bloom. According to our sources, Bloom is madly in love with Perry and missed her during their split. You can read more via Elle here.

TECHNICALLY DATING (34:57)

We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App, including:

  • What to do if your boyfriend recently found out he has a daughter with an ex
  • How to handle a sexual attraction to your neighbor
  • How to tell you boyfriend you’re bi

And many more . . .

Be sure to check out Geeta’s Guide to Moving On at GeetasGuideToMovingOn.com

Get your free dating or relationship course at listen to past episodes at DatesandMates.com

Visit AdamandEve.com and use the offer code GIFT21 at checkout for free, discreet shipping

Beyond Betrayal & Sex Addiction

Our guest co-host this week was Dr. Kevin Skinner. Dr. Skinner is a licensed marriage and family therapist who is the co-founder of Addo Recovery, a clinic specializing in recovery from sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. He’s also the co-founder of Bloom, an online company for women struggling with the latter. We spoke with him about infidelity, relationship worry, sexual expectations, and much more.

D’S DATING DISH (2:33)

Elite dating apps threaten America’s wage gap

Elite dating apps are part of an old-school philosophy that believes courtship is partly an economic exercise and could be further driving a wedge between classes. Many of these apps favor those with college degrees, especially from elite institutions, but education-based matching moves in lockstep with inequality. You can read more via Bloomberg here.

John Cena and Nikki Bella break up

WWE star John Cena and Divas champion Nikki Bella have ended their six-year relationship and broken off their impending engagement. They were supposed to be married May 5th, but recent interviews suggested they may have been having problems. You can read more via Bleacher Report here.

The worst fashion mistake you can make on a date

The stats are in and 76% of millennials believe it’s important to dress up for a date. But be careful: 66% of singles don’t have any time for wrinkled clothes, with socks and sandals a close second. You can read more via Hello Giggles here.

TECHNICALLY DATING (32:00)

We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App, including:

  • How to stay happy in a long distance relationship
  • What to do if your boyfriend got another girl pregnant
  • How to handle a recycled engagement ring

And many more . . .

ROMANCE ROLLBACK (44:52)

Damona explores the Ancient Egyptian Ring of Infinity and how it led to today’s modern understanding of the wedding ring.

Happy Anniversary & Obligaswiping

Our guest co-host this week was Jared Stern. Jared’s the writer, producer, and director of the Netflix Original romantic comedy, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, which is available for streaming now. He’s currently in production on an adaptation of GREEN EGGS AND HAM and has written on WRECK-IT RALPH, THE INTERNSHIP, and THE LEGO MOVIE.

 

D’S DATING DISH (2:28)

Can you swipe right on a coworker?

40% of office workers have had a workplace romance, and 72% of those don’t feel like they need to hide it. While it seems like it would make sense, work culture expert Alison Green gives a hard no to swiping right on those you work with. She says there’s too much potential for miscommunication and unequal expectations. You can read more via Quartz here.

New dating app trend: obligaswiping

There’s a new epidemic taking root where people blindly swipe on apps with no intention of actually meeting up. Many people these days go hard on dating apps for a day or two, grow bored, and abandon ship. Being on a dating app is now just a defense mechanism so you can say you’re trying. Read more about what we need to do to fix this via Cosmopolitan here.

Donald Trump Jr. was having an affair with Aubrey O’Day

It’s come about that while Vanessa was pregnant, Donald Trump Jr. was out trying for a baby with singer Aubrey O’Day. Aubrey released songs after the affair called “Somebody That I Used to Know” and “DJT.” Read more about what Vanessa did when she found this out via US Magazine here.

TECHNICALLY DATING (29:30)

We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App, including:

  • What to do if they guy you’ve been talking to suddenly turns cold
  • How to ask your boyfriend to post a picture of the two of you on social media so nobody else comes looking
  • Whether or not to keep your socks on during sex

And many more . . .

DAMONA’S DIATRIBE (47:47)

Damona had something that got under her skin that she needed to bring out into the world: women who sit on the sidelines waiting for romance to happen. It’s 2018! Get out there and find yourself the partner of your dreams.

Sexperts & Date Expectations

Our guest co-hosts this week were Tyomi Morgan-Najieb and Naim Najieb. Tyomi and Naim are life partners that work together to help couples with sex and love. Tyomi is an International Pleasure Coach and sexpert that aims to represent people of color in mainstream sexuality. Meanwhile, Naim is a love educator, entrepreneur, and author of the book Love Is Not a Game: A Manual for Loving Relationships.

 

D’S DATING DISH (2:19)

Dating app uses a team of moms to help its users with love

The dating app Inner Circle allows its users to get advice from a customer support team consisting of six moms, all of whom are married with children and believe that they’ve “conquered the dating game.” Users must be vetted by the team after analyzing social media profiles, but once you’re in, the moms will console you after breakups, give personalized tips on how to get more responses, and much more. You can read more via Mashable here.

Can you pick a partner based on voice?

A new app, Waving, has you swipe left and right based on a voice message. Men with lower voices and women with higher voices are typically found more attractive, but experts say that varying the tone of your voice is the most important. Nevertheless, some are skeptical that you can find love without an initial visual element. You can read more via Independent here.

Posture affects your results on dating apps

According to a Princeton study, expansive posture increases your success on dating apps. These kinds of stances suggest dominance and openness, which are seen as attractive. So for an easy boost in results, unfold those arms! You can read more via Independent here.

Vanessa Trump’s dating past

Vanessa Trump, soon to be Vanessa Hayden once the ink is dry on her divorce from Donald Trump Jr., was once attached to a Hollywood heartthrob. Sleuths have uncovered the fact that Vanessa was Leonardo DiCaprio’s beau in 1998 during the time Titanic came out. Though the publicist officially denied it at the time, several photos show them getting very cozy. You can read more via Elite Daily here.

TECHNICALLY DATING (34:42)

We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App and BlackPeopleMeet.com, including:

  • What to do if the guy you just had sex with got back together with his girlfriend
  • How to feel about pets in the room while you’re having sex
  • What to do if you’re in it for love but he’s in it for sex

And many more . . .

DATING DOT DOT DOT (45:45)

We asked Tyomi and Naim for their lightning fast love advice in an installment of Dating Dot Dot Dot:

  • Who pays on a date?
  • Is it acceptable for a woman to be the breadwinner in a relationship?
  • Is it OK for a woman to propose?

Dating Style & Boyfriends of Instagram

Our guest co-host this week was Rayne Parvis. Rayne is a certified personal stylist and style coach working with clients all over the world. She’s the author of the book Ultimate Guide to Style: From Drab to Fab.

 

D’S DATING DISH (2:13)

Women want a body type only 14% of men have

Though men are notorious for being difficult when it comes to ideal body types, it turns out that 86% of women are going around disappointed with how their partner looks! A new study show that the overwhelming majority of women want a man six feet or taller, with only 4% of women saying they’d date a partner shorter than them. You can read more via Revelist here.

We’ve already made “Tillerson-ing” a dating term

Last Tuesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson learned he was out of a job by reading President Trump’s Twitter. People immediately took to social media to share their own stories of “Tillerson-ing” in a relationship. Have you ever been “Tillerson-ed”? Read more via Mashable here.

Iggy Azalea says she’s done dating rapper

Rapper Iggy Azalea recently said there’s room for only one rapper in a relationship and she’s already filling that role loud and proud. That being said, she shared some of her concerns about “being 35 and single.” You can read more via Billboard here.

TECHNICALLY DATING (31:23)

We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App and BlackPeopleMeet.com, including:

  • What to do if your boyfriend tries to hack your Instagram
  • How to handle the fact you only attract men who are interested in sex
  • How to handle the fact your lesbian friend invited you to Pride even though you don’t want to go

And many more . . .

ROMANCE ROLLBACK (48:20)

If you’re having trouble finding luck in love, you could always give this ancient Irish love spell a try. The Irish have long been notorious for their magick and spellcasting due to their Celtic heritage, and have a high percentage of Wiccans. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 5 cups of clovers
  • 4 cups of salt
  • 2 green candles
  • 2 white candles
  • 2 red candles
  • 1 carving utensil
  • 1 lighter or match
  • 1 piece of paper
  • 1 sealable container
  • 1 picture of the target lover
  • 1 picture of yourself
  • 1 piece of string

Draw a circle around you with the salt, laying the clovers on top. Then, carve a heart into all six candles. Carve your initials and a Celtic knot into the GREEN candles. Carve your lover’s initials and date of birth into ONE of the red candles. Then carve YOUR initials and dates of birth into the other red candle.

Light the white candles and chant “The Irish survive and thrive and I call them to thy circle” both times you light a candle.

Light the green candles and chant “The power of the Irish is alive to strive. Bless Thy Circle with the Powers of the Irish Eyes” both times you light a candle

Fold the two photos evenly together

Light the red candles

Wrap the two photos together while chanting “Spin thy heart to thou soul and thy soul to thou heart. With the Irish Eyes Blessed It Be”

Place the wrapped photos into the container, pour the clovers over them, and say “I infuse our bond with the power of the Irish forever!” three times

Meditate for three minutes

Pour the wax of all the candles into the container

Seal the container and keep it until the spell has manifested

For style consultations and tips visit Rayne Parvis at StylebyRayne.com

Get one week of online dating free at BlackPeopleMeet.com/datesandmates

 


Better Sex & Interracial Emojis

Our guest co-host this week was Kongit Farrell. Kongit Farrell is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of the Inspired Journey Counseling Center in Los Angeles. She worked as a coach and therapist for nine years and she also worked in the First Lady’s Office of Communication in the White House. 

 

D’S DATING DISH (14:50)

Red flags to watch out for when dating someone younger

Damona was recently featured in Elite Daily with a whole bunch of tips for those in this potentially sticky situation. Most importantly, take note of if your younger partner seems preoccupied with your career or connections, if your sex drives aren’t in sync, or if they haven’t integrated you into their life. Read the full article via Elite Daily here.

Jennifer Aniston has had enough of sex and dating

Aniston just recently split from her beau Justin Theroux, and claims that all she’s interested in is “Me Time.” Although a Hollywood heartthrob, she’s not even interested in anything in terms of the bedroom. Any eligible sutiors out there? You can read more via Hollywood Life here.

Tinder users are more open to interracial dating

Of more than 4,000 people surveyed, 72% said that Tinder was the most diverse dating app and 80% said that they’ve been on an interracial date before. What do you think? Do you think online dating is diversifying the dating pool? You can read more via BuzzFeed here.

TECHNICALLY DATING (28:52)

We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App and BlackPeopleMeet.com, including:

  • How to deal with your significant other’s conservative parents
  • What to do when you’re not sure if it’s cool to invite someone to a wedding
  • How to turn away a persistent guy who is making you uncomfortable

And many more . . .

DAMONA’S DIATRIBE (47:25)

Every once in awhile Damona has something to get off her chest, and this week was no exception. Up this time on the chopping block: the lack of effort in guys’ dating profiles today. Tune in to see what she had to say.

Married at First Sight & Relationship Rituals

Our guest co-host this week was Rhonda Richards-Smith. Rhonda is an award-winning psychotherapist and relationship expert whose advice has been featured everywhere from the Huffington Post to Teen Vogue to US Weekly. But that’s not all! We also had a very special appearance from Pastor Calvin of the reality show Married at First Sight.

D’S DATING DISH (2:55)

Duke looks to change its dating policy

Up until now, Duke University has given its blessing to relationship between students and teachers as long as the student is not currently enrolled in the professor’s class, working on a research project with them, or being mentored by them. However, it’s a sign of the times that the Academic Council is now looking to shake things up. You can read more via Herald Sun here.

Which Olympic athletes are hooking up the most?

Bumble is proving popular at this year’s Olympic games, and the details are in regarding who is taking advantage of the event for a different kind of physical activity. Which sport has the athletes that are getting it on the most? You can find out via TMZ here.

Amy Schumer ties the knot

Schumer’s only been dating chef Chris Fischer for a few months, but they recently made things official in a small ceremony in Malibu this past weekend. It was a low-key event with only around 80 in attendance, but the couple seem happy and we wish them all the best. You can read more via Huffington Post here.

TECHNICALLY DATING (37:59)

We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App and BlackPeopleMeet.com, including:

  • How to handle a husband liking some old flame’s posts on social media
  • What to do when your best friend is dating your ex
  • What to do if you’re depressed over a breakup

And many more . . .

Dates & Mates

Date for a Soulmate & Valentine’s Day

Our guest co-hosts this week were Orna and Matthew Walters, soulmate coaches for spiritual, successful, and single women who have everything . . . except the man of their dreams. Their breakthrough coaching program, Bring In Your Beloved, helps its practitioners remove blocks to love so you can love yourself and others more deeply. Love coaches who are actually in love, we were lucky enough to have them stick around to give our listeners some advice in Technically Dating after our interview.

D’S DATING DISH (3:10)

A guide to having “the talk” with the person you’re dating

We’ve all been in the position of dreading “the talk,” but luckily, the Washington Post has published a guide to hold your hand through the process. The key points are to remember to never force things and to make your intentions clear from the start, but you can read more via the link above.

The new rules for workplace romance

Facebook recently revealed their workplace dating policies, and thankfully, everyone was in agreement that they’re pretty fair! The big kicker? You only have one shot to ask a coworker out. If they reject you, it’s harassment if you ask them again. You can read more via Gizmodo here.

A surprising celebrity breakup

Alas, another Hollywood couple has bitten the dust. Sarah Silverman and boyfriend Michael Sheen called it quits over Christmas break and are just now making the news official. However, Sarah is keeping her trademark sense of humor about it, and we’re rooting for her as always. You can read more via ET here.

TECHNICALLY DATING (32:58)

We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App and BlackPeopleMeet.com, including:

  • Good ideas for Valentine’s Day if you’re single
  • How to handle a younger wife who’s getting attention from other men
  • How to tell someone you need space

And many more . . .

Get 1 week free at BlackPeopleMeet.com/datesandmates

The Power of Being Single & Level Up in Love

Our guest co-host this week was Cheyenne Bostock, a life coach, relationship expert, motivational speaker, and author of four best-selling books. A writer for the Huffington Post and a regular contributing expert on The Bill Cunningham Show, Cheyenne has been featured everywhere from ABC to FOX to Fusion TV. Cheyenne sat with us to talk about the Power of Being Single and help give advice to listeners in Technically Dating.

D’S DATING DISH (2:48)

How “Me Too” is Affecting Dating Lives

MTV conducted extensive research last month about how the #MeToo movement is affecting dating. 85% of users said it’s starting an important conversation, with one in four women saying they’ve noticed a change in behavior among men. However, 68% admitted that the lines are getting blurry about what does and does not constitute sexual harassment. What do you think? You can read more via Bustle here.

How Much Time are Millennials Spending on Dating Apps?

Over 5,000 18-30 year olds were studied. Men spend a whopping 85 minutes a day on dating apps, roughly 10 minutes per session, with women logging in for a total of 10 times a day. Especially with January seeing a 23% increase in users, is this only limited to millennials? How long do you spend on dating apps a day? You can read more via Independent UK here.

Ciara Tells Women to Level Up

Singer Ciara recently came under fire for reposting a clip from a sermon directed towards women. In it, a pastor tells women that they have to “level up” and start carrying themselves as a wife and not a girlfriend. Considering Ciara’s tumultuous relationship past, was she out of line for telling others how to live their lives? You can read more via Yahoo here.

TECHNICALLY DATING (23:28)

We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App and BlackPeopleMeet.com, including:

  • How to overcome your nerves and ask out your crush
  • How to stop stalking your ex’s social media
  • What to do if a guy tells you he’s single but his social media says otherwise

And many more . . .

HOLLYWOOD HOOKUP (43:27)

It’s been awhile since we’ve done the Hollywood Hookup, but when we heard Michael B. Jordan recently confirmed that he’s single, we had to jump in! Damona and Producer Thomas think Rihanna, Janelle Monae, and Priyanka Chopra would all look good with the star of the upcoming Marvel film Black Panther. What do you think?

 

Get 1 week free at BlackPeopleMeet.com/datesandmates

Download your free dating or relationship course at damonahoffman.com

To Rome for Love & The Aziz Effect

Our guest co-host this week was Diann Valentine. An internationally acclaimed wedding and event planner and interior designer, author of the book Going the Distance for Love, and love expert on the new Bravo series, To Rome for Love, Diann sat with us to dish the scoop on her show and tackle user questions in Technically Dating.

 

D’S DATING DISH (2:37)

What drink should you order on a first date?

The British dating app Trueview conducted a survey of its users to see what drink is best to order on a first date. Surprisingly, beer and cider got low ratings, but wine of all kinds got top marks. Want to know what you should never, ever order? Well, you’ll just have to catch up with our episode to find out. You can read the original article via Nottingham Post here.

The strange dating rule that says men should date someone half their age plus seven

This old adage is commonly accepted, but where exactly did it come from and why? Well, this week we looked into it and found out that it’s credited to Max O’Rell in a book on dating from 1901. It seems women are generally “allowed” to date men up to 15 years older than them, but men are frowned upon for dating older women. What do you think? Should you set a minimum age you’ll date, or is it all up to how you connect? You can read more via Independent here.

Is Aziz guilty of sexual assault, or just being a bad date?

Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve no doubt heard about the recent scandal involving Aziz Ansari. Long story short: Aziz took a woman home after a few drinks and she has stated that his behavior was predatory and made her uncomfortable. However, many women are claiming that this story is simple one of a bad date, and that the account is damaging the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Where do you stand? You can read more via CNN here.

TECHNICALLY DATING (28:06)

We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App and BlackPeopleMeet.com, including:

  • How to tell if you’re being invited to a booty call
  • How to date as a tomboy
  • What to do if your date asks what you want to do in your future and you’re not quite sure

And many more . . .

DATING DOT DOT DOT (48:31)

We got Diann’s lightning-fast love advice in another rapid-fire rendition of Dating Dot Dot Dot, this time with new questions!

The worst pickup line ever is ________
The best place to go on a first date is ________
The sexiest thing about a woman is __________
The sexiest thing about a man is _________
The best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is __________

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Apply for Damona’s dating coaching program at http://DateByNumbers.com

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