Valentine’s Day can feel overwhelming with its focus on couples and traditional celebrations, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Whether you’re happily single, navigating a situationship, or celebrating with a partner or friends, this day is about your definition of love.
Forget the clichés and discover creative, refreshing ways to make this Valentine’s Day memorable, no matter your relationship status. Keep reading for inspiring ideas tailored just for you
For Couples Who Want to Reconnect and Celebrate Love
Romantic relationships need moments of connection. These ideas help couples prioritize their bond thoughtfully:
1. Plan a Candlelit Dinner at Home
Instead of battling restaurant crowds, create a romantic dinner date at home. Cook together, choose a meaningful recipe, or even attempt making new dishes you’ve never tried before. Add elements like candles, DIY place cards, or a shared playlist to build intimacy and coordination as a team.
2. Adventure Together Outdoors
Try hiking at a scenic spot, signing up for tandem rock climbing, or visiting a nature reserve. Couples wanting extra adrenaline can try zip-lining or a hot air balloon ride. Adventures not only strengthen bonds, but also bring out fun, refreshing sides of your partner.
3. DIY Mini Spa Night
Transform your bedroom into a relaxation retreat with facials for two, soothing massages, aromatherapy, and herbal teas. Use any downtime to share thoughts, making this a great wind-down moment while strengthening intimacy.
4. Revisit Shared Memories
Create a photo album or journal of your favorite moments. Couples often forget how small, shared joys keep relationships vibrant, so discussing these can help you reconnect deeply.
5. Starry Stargazing Date
Head to an open-air space for stargazing. Add hot cocoa, a blanket, and maybe even download a constellation app to track celestial formations. It’s personal, meaningful, and a perfect end to your celebrations.
For Situationships: Keep It Fun, Light, and Pressure-Free
Situationships thrive on casual creativity. These ideas balance light-hearted fun with room to explore connections together:
1. Host a Themed Movie Night
Decide on a theme like nostalgic rom-coms or indie horror films. Build your setting with cozy cushions, blankets, snacks, and even quirky pre-movie word games like character prediction.
2. Pick Cooking as the Adventure
Sign up for interactive classes locally or virtually. Culinary collaboration, even with basic skills, can nurture bonds and lots of laughs equally. Try learning a purely fun pastry (or dessert) this Valentine’s.
3. Casual City Museum Day
Explore art gallery installations or local events that don’t scream intensity. Wander privately between galleries; focus shifts from “label pressure” into discovering shared conversation responses indirectly.
4. Attend a Comedy Show or Open Mic
Catch a comedy show, improv night, or open mic event. Laughter is a powerful way to bond, and the shared experience helps take the awkwardness out of figuring out what to do on Valentine’s night.
5. Outdoor Adventure Date
Take it casual yet exciting with an outdoor activity like mini-golf, paddle-boating, or visiting a food truck festival. The key is to keep the atmosphere fun and easygoing, giving you time to enjoy the day without the weight of traditional expectations.
For Singles: Love Yourself First and Celebrate Independence
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romance. Use the day to celebrate you and prioritize self-care, growth, and joy:
1. Treat Yourself to a Self-Care Marathon
Start the day with a luxurious skincare routine, soak in a bubble bath with candles, and wear comfy pajamas. Follow up with your favorite movie and a meal you love—because you deserve it.
2. Explore New Adventures Solo
Visit a nearby town, take a nature walk, or explore a museum on your own. Use the day as a chance to connect with yourself and reflect on what makes you happy.
3. Dive Into a Creative Hobby
Rediscover your passions or pick up a new craft. Painting, writing, music, or adult coloring books are fantastic ways to tap into your inner creativity. End the day with a sense of accomplishment.
4. Go on a Bookstore & Coffee Date (with Yourself!)
Spend hours at a local bookstore, picking out books that excite or relax you. Pair this with a coffee shop moment to enjoy your new finds.
5. Splurge on a Gift for Yourself
Whether it’s a new gadget, a stylish outfit, or gourmet chocolate, buy yourself something you’ve been wanting. Valentine’s Day can be a reminder of how much you’re worth.
For Friends (Galentine’s Day): Celebrate Friendship with Joy & Connection
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—it’s the perfect excuse to show your friends some love:
1. Host a Potluck Brunch
Invite your closest friends to bring their favorite dishes. Set the table with vibrant decorations and toast to shared laughs and memories. Bonus: Make themed heart-shaped foods.
2. DIY Craft Party
Gather supplies for candle-making, painting plant pots, or creating vision boards. Crafts work well for building light-hearted moments and cherished keepsakes.
3. Try a Cooking Contest
Divide into teams, assign a unique dish (appetizers, desserts, etc.), and compete in a friendly cook-off. Let the judging focus on fun and creativity, not perfection.
4. Plan a Movie Marathon
Watch irreverent comedies, nostalgic classics, or cheesy rom-coms. Prepare themed snacks (like popcorn with quirky toppings) to keep it festive.
5. Host an Outdoor Picnic
Fill a basket with charcuterie boards, desserts, sandwiches, or drinks. Bring yard games like frisbee or cards and enjoy a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
For Long-Distance Relationships: Thoughtful Ways to Show Love Across Miles
Long distance doesn’t mean the love isn’t felt. Try these creative ideas to make it meaningful, even from afar:
1. Plan a Virtual Movie Night
Use tools like Teleparty to sync a movie. Pair it with video chatting and your favorite snacks to make it feel like you’re experiencing the moment together.
2. Send a Personalized Care Package
Include their favorite snacks, small gifts, inside jokes, or even handwritten letters. Add something unique like a playlist or printed photos for a personal touch.
3. Cook the Same Meal Over a Call
Choose a new recipe to try and prepare it together while video chatting. Compare results and share laughs throughout the process.
4. Exchange Love Letters
Go old-school and mail handwritten letters. Letters offer deep personal connection, and the anticipation of receiving them is exciting.
5. Play Online Games Together
Choose fun trivia, puzzle games, or cooperative video games. Bonding over virtual play can help create laughter and shared experiences.
Make Valentine’s Day what YOU want it to be!
Valentine’s Day is a chance to celebrate love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and most importantly, self-love. No matter your relationship status, the key is to make the day personal and meaningful. Whether you’re building connections, strengthening bonds, or focusing on yourself, these ideas provide inspiration to create moments worth cherishing.
This Valentine’s Day, focus less on expectations and more on celebrating love in the way that feels most authentic to you. After all, love isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about what brings you joy.
Is Dating Harder Today & Coming On Strong
Is Finding Love Different in 2025? (The Answer Might Surprise You)
Between crafting the perfect text response, managing multiple dating app profiles, and dealing with unexpected ghosting, modern dating can feel like a full-time job. But is finding love actually harder today, or is it just a different game that needs new rules?
In this week’s episode of Dates & Mates, relationship expert Johnny Fernandez brings two decades of love-coaching wisdom to challenge everything you thought you knew about modern dating.
As the creator of Love Breakthrough Live, Johnny’s unconventional approach has helped thousands find lasting love – and his take on today’s dating landscape might just change your entire perspective.
(2:20) This Former Lawyer Cracked the Love Code
When Johnny Fernandez’s wife kept extending her chiropractic appointments to give dating advice, they discovered something revolutionary about modern love.
Now, after 20 years of helping thousands find lasting relationships, their unconventional approach is challenging everything we thought we knew about dating.
Johnny shares how their accidental start in love coaching unveiled patterns of success that anyone can follow.
(6:21) The Dating Pool Paradox
Could having more dating options actually be the solution rather than the problem? Johnny breaks down fascinating research about modern dating challenges while revealing why today’s expanded opportunities might be your greatest advantage.
Learn how successful couples are leveraging choice to create stronger connections, and why the “good old days” of dating might not have been as golden as we think.
(14:04) Why “Playing It Cool” Is Killing Your Love Life
Tired of trying to seem unbothered? Johnny introduces a refreshing framework for authenticity in dating that’s helping singles stand out for all the right reasons.
Is traditional dating advice about keeping your cards close to your chest sabotaging your chances at real connection? Learn Johnny’s proven strategies his clients use to attract partners who are ready for something real.
(21:53) The One Phrase That Changes Everything
Johnny shares the exact words that help his clients filter out casual daters and attract serious partners from the first interaction.
Certain types of dates might be undermining your relationship potential! How can you communicate your standards without pushing quality partners away? Plus, discover the psychology behind why this approach works with today’s dating dynamics.
(27:15) The Career Success Dating Trap
Think your impressive resume is attracting the right partners?
Johnny presents compelling evidence about how modern achievement culture impacts our love lives.
Learn why leading with your professional success might be sending unintended signals, and discover how to showcase your accomplishments while creating genuine emotional connections.
Connect with Johnny:
(30:57) Dear Damona: When Distance Tests Your Heart
Damona addresses a 70-year-old listener contemplating a cross-country move for love, offering practical guidance on maintaining standards while navigating geographical challenges.
Plus, she shares valuable insights for managing dating confidence while dealing with personal health situations that affect intimacy.
💌 Do you have questions? Damona has the answers!
Don’t forget you can submit your dating and relationship questions for our Dear Damona segment on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, or leave us a voicemail or text to 424-246-6255, and hear Damona’s answers live in a future episode!
NBC News Now: Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts and AI Romance
Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts and AI Romance.
Getting Real About Romance: On NBC News Now, relationship expert Damona Hoffman explored the quirky intersection of AI and modern romance from crafting dating profiles to helping with breakup texts, discussing how technology is changing the way we date and connect.
When it came to Valentine’s Day gifts, she encouraged ditching the standard flowers and chocolates for more personal touches – from thoughtful DIY projects to splurging on concert tickets. After all, nothing says “I love you” quite like Beyoncé!
NBC News Daily: To Swipe or Not…
To Swipe or Not: Taking a Closer Look at the Current State of Dating Apps
NBC News Daily explored the $4 billion dating app industry with the help of relationship expert Damona Hoffman. Damona share’s her take on modern matchmaking.
While acknowledging the challenges of online dating, Damona highlighted the current trend of “intentional dating” and “loud looking,” encouraging singles to embrace the reality that dating apps are now a legitimate path to finding love.
Access Daily: Valentine’s Day & World Dump Day
Dating with Damona: Access Daily hosts Mario and Kit got the scoop on Valentine’s Day and World Dump Day (yes, that’s a real thing!) with Damona.
From discussing the art of the perfect breakup to exploring new dating terms like “pebbling” and “fine whining,” the conversation covered both the sweet and sour sides of modern romance.
Damona shared practical tips for singles considering a friend’s matchmaking offer, encouraging daters to know their “must-haves” before saying yes to a setup.
Romances & Practicalities
Love, Dating, and the 250 Questions That Could Transform Your Love Life…
It’s 2025, and if there’s one thing many of us crave, it’s a roadmap to romance – a way to navigate the complex journey from that first spark to a lasting flame. While we can’t promise you a yellow brick road to love, this week’s episode offers something more valuable: a practical system for determining if your connection has true staying power.
Join us as we explore a revolutionary approach to modern dating that combines authentic communication with strategic timing. Plus, we’ll tackle a compelling “Dear Damona” segment that hits close to home, addressing the delicate balance of vulnerability and defining the relationship in our digital age.
(1:03) From Emmy-Nominated Producer to Love Story Architect
Meet Lindsay Jill Roth, the award-winning television producer behind Emmy-nominated shows and global events for NBC, ESPN, and the Grammys.
Now she’s turned her storytelling expertise to decode the narrative of lasting love, bringing a fresh perspective to how we approach relationships.
Fun fact: her college bestie and maid of honor is none other than the Duchess of Sussex!
When Google Becomes Your Dating Coach (2:06)
After one pivotal FaceTime call threatened to derail her budding romance, Lindsay took an unexpected deep dive into relationship research.
Discover how her late-night Google search for “how to know someone better” evolved into a groundbreaking system that’s helping couples worldwide determine their compatibility.
Through conversations with top relationship experts and real-world testing, she uncovered the power of asking the right questions at the right moment.
The Two-Sense Connection (15:38)
What happens when you strip away touch, taste, and smell from early dating?
Lindsay’s transatlantic love story reveals how limiting yourself to just sight and sound might actually deepen your connection. Learn why traditional dating rules could be sabotaging your chance at authentic love, and how strategic communication can bridge any distance – even an ocean.
Plus, uncover the unexpected advantage of being forced to truly talk before getting physical.
Beyond “What’s Your Favorite Movie?” (30:36)
Forget surface-level chit-chat – it’s time to dive deep into the questions that actually predict relationship success.
From financial philosophies to family dynamics, Lindsay breaks down why discussing your future in-laws’ sleeping arrangements might matter more than your shared Netflix preferences.
Learn the art of timing these conversations for maximum impact, and why some couples find these discussions so intimate they can’t help but put the book down mid-chapter.
The Truth About Vulnerability in Modern Dating (42:49)
Ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about playing it cool?
Lindsay shares two controversial perspectives that might make you rethink your entire approach to relationships.
Discover why being authentically yourself from the start could be your secret weapon in finding lasting love, and how dropping “The Rules” might actually lead you to the right person.
Connect with Lindsay:
(43:21)Dear Damona: When Your Match Is Still Swiping
When a listener spots their promising match still updating their dating app profile, Damona shares her own journey through this exact situation with her now-husband.
Get candid advice about when to have that defining conversation, how to approach it with confidence, and why this seemingly uncomfortable moment might be the perfect opportunity to deepen your connection.
💌 Do you have questions? Damona has the answers!
Don’t forget you can submit your dating and relationship questions for our Dear Damona segment on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, or leave us a voicemail or text to 424-246-6255, and hear Damona’s answers live in a future episode!
Access Daily: The Year of the Woman
Dating with Damona: Access Daily hosts Kit Hoover and Zuri Hall chatted with Damona about the wild world of modern dating.
After sharing a jaw-dropping story about a Brad Pitt catfishing scheme, she declared 2025 “the year of the woman” and discussed the growing influence of Korea’s “4B movement” on modern dating culture.
The segment wrapped with a fun round of Dating Dictionary, where Damona taught everyone new terms like “loud looking” and “flying monkey.” You can find the segment HERE .
The Drew Barrymore Show: Damona On Dating
What’s Love Got to Do with it?
Damona helps answer audience questions about love and dating on this episode of The Drew Barrymore show with Drew Barrymore, Valerie Bertinelli, Oliver Hudson, Taye Diggs.
From how to do a better job of trusting your gut while getting into and out of relationships to ignite the passion in a relationship when family comes first.
Access Daily: Holla-Dating with Damona
Holla-Dating with Damona on Access Daily with Karamo and Kit.
On a special holiday dating episode of Access Daily Damona shares advice as we head into peak dating season. Karamo and Kit ask Damona if there are “rules” about getting engaged over the holidays and introducing your partner to the family at the holiday dinner. They end with a fun round of “dating dictionary,” where Karamo and Kit are tested on their dating term knowledge.
Check out the full episode to learn more about terms like “snow-mancing” and Carouseling! You can find the episode HERE .
MSN: Living Your Best (Love) Life: Forget The Dating Apps
Dating expert Damona Hoffman shares transformative insights on finding love beyond dating apps in her latest MSN feature, “Living Your Best (Love) Life: Forget The Dating Apps – Here’s How To Find A Potential Partner Organically.” The article showcases Hoffman’s innovative “P.S. World” technique, challenging traditional approaches to modern connection while offering a fresh perspective on balancing digital and organic dating strategies.
Known for her dynamic presence and ability to decode modern dating complexities, Hoffman reveals game-changing strategies that are already creating buzz in the dating and relationship space. For an inside look at Damona’s unique approach to finding authentic connections in unexpected places head over to MSN.com to read the complete article.
5 Valentine’s Day Ideas for Every Relationship Status
Valentine’s Day can feel overwhelming with its focus on couples and traditional celebrations, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Whether you’re happily single, navigating a situationship, or celebrating with a partner or friends, this day is about your definition of love.
Forget the clichés and discover creative, refreshing ways to make this Valentine’s Day memorable, no matter your relationship status. Keep reading for inspiring ideas tailored just for you
For Couples Who Want to Reconnect and Celebrate Love
Romantic relationships need moments of connection. These ideas help couples prioritize their bond thoughtfully:
1. Plan a Candlelit Dinner at Home
Instead of battling restaurant crowds, create a romantic dinner date at home. Cook together, choose a meaningful recipe, or even attempt making new dishes you’ve never tried before. Add elements like candles, DIY place cards, or a shared playlist to build intimacy and coordination as a team.
2. Adventure Together Outdoors
Try hiking at a scenic spot, signing up for tandem rock climbing, or visiting a nature reserve. Couples wanting extra adrenaline can try zip-lining or a hot air balloon ride. Adventures not only strengthen bonds, but also bring out fun, refreshing sides of your partner.
3. DIY Mini Spa Night
Transform your bedroom into a relaxation retreat with facials for two, soothing massages, aromatherapy, and herbal teas. Use any downtime to share thoughts, making this a great wind-down moment while strengthening intimacy.
4. Revisit Shared Memories
Create a photo album or journal of your favorite moments. Couples often forget how small, shared joys keep relationships vibrant, so discussing these can help you reconnect deeply.
5. Starry Stargazing Date
Head to an open-air space for stargazing. Add hot cocoa, a blanket, and maybe even download a constellation app to track celestial formations. It’s personal, meaningful, and a perfect end to your celebrations.
For Situationships: Keep It Fun, Light, and Pressure-Free
Situationships thrive on casual creativity. These ideas balance light-hearted fun with room to explore connections together:
1. Host a Themed Movie Night
Decide on a theme like nostalgic rom-coms or indie horror films. Build your setting with cozy cushions, blankets, snacks, and even quirky pre-movie word games like character prediction.
2. Pick Cooking as the Adventure
Sign up for interactive classes locally or virtually. Culinary collaboration, even with basic skills, can nurture bonds and lots of laughs equally. Try learning a purely fun pastry (or dessert) this Valentine’s.
3. Casual City Museum Day
Explore art gallery installations or local events that don’t scream intensity. Wander privately between galleries; focus shifts from “label pressure” into discovering shared conversation responses indirectly.
4. Attend a Comedy Show or Open Mic
Catch a comedy show, improv night, or open mic event. Laughter is a powerful way to bond, and the shared experience helps take the awkwardness out of figuring out what to do on Valentine’s night.
5. Outdoor Adventure Date
Take it casual yet exciting with an outdoor activity like mini-golf, paddle-boating, or visiting a food truck festival. The key is to keep the atmosphere fun and easygoing, giving you time to enjoy the day without the weight of traditional expectations.
For Singles: Love Yourself First and Celebrate Independence
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romance. Use the day to celebrate you and prioritize self-care, growth, and joy:
1. Treat Yourself to a Self-Care Marathon
Start the day with a luxurious skincare routine, soak in a bubble bath with candles, and wear comfy pajamas. Follow up with your favorite movie and a meal you love—because you deserve it.
2. Explore New Adventures Solo
Visit a nearby town, take a nature walk, or explore a museum on your own. Use the day as a chance to connect with yourself and reflect on what makes you happy.
3. Dive Into a Creative Hobby
Rediscover your passions or pick up a new craft. Painting, writing, music, or adult coloring books are fantastic ways to tap into your inner creativity. End the day with a sense of accomplishment.
4. Go on a Bookstore & Coffee Date (with Yourself!)
Spend hours at a local bookstore, picking out books that excite or relax you. Pair this with a coffee shop moment to enjoy your new finds.
5. Splurge on a Gift for Yourself
Whether it’s a new gadget, a stylish outfit, or gourmet chocolate, buy yourself something you’ve been wanting. Valentine’s Day can be a reminder of how much you’re worth.
For Friends (Galentine’s Day): Celebrate Friendship with Joy & Connection
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—it’s the perfect excuse to show your friends some love:
1. Host a Potluck Brunch
Invite your closest friends to bring their favorite dishes. Set the table with vibrant decorations and toast to shared laughs and memories. Bonus: Make themed heart-shaped foods.
2. DIY Craft Party
Gather supplies for candle-making, painting plant pots, or creating vision boards. Crafts work well for building light-hearted moments and cherished keepsakes.
3. Try a Cooking Contest
Divide into teams, assign a unique dish (appetizers, desserts, etc.), and compete in a friendly cook-off. Let the judging focus on fun and creativity, not perfection.
4. Plan a Movie Marathon
Watch irreverent comedies, nostalgic classics, or cheesy rom-coms. Prepare themed snacks (like popcorn with quirky toppings) to keep it festive.
5. Host an Outdoor Picnic
Fill a basket with charcuterie boards, desserts, sandwiches, or drinks. Bring yard games like frisbee or cards and enjoy a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
For Long-Distance Relationships: Thoughtful Ways to Show Love Across Miles
Long distance doesn’t mean the love isn’t felt. Try these creative ideas to make it meaningful, even from afar:
1. Plan a Virtual Movie Night
Use tools like Teleparty to sync a movie. Pair it with video chatting and your favorite snacks to make it feel like you’re experiencing the moment together.
2. Send a Personalized Care Package
Include their favorite snacks, small gifts, inside jokes, or even handwritten letters. Add something unique like a playlist or printed photos for a personal touch.
3. Cook the Same Meal Over a Call
Choose a new recipe to try and prepare it together while video chatting. Compare results and share laughs throughout the process.
4. Exchange Love Letters
Go old-school and mail handwritten letters. Letters offer deep personal connection, and the anticipation of receiving them is exciting.
5. Play Online Games Together
Choose fun trivia, puzzle games, or cooperative video games. Bonding over virtual play can help create laughter and shared experiences.
Make Valentine’s Day what YOU want it to be!
Valentine’s Day is a chance to celebrate love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and most importantly, self-love. No matter your relationship status, the key is to make the day personal and meaningful. Whether you’re building connections, strengthening bonds, or focusing on yourself, these ideas provide inspiration to create moments worth cherishing.
This Valentine’s Day, focus less on expectations and more on celebrating love in the way that feels most authentic to you. After all, love isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about what brings you joy.
Tinder Trivia and Getting Ghosted
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Whether you’re feeling the love or dodging Cupid’s arrow, we’ve got something special for you.
In this episode, we’re celebrating all things love and dating with a fun twist – testing our knowledge with Tinder Trivia! Professional matchmaker and Tinder’s resident relationship expert Devyn Simone steps into the hot seat to challenge conventional dating wisdom and reveal surprising truths about finding love in the digital age.
Plus, we’ve got a special “Dear Damona & Dear Devyn” segment with two burning questions from our listeners about ghosting and dating app dynamics.
(41:04) Tinder’s Go-TO Guru Who Found Love on an App (Twice)
For anyone wondering whether dating apps actually work, Devyn Simone brings proof positive – complete with a ring!
This powerhouse matchmaker and dating expert has gone from sharing wisdom on Good Morning America and The Today Show to co-hosting “Love at First Swipe” on TLC with Clinton Kelly.
Now, as Tinder’s resident relationship expert, she’s pulling back the curtain on what really works in modern dating. Her own success story was so compelling it earned a spotlight in Damona’s book “F the Fairy Tale”!
Game On: Tinder Trivia Reveals Surprising Dating Truths (9:08)
The game kicks off with a challenge that catches everyone off guard: Which day sees the most activity on dating apps?
As Devyn puts the question to the test, the conversation explores how timing can make all the difference in your dating app success. From peak usage hours to the psychology behind why certain days lead to more matches, this segment uncovers data-driven insights that most users never consider.
Myth-Busting: What Singles Really Want (15:38)
Think most people on dating apps are just looking for casual connections? Think again.
The trivia continues with shocking statistics about what men and women are actually seeking on Tinder. The numbers tell a completely different story than what most people assume, leading to an eye-opening discussion about how these misconceptions affect dating behavior.
Devyn shares real stories from her years of matchmaking experience that challenge everything singles think they know about dating app culture, while revealing how these insights can lead to more authentic connections.
The Profile Photo Strategy No One Talks About (30:36)
The next round of trivia dives into the science of profile photos, revealing exactly how long successful daters spend selecting their images.
This sparks a fascinating conversation about the psychology behind profile photos and how Tinder’s new AI-powered tools are changing the game. The discussion explores common photo mistakes that might be sabotaging potential matches, along with practical strategies for showcasing authenticity in a digital world.
The Dating Feature That Can Expand Your Matches (42:49)
The final trivia round unveils Tinder’s most powerful yet underutilized feature for expanding dating possibilities.
This revelation leads to an in-depth exploration of how geography affects dating success and why thinking outside your zip code might be the key to finding meaningful connections. We challenge traditional assumptions about distance and dating, offering fresh perspectives on how to expand your dating pool without compromising on what matters most.
Connect with Devyn:
(41:04) Dear Damona & Dear Devyn
Siggy asks: “How do you suggest handling men on apps who seem to just want to set up a date from the onset before even exchanging any texts? Video chat requests seem to make them disappear.”
Our experts break down why this behavior is actually a gift in disguise and share strategies for maintaining your standards while efficiently screening potential matches.
B writes: “Why is it that when I feel like I meet a quality guy and we connect, they ghost me or it doesn’t lead anywhere? Could I be coming on too strong with my excitement?”
Devyn and Damona explore the psychology behind this common pattern, offering insights on attachment styles, emotional availability, and how to maintain enthusiasm while protecting your energy.
💌 Do you have questions? Damona has the answers!
Don’t forget you can submit your dating and relationship questions for our Dear Damona segment on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, or leave us a voicemail or text to 424-246-6255, and hear Damona’s answers live in a future episode!
Dear Damona: Dating Groove & Twin Flame’s Twin
It’s February, and love is in the air! But before you start stress-scrolling past all those heart-shaped decorations and candy displays, take a deep breath. Around here, we celebrate love in all its beautiful forms, whether that’s self-love, family bonds, friendship, or yes, even romance.
This week’s Dear Damona episode covers everything from finding love after a 30-year marriage (hello, hot Tinder date in Vienna!) to navigating workplace crushes when there are two potential connections.
We’re tackling real questions about handling singles mixer dynamics, balancing dating with single parenthood, and even exploring what happens when twin bonds impact romantic relationships.
So grab your favorite chocolate (because let’s face it, it’s way better than those chalky candy hearts), and settle in for some authentic conversation about finding connection in today’s dating landscape.
(00:25) Dear Damona
Got dating dilemmas? Relationship riddles? You can submit your dating and relationship questions for our Dear Damona segment on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, or leave us a voicemail or text to 424-246-6255, and hear Damona’s answers live in a future episode!
Finding Your Groove After Thirty Years of “I Do” (02:18)
After three decades of marriage, one listener is rediscovering herself through dating apps – and finding unexpected joy in a Viennese romance.
As she puts it, “I’m not sure who or what was on my side, but I met a smoking hot 40-year-old guy on Tinder and two days with him made up for everything.” But now she’s wondering: how can she date authentically when she’s not even sure what she’s looking for?
When Two Workplace Connections Make Your Heart Race (09:40)
One listener’s dating groove hit an unexpected twist with two potential connections at work: one her age, one ten years younger.
After a playful arcade date with the younger colleague, she’s questioning if she should explore either connection. As Damona notes, “Dating people at work can be messy. If this is not a career job for you, I say go for it.”
When “Hi” Gets You Goodbye (16:28)
After relocating to a new city, one singles mixer attendee discovers that real-life dating might be taking cues from dating apps – and not in a good way.
“It’s like people are swiping in real life now,” he shares. “No one takes the time to get to know me before judging what they see.” Is there still hope for those seeking deeper connections in our snap-judgment world?
Making Space for Love While Juggling Life (23:55)
When well-meaning friends suggest putting dating on hold during a busy season of life, one listener pushes back: “That advice makes me cry. I don’t want to stop trying. I’m ready to not be alone.”
Can you pursue partnership while balancing the demands of single parenthood and family caregiving?
When Twin Bonds Test Relationship Boundaries (34:08)
After investing four years in her relationship, one woman faces a difficult reality about her twin partner.
Despite owning a house with his brother and living together for decades, he kept promising “if it was the right woman” things would change. “It was one of the most heartbreaking situations I’ve been in,” she shares, discovering that some bonds – especially between twins – might be unbreakable.