DOES YOUR RELATIONSHIP HAVE A FUTURE?

Today on the 5th episode of the in the Summer Love Series, we talk about relationship pacing and slow love. How long do you really need to know someone before you know they’re the one?
Tina Wilson, CEO of the Wingman matchmaking app, joins us to get down to the bottom of this.
PLUS Francesca Hogi, a love and life coach for people who happen to be single, dishes on this week’s headlines and give BOMB advice for our listener questions.
DATING DISH (3:00)
Emojis in your dating profile: To Use or Not To Use?
According to a recent survey, emojis may not be such a good idea in your dating profile. Damona and Francesca have thoughts.

Can board games make you fall in love?
The latest research indicates that playing board games on a date is an effective way to create chemistry with your partner. Damona and Francesca break it down.

Ariana Grande opens up about her love life
Was her relationship with Pete Davidson a mistake? Ariana tells all.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS YOU’RE WITH THE ONE? (25:00)
Everything you need to know about relationship pacing
Especially if you’re at an age where you feel the pressure of a ticking time clock, how long should you wait before getting serious?

Tina and I have THOUGHTS – and our answers may surprise you! We also talk:
- Healthy relationship timelines
- Comparing yourself to other relationships
- The signs they’re ready for commitment
- And so much more!
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, you don’t want to miss this episode!
TECHNICALLY DATING (44:00)
Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:
- Where do you meet people offline IRL?
- I’ve been single for 5 years and I really want to be in a relationship but I’m struggling to believe I’m ready.
- Am I chasing him if I initiate text conversations?
YOU’RE A BABE, TOO
intimacy can be intimidating. Especially since we’re constantly comparing ourselves to the unrealistic bodies we see everyday on tv, magazines, and on social media.
Are you missing out on intimate moments in your relationship because you’re worried about the way you look in the bedroom?
Do you feel uncomfortable disrobing for intimacy, or are you stuck wearing a loose fitting granny gown or one of those tiny garter ensembles that push and pinch you in all the wrong places?
You are beautiful and you deserve to wear something that is going to Instantly make you look and feel sexy.
That is why we are partnering with BABE YOU Instant Body-Transforming Lingerie.
They have spent years designing and crafting a full line of glamorous, seductive, PATENTED body-transforming lingerie that gives us an INSTANT hourglass figure for romance.
At BabeYou.com, you can customize your own lingerie outfits to express your individual style and hide your specific problem areas.
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Step 1) Select your body-transforming base garment…vivacious pink, sexy red, or sultry black!
Step 2) Choose from their matching patented add-on system.
They have dozens sexy teddies, bras, negligees, and wraps to wear on your base garment that help you hide problem areas and accentuate your sleek new hourglass shape!
Step 3) Accessorize with their full line of Hollywood style jewelry, shoes, and accessories.
When things heat up, BABE YOU is uniquely designed to remain on during your more intimate moments… if you know what I mean…ensuring that you feel confident and sexy in the bedroom.
BABE YOU: “‘Cuz Just like the Celebrities, You’re a Babe, too!”
Visit BabeYou.com and use the offer code DATESANDMATES to get 10% off your first order!

Good News You Can Use!
Can I share some good news with you?
The Dates & Mates Community is finding TRUE LOVE
It’s been a great month
I don’t like to brag, but I’m giving myself a pat on the back this month. TWO Dates & Mates couples are on their journey to happily ever after!If you watched my tv show, A Question of Love on A+E Networks, you know that we put 3 relationships to the test and helped them explore the insecurities that might be hurting their relationship.
During this time, Nicky was really open and honest about the trust issues she had with men. For her entire life, she watched men leave her grandmother, mother, and aunts.
She was convinced that she would not break the pattern. All of these past disappointments almost led her to lose Jamie, the man that genuinely wanted to prove that he was going to be around forever.
Her trust issues almost killed their relationship! Here’s a short peek at their relationship journey!
Nicky & Jamie’s Relationship Journey on FYI’s A Question of Love from Damona on Vimeo.
I’m so happy for Nicky and Jamie! They were wonderful to work with on the show and I wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!
Also CONGRATS TO ALICE AND HER BAE!
Broadening your horizons really works!
Alice is a long-time listener of Dates & Mates and she’s applied some advice that I gave on the show to make a match:
Are you ready for your love story to begin?
In a few weeks I’ll be launching a new and improved version of my 30 Day Dating Playbook and since you’re part of my VIP community, I’d like to give you access to get EARLY ACCESS the to join the program before registration opens up to the general public. I’ll also through in a special VIP discount for you too.
In a nutshell, The 30 Day Dating Playbook is 30 days of video, audio, tutorials and quick start tips that you can start using right away! You’ll discover things like:
If you want into the VIP Early Access list, all you have to do is click this link and look out for an email from me with registration details in a couple weeks!
CLICK HERE!
Body Confidence & Mojo Makeover
WOULD DATING BE EASIER IF WE WERE MORE BODY CONFIDENT?
Is it time you got your mojo back?
We get REAL on Dates & Mates this week. Damona says, “Some days I don’t feel great about my body. Maybe you can relate? But I figured that if I opened up and faced my true feelings about my body image, it might help you and I become more body positive together.”
We sat down with Dana B Meyers, the Queen of Mojo Makeovers, and Laurie DiBiasio, CEO of Babe You Lingerie, to talk about body confidence and self love.
This episode is all about:
Here’s the rundown:
Damona’s Story (1:30)
Body Positivity is hard at any age
Your partner wants you to love your body as much as they do (7:30)
Stop deflecting compliments! (8:30)
Dana’s method to transforming NEGATIVE BODY BANTER into a SEXY SELF LOVE AFFIRMATION (9:45)
“If I just lost 10 pounds, I will find love” (16:00)
Building sensuality with another person (19:00)
Especially if you’ve been out of the game for a while or if you and your partner need to spice it up
Choose Babe You! With Laurie DiBiasio (33:00)
Why Lingerie should be visible (34:00)
The hourglass shape has historically been the most desirable shape (36:00)
Do things change when you see someone in a more intimate situation for the first time? (38:00)
We like feeling beautiful – not just for other people! (43:00)
DATES & MATES DEALS: #GETPAID
Get PAID to listen to podcasts through PODCOIN! Get 300 podcoin now by using the code DatesAndMates
Date Lab: Are drinking habits a deal-breaker?
This week, Damona covered a date that was set up by The Washington Post Date Lab!
Kate Bohan describes the men she has dated in the past as “good humans” who were just not right for her. The 32-year-old California native who handles billing for a study-abroad provider is seeking someone “genuine, handsome, curious and kind who believes that humanity is all connected.” The Date Lab team set her up with Alex Reading, 28, a George Washington University graduate student studying philosophy and social policy.
Kate says she doesn’t embarrass easily. But she described the feeling of first meeting Alex at Ris in the West End and taking the required photos as “awkward prom.” To break the ice, Kate suggested they order a drink, then noticed an uncomfortable look on Alex’s face. “Oh, God, he doesn’t drink,” Kate immediately realized. She was right.
Click here to see if this was a deal-breaker for Kate…
Choose Babe You
You’re A Babe, Too
As a dating and relationship coach, I know intimacy can be intimidating. Especially since we’re constantly comparing ourselves to the unrealistic bodies we see everyday on tv, magazines, and on social media.
The CEO and Founder of Babe You, Laurie DiBiasio, pays a lot of attention to the way we are affected by these unrealistic expectations and double standards.
Read Laurie’s full article here!
I believe in Laurie’s refreshing approach to lingerie for women. As much as photoshop affects our daily lives, we all would love to look like a celebrity even for just an evening.
Are you missing out on intimate moments in your relationship because you’re worried about the way you look in the bedroom?
Do you feel uncomfortable disrobing for intimacy, or are you stuck wearing a loose fitting granny gown or one of those tiny garter ensembles that push and pinch you in all the wrong places?
They only accentuate our problem areas rather than playing up our positives!
I know how you feel because I’ve been there too. You are beautiful and you deserve to wear something that is going to INSTANTLY make you look and feel sexy.
That is why I am partnering with BABE YOU Instant Body-Transforming Lingerie.
They have spent years designing and crafting a full line of glamorous, seductive, PATENTED body-transforming lingerie that gives us an INSTANT hourglass figure for romance.
At BabeYou.com, you can customize your own lingerie outfits to express your individual style and hide your specific problem areas.
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Step 1) Select your body-transforming base garment…vivacious pink, sexy red, or sultry black!
You know that little roll that comes over the top of most shapewear or under your bra line?
The base garment helped me get rid of that and cover my stretch marks (from two kids – ya know)
Step 2) Choose from their matching patented add-on system.
They have dozens sexy teddies, bras, negligees, and wraps to wear on your base garment that help you hide problem areas and accentuate your sleek new hourglass shape!
Step 3) Accessorize with their full line of Hollywood style jewelry, shoes, and accessories.
When things heat up, BABE YOU is uniquely designed to remain on during your more intimate moments… if you know what I mean…ensuring that you feel confident and sexy in the bedroom.
BABE YOU: “‘Cuz Just like the Celebrities, You’re a Babe, too!”
Visit BabeYou.com and use the offer code DATESANDMATES to get 10% off your first order. That’s B-A-B-E-Y-O-U .com
EZ Dating & How Men Fall In Love
LADIES: IT’S TIME TO START DATING LIKE A MAN
Right now, women have all the power online – at least that’s how EZ Dating Coach, Mike Goldstein sees it.
Here’s the rundown:
DATING DISH (2:30)
How to tell if you’re dating a cheater
According to Dr. Lurve (LOL), cheaters have 3 very specific personality traits. Damona and Mike break it down.\
What The Weeknd’s breakup with Bella Hadid tell us about love today
Is modern love dead? Damona and Mike have thoughts.
The latest dating trend among Ivy League students
The newest study on love amongst these Ivy League undergrads is raising some eyebrows – mainly Damona’s and Mike’s.
YOU have all the power (19:00)
Is dating a quantity over quality game?
Mike Goldstein, tells us that the tides have turned and explains why women are in control in today’s online dating climate.
As dating coaches, we often see two typical behavior patterns in our clients:
1) Men go for quantity. They don’t do much research upfront about their matches and wait later on in the process to weed out potential partners.
2) Women look for quality. We like to make sure that each match is going to be worth our time.
Mike and I had a GREAT debate on his special formula to get women in a masculine dating mindset. This episode might actually BLOW YOUR MIND.
We talk:
Find Mike at EZdatingcoach.com and on YouTube! Make sure to get his FREE GIFT – A guide on how to text men during the day here!
TECHNICALLY DATING (40:16)
Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:
DATES & MATES DEALS: #GETPAID
Get PAID to listen to podcasts through PODCOIN! Get 300 podcoin now by using the code DatesAndMates
Peacocking & Awkward Consent
ARE THE NEW RULES OF CONSENT ACTUALLY MAKING DATING DIFFICULT?
Continuing with the theme of the week on Dates & Mates, we’re talking about how consent has evolved immensely in the last year.
Joining us to break it down is Erin Tillman, AKA The Dating Advice Girl!
DATING DISH (2:30)
Your mindset is preventing you from finding love
New research on the science of relationships shows that people who are looking for their “predestined match” have a harder time finding love. Damona and Erin have some conflicting feelings about this one.
The ONLY way to get over a breakup
According to Cosmo, the No Contact Rule is the only way to get over a breakup. Damona and Erin explain.
Is he a peacocking pick up artist?
Erin educates us on one of the biggest tricks in a pickup artist’s book.
CONSENT: THE NEW NORM (22:00)
Do you have to ask consent to kiss someone?
How do you ask consent without making it awkward?
WHAT EVEN IS CONSENT???
These awkward conversations are now more necessary than ever. We also talk:
Don’t miss Erin’s book, The Consent Guidebook! Packed with tons of GREAT info.
TECHNICALLY DATING (37:00)
Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:
DATES & MATES DEALS: #KEEPITCUTE
For your next date or special event, Glamsquad will get you all glammed up! If you’re new to Glamsquad you can get $20 OFF your first service with my special code Damona20!
BONUS: Singles in America
The Feminist Dating Revolution is HERE
Surprise! We dropped a new bonus episode to break down Match’s 2019 Singles In America Study.
Here are some important takeaways:
This is the best time in history for a woman in love (3:00)
Did Me Too make dating more challenging? (4:00)
The stats say: men want women need to initiate more (5:45)
What women HAVE to do to prove they are an equal partner (6:30)
Take Charge in Dating: Read my advice on the Tinder Blog!
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9 Experts Share Their Very Best Piece of Online Dating Advice
Online dating is so ingrained in our cultural dating roadmap that it isn’t so much a question of whether you want to start online dating as when you’re going to give it a try. Maybe you’re just dipping your toe in the waters, maybe you’re back on apps after a breakup, or maybe you’ve been doing it forever and suspect you could be having a better time of it.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, what “rules” you’re supposed to follow, or are looking to get more matches, check out these nine experts’ number-one piece of advice for online dating. We could use all the help we can get, right?
Put yourself into a dating mindset
“When building your profile and looking for potential dates, your mindset should follow what you’d like the outcome to be. Whether you’re looking for a long-term relationship, a hookup, or something in between, let your mind consider the result you wish to achieve so that your profile vocabulary and tone match.” —Sunny Rodgers, ACS, clinical sexologist and certified sexual health educator
Don’t be timid
“Be entirely yourself rather than projecting a more muted version of yourself. The more that you show your personality, the more the other person gets an idea of what a relationship with you would be like. You might as well jump in immediately!” —Gabrielle Alexa, sex and dating writer
Be and put yourself first
“We all want a flattering photo that peaks the maximum number of people’s interest. Go ahead and choose that picture, but recognize that it’s a slippery slope. There is a temptation to create or communicate a [version of] you that, like an Instagram post, will garner the most likes. Do not contort yourself to fit what you presume others desire. In your mind, put your wants first. Use Tinder to communicate what you actually desire, so you can find someone you truly like.” —Wednesday Martin, Ph.D., author of “Untrue: Why Nearly Everything We Believe About Women, Lust, and Infidelity Is Wrong and How the New Science Can Set Us Free”
Stop looking for your perfect match
“We know it sounds counterintuitive, but you read this right. Online dating makes it easy to filter people based on what’s worked for you before (or what hasn’t) and create an impossible mold of what you think is your perfect match. The problem is that eventually your matches all either seem to blend together and you lost interest, or you run out of options. Keep an open mind, and try [Liking] someone who isn’t your usual type. You might find that your ‘type’ isn’t as important as you thought.” —B+L, co-hosts of “Not Your Girlfriend’s Podcast”
Click here to read my advice!
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Slow Love & Relationship Future
DOES YOUR RELATIONSHIP HAVE A FUTURE?
Today on the 5th episode of the in the Summer Love Series, we talk about relationship pacing and slow love. How long do you really need to know someone before you know they’re the one?
Tina Wilson, CEO of the Wingman matchmaking app, joins us to get down to the bottom of this.
PLUS Francesca Hogi, a love and life coach for people who happen to be single, dishes on this week’s headlines and give BOMB advice for our listener questions.
DATING DISH (3:00)
Emojis in your dating profile: To Use or Not To Use?
According to a recent survey, emojis may not be such a good idea in your dating profile. Damona and Francesca have thoughts.
Can board games make you fall in love?
The latest research indicates that playing board games on a date is an effective way to create chemistry with your partner. Damona and Francesca break it down.
Ariana Grande opens up about her love life
Was her relationship with Pete Davidson a mistake? Ariana tells all.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS YOU’RE WITH THE ONE? (25:00)
Everything you need to know about relationship pacing
Especially if you’re at an age where you feel the pressure of a ticking time clock, how long should you wait before getting serious?
Tina and I have THOUGHTS – and our answers may surprise you! We also talk:
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, you don’t want to miss this episode!
TECHNICALLY DATING (44:00)
Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:
YOU’RE A BABE, TOO
intimacy can be intimidating. Especially since we’re constantly comparing ourselves to the unrealistic bodies we see everyday on tv, magazines, and on social media.
Are you missing out on intimate moments in your relationship because you’re worried about the way you look in the bedroom?
Do you feel uncomfortable disrobing for intimacy, or are you stuck wearing a loose fitting granny gown or one of those tiny garter ensembles that push and pinch you in all the wrong places?
You are beautiful and you deserve to wear something that is going to Instantly make you look and feel sexy.
That is why we are partnering with BABE YOU Instant Body-Transforming Lingerie.
They have spent years designing and crafting a full line of glamorous, seductive, PATENTED body-transforming lingerie that gives us an INSTANT hourglass figure for romance.
At BabeYou.com, you can customize your own lingerie outfits to express your individual style and hide your specific problem areas.
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Step 1) Select your body-transforming base garment…vivacious pink, sexy red, or sultry black!
Step 2) Choose from their matching patented add-on system.
They have dozens sexy teddies, bras, negligees, and wraps to wear on your base garment that help you hide problem areas and accentuate your sleek new hourglass shape!
Step 3) Accessorize with their full line of Hollywood style jewelry, shoes, and accessories.
When things heat up, BABE YOU is uniquely designed to remain on during your more intimate moments… if you know what I mean…ensuring that you feel confident and sexy in the bedroom.
BABE YOU: “‘Cuz Just like the Celebrities, You’re a Babe, too!”
Visit BabeYou.com and use the offer code DATESANDMATES to get 10% off your first order!
Can dating apps be used for advertising?
Erin Gallagher was swiping on Bumble when a picture of her longtime crush, Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker, popped up. It seemed too good to be true but she noticed the blue check verification next to his name, so it had to be him. Erin swiped right and, to her surprise, it was a match.
Erin quickly thought of a clever introduction: “Why am I not surprised that you’re a Scorpio?”
A part of her still assumed it was a fake profile so she went into online detective mode… Then she checked his Instagram feed.
“I’m giving away festival and meet & greet passes through @bumble for our show on Saturday. If you’re in SoCal and want to hit up @backtothebeachfest (& meet me), download @bumble and find me.”
Erin had fallen for an expertly executed promotion. And she didn’t even win the passes.
What happened next? Read the rest of the story here!
Soulmates & Mystical Matchmaking
IS YOUR SOULMATE OUT THERE?
Today on the fourth episode in the Summer Love Series, we are talking about the search for soulmates. Do they exist? How do you know if you’ve found your soulmate?
Marla Martenson, The Mystical Matchmaker, joins Damona to debate these questions. Here’s the rundown:
D’S DATING DISH
Why millennials are into slow love and you should be too
According to Damona’s personal fav, Dr. Helen Fisher, the road to marriage is changing. Damona and Marla Martenson break it down.
Are you guilty of these summer fashion faux pas?
Damona and Marla have thoughts on this list from Plenty of Fish.
It’s Wedding Season!
Damona tests your knowledge on appropriate guest etiquette.
ARE YOU ATTRACTING YOUR SOULMATE?
Everything you need to know about soulmates and how to find them!
You know Damona. She’s a little skeptical about the whole soulmates concept, but we really liked a lot of the thoughts that Marla contributed to the conversation.
Even if your soulmate does exist, are you going to be prepared to receive their love?
From Marla’s perspective, you have to be open to working on yourself in order to attract the love you are looking for. Even if your soulmate is sitting right in front of you, you won’t be able to truly connect with them until you have healed from your past relationship traumas and are ready to love.
How do you heal? Marla has some interesting suggestions on today’s episode! We also talk:
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, you don’t want to miss this episode!
TECHNICALLY DATING
Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:
Fireworks & Creating Chemistry
SUBSCRIBE NOW ON YOUR FAVE PODCAST PLATFORM!
MAKE FIREWORKS WITH YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE
Today on my third episode in the Summer Love Series, we are making fireworks in honor of 4th of July.
Gina Gutierrez, CEO of Dipsea, an app providing sexy audio storytelling for women by women, joins me to talk about passion and building chemistry!
Buckle up, folks! This is our steamiest episode yet!
D’S DATING DISH
Studies show your partner may not be as smart as you think
According to the latest research, it turns out we consistently overestimate our loved one’s IQs and our own. OUCH.
Chelsea Handler has had a change of heart!
Chelsea Handler recently decided that it isn’t weak to want a relationship. Why this sudden change of heart? Damona and Producer Leah have thoughts.
Signs your date doesn’t want to see you again
In case you have some trouble reading the signs, Damona breaks it down.
How To Build Chemistry
A guide to learning what turns you on!
As an entrepreneur focused on the need for content tailored to women’s specific needs, Gina finds a lot of women need help to figure out what turns them on.
“Inspiration is a really important paradigm or experience,” Gina says. If you need some extra inspiration to get you feeling in the mood, approachable, accessible, sexy content is Gina’s solution to building great chemistry with your special someone.
On today’s episode, we also talk:
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, Gina gives some GREAT tips on how to spice up the chemistry this holiday week!
TECHNICALLY DATING
Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week: