We’re back with the final bite-sized episode of the F the Fairy Tale Summer Series on Dates & Mates, inspired by themes from Damona’s new book F the Fairy Tale.

Last week, we examined the Goals and Values Pillars, which are crucial for laying the foundation of any relationship.

Now, we’re moving forward with the final two pillars: Communication and Trust. These pillars are essential for building strong, lasting connections. To guide you through these final two pillars, we have insights from one of Damona’s favorite segments of our recent F the Fairy Tale forum.

This segment features two of the most respected dating and relationship coaches, Carol Allen and Katherine Woodward Thomas, who help break down the pillars and answer listener questions like, “What do you think are the top three dealbreakers in a relationship?”

Let’s explore how mastering the Communication Pillar and Trust Pillar can transform your love life.

(0:53) The Communication Pillar

We all love the idea of chemistry—that instant connection and those fluttering butterflies when meeting someone new. However, the Chemistry Myth often leads to the belief that something magical must happen right away.

But those butterflies might be warning signals that things are moving too fast or that a familiar, unhealthy pattern is being repeated. Instead, slow down, communicate effectively, and focus on the Communication Pillar.

Embracing slow love is key to building a solid foundation and overcoming many dating challenges.

(1:46) The Trust Pillar

As we shift our focus from meeting someone special to building a future together, it’s time to replace the Soulmate Myth with the Trust Pillar.

Your soulmate isn’t found through magic; trust is built in small moments, micro-decisions, and actions. It’s through developing the Trust Pillar that you’ll find the person you choose as your soulmate.

Remember, it’s not destiny or magic that forms lasting love, but the consistent, trust-building actions that create a strong, enduring relationship.

(2:24) Carol Allen

Carol Allen is a Vedic astrologer and relationship coach. Her methods are really a blend of East and West.

She combines her training in astrology in India with cutting-edge, real-world relationship research.

Carol has appeared on E!, Bridezillas, Xtra,, Doctor Drew’s Life Changers, and Chicken Soup for the Soul.

(2:49) Katherine Woodward Thomas

Katherine is a New York Times best-selling author, licensed marriage and family therapist,, and teacher to thousands of people worldwide in her virtual and in-person learning communities.

You may have heard of her book Conscious Uncoupling-Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After. She also has an amazing online course: Calling in “The One:” 49 Days to Love.

(3:34) It Starts with a Relationship with Yourself

When asked how to improve communication with a partner or date, Katherine Woodward Thomas emphasizes that “our relationships with others can never really be any better than our relationship with ourselves.”

Communication often becomes distorted when driven by unresolved issues.

(7:52) We All Come with a Divine Design

Is there really such a thing as astrological compatibility?

Carol emphasizes that everyone has a unique divine design, with personality traits that are largely genetic. This innate temperament affects how we connect with others.

It’s important to find those connections where trust and communication flow easily, “You want to look for those people where you don’t have to work so hard.”

Listener Questions:

Submit your questions for our Dear Damona segment on Instagram, X, TikTok, or Facebook, and hear Damona’s answers live in a future episode!

14:04 Anonymous Listener:

Do you find it true that the scarcity mindset really plays out in limiting success in dating? I get so few responses, which leads me to experience scarcity. How do I bring abundance into my dating life?

19:00 Anonymous Listener:

How do you keep your energy up when you’ve been dating for a long time and you’re still waiting to meet your life partner?

25:02 Anonymous Listener:

What do you think are the top three dealbreakers in a relationship?

27:15 Anonymous Listener:

I am struggling to maintain an abundant mindset even while engaging in activities I love, repeating affirmations but not seeing any matches. Help!