That pivotal first date – it’s so much more than just a casual hang or nice dinner (actually, skip the dinner date – we’ll tell you why). 

This week, we explore those nerve-wracking moments that could be the portal to the next entire phase of your life. After all, you might be sitting across from someone who’ll one day share your future.

But even when first dates don’t end in sparks, they shape our dating journey and teach us about ourselves. And here’s the good news – with the right preparation, those first-date jitters can transform into pure magic.

Love and relationship expert Lauren Frances joins Damona to reveal when a first date really begins (hint: it’s not when you think) and how to gracefully wrap one up when it’s just not clicking.

Plus, in our Dear Damona segment, we tackle this week’s question: “Everything is going great with my match, but I am still struggling with the idea of commitment.”

(2:31) Meet Lauren Frances

Author of the internationally acclaimed bestseller “Dating, Mating and Manhandling: The Ornithological Guide to Men,” Lauren’s expert advice has graced the screens of Bravo, Extra, VH1, Oxygen, NBC, KTLA, and Fox. 

Through her signature “Romance Camps” and Love Magnet Makeovers, she’s helped countless clients transform their dating lives.

Your First Date Starts Before You Meet (5:53) 

Think your first date begins when you meet for drinks? Think again! 

Lauren reveals why your initial text exchange might be more crucial than you realize, and the surprising reason she insists all her clients make one specific move before meeting in person.

The Enthusiasm Gap: Why You’re Not Getting Second Dates (20:37) 

“A man that’s trying to impress you is impressed with you. A man that’s not trying to impress you is not very impressed with you.” 

Lauren reveals why playing it too cool might be freezing your dating prospects. 

Plus, learn the simple adjustment that helped one of her clients find her future husband on her very next date.

Hotel Lobbies vs. Starbucks: Location Matters (12:18) 

Choosing the right venue could make or break your first impression on a date.

Lauren and Damona break down which date spots send the right signals and which ones might be sabotaging your romance before it begins

Ghost-Proofing Your Love Life (28:59) 

“You are a romantic lifestyle brand, whether you know it or not.” 

Lauren explains why modern dating is like going viral on TikTok – it’s all about creating that “stickiness” factor that makes people want to stay connected. 

Her strategies for standing out in the endless options of today’s dating scene will change how you think about making meaningful connections.

Connect with Lauren:

• Website: LaurenceFrances.com
• Book: Dating, Mating and Manhandling: The Ornithological Guide to Men
• Instagram: @laurenfranceslove
• YouTube: @LaurenLoveRx

(40:20) Dear Damona, Help Me!

Email from Anonymous:

Hi Damona, I love your podcast and your book. I’ve used your book, F the Fairy Tale, as a framework for my dating process. Thank you so much. 

All right, so here’s a question. While the early stages of dating go really well for me when something starts to become a real potential relationship, it gets kind of scary, and I have a mini freak-out. I noticed a lot of the advice you provide centers around the early stages and first dates. Could you please offer some advice for those in the later stages of the process? What if someone meets all of our criteria and we get along well, but we’re feeling overwhelmed with fear and anxiety?

After applying Damona’s framework for a couple of months, I ended up with someone who fits all three of my criteria and does not have my one deal breaker. We get along great, and things are going well. We’ve been seeing each other about twice a week for a couple of months now, but I’m still having trouble with the idea of committing and entering a serious relationship, though that is what I want. Funnily enough, I now feel much more lost without a roadmap now that I’m getting the thing I wanted.

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!