Bringing Back Empathy: The Key to Deeper Relationships

Is dating feeling disconnected? Are you experiencing dating burnout?, This week on Dates & Mates, we reveal why bringing back empathy is the key to deeper relationships.

Science actually  says that empathy makes you more attractive. In this special 550th masterclass episode, we explore how to cultivate empathy, share exercises to strengthen your empathy muscles, and reveal why having compassion for yourself is just as important as having it for others.

Get ready for a transformative episode that will help you feel empowered, whole, and full – because that’s ultimately the best place to date from.

(2:16) Dating Without Empathy? It’s Like Swimming Without Water!

Swipe, chat briefly, move on, repeat. Without empathy, dating has turned into a fast-food experience where no one leaves satisfied!

The speed of communication has changed everything. What happened to connection? In this segment, we dive into why ghosting and breadcrumbing have become the norm, and how this disconnect leaves us all feeling burnt out and hungry for something real.

(6:06) Turns Out Being a Good Listener Makes You Hotter (Science Says So!)

Your ears might be your most underrated dating asset! Research shows that empathetic people aren’t just nicer – they’re actually perceived as more charismatic and trustworthy.

Why is empathy declining worldwide? We break down the fascinating science linking screen time to emotional disconnection and reveal exactly how strengthening your empathy muscles can make you magnetically attractive to potential partners.

(14:04) The 80/20 Rule That Will Transform Your Dating Life

Ever feel like your dates are more like job interviews than genuine connection? There’s a simple rule that changes everything – and it’s not what you think!

Active listening creates “stickiness” between people. By validating emotions and asking thoughtful follow-up questions, you’ll stand out from the crowd of daters who are just waiting for their turn to talk. The best part? This technique works whether you’re 25 or 75!

(21:53) Mirror, Mirror On The Wall, Who’s The Most Dateable Of Them All?

Self-empathy – your dating superpower in disguise! Before you can truly understand others, you’ve got to understand yourself (and yes, it might feel awkward at first).

What do mirror work, letters to your younger self, and pre-date emotional check-ins have in common? They’re all tools to build self-compassion that naturally extends to others. In this segment, we break down simple exercises that feel good and make you better at connecting with potential partners.

(30:57) Rapid Fire Q&A: Dating Empathy To The Rescue!

“They say they want a relationship but act completely unavailable.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone! In this lightning round, we tackle your burning dating questions:

• Why are so many people less emotionally available than they say? We explore how the pandemic has zapped our empathy reserves and what to do about it.
• How can we utilize roster dating for less burnout and better turnout? Discover why putting all your eggs in one basket might be causing more stress than success.
• I used to find joy in dating. Now it feels like a chore. How can I find the joy again? The surprising truth about who’s responsible for your good time on dates.
• How can you get a nervous first date to open up and relax? Simple techniques to create trust and safety that will have them sharing in no time.

💌 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!