The show just showed the highlights, but on Dates & Mates today, you get the full experience of what a flirting coaching session with me is like.
For today’s demo I’m joined by two experienced improvisers Marquis Olison & Nicky Urban (whose improv group was just on America’s Got Talent last week.) With me, they demonstrate how improv can make flirting fun. I know it sounds CRAZY but I promise if you listen and try out some of the exercises, you flirt game will never be the same.
Here’s the rundown:
Why improv? (2:30)
How men can impress women in today’s world (5:30)
Yes, And (9:00)
What you can learn from Yes, And & How to replicate (12:00)
How to build energy on a date (13:30)
Accepting someone’s reality (17:00)
Mirroring & How to tell if someone is intelligent (18:30)
Embrace The Weird (23:00)
Missing this week’s headlines?
Damona’s got you! Watch for Damona’s IGTV today for this week’s headlines on: All of the Hollywood Heartbreak this week (spoiler alert: lots of Hollywood exes made headlines), learning your dating app score, and how to stand out on dates in big cities.
https://damonahoffman.com/wp-content/uploads/263-Blog.png200300Leah Schell/wp-content/uploads/damona-hoffman-logo-209-1-1.pngLeah Schell2019-06-25 00:46:292021-05-14 22:23:58How To Flirt & Improv Games
Today we’re back with another BONUS Dear Damona episode! Last week, I received a few questions from people who are feeling a little extra unlucky in dating, so I dedicated an entire episode to giving the Dates & Mates community a little extra love.
If you’re a 35 Year Old Virgin, will men think there’s something wrong with you? (1:00)
If you’re openly dating a girl and she sees you on another date, is it awkward? (6:30)
If your man doesn’t like Beyoncé, should you drop him or educate him? (9:50)
How do I start dating when people don’t even give me a chance? (13:15)
Let me know if you like this “Dear Damona” Q & A style episode in the reviews!
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We talk a lot about how much dating has changed since Damona began her career as a dating coach. Who remembers when online dating was brand new?
Even we couldn’t have predicted the changes that the dating technology ecosystem has seen even in the last year. We want you to be as prepared as possible for upcoming trends so you can stay ahead of the dating game.
This week, Damona talks about the future of modern love with the people who make decisions in the dating app landscape. This short format episode features an in-depth interview with Geoff Cook, CEO and co-founder of The Meet Group, and Evin Rose, Millennial Love Life & Dating Coach, on dating app trends to look out for. Here’s the rundown:
D’S DATING DISH (0:58)
Your Next Dating App: Instagram
Honey Australia reports that singles who use the hashtags #strongandsingle and #happilysingle might get a few extra DMs from potential dates. Should you mix Instagram and dating? Damona and Evin Rose have thoughts.
YOUR DATING FUTURE (5:58)
If you aren’t familiar with the Meet Group, they are responsible for a lot of cutting edge dating apps that are popular worldwide, like MeetMe, Lovoo, Skout, and so many others. As an expert entrepreneur, business strategist, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner for the Philadelphia Region, Geoff Cook is the man to give us the facts on the business and trends involved with the dating app tech landscape.
Lately, we have noticed that there is a trend to mix dating with other aspects of your online persona. Listeners often ask: Should you integrate your social media into your dating profile?
For Evin Rose this seems like a no brainer. “When we get someone’s last name, we immediately go look them up anyway on social media to try and get a sense of who they are,” she says. “I think there really is something to finding other ways to connect with people virtually.”
It does seem like a complete no brainer. But why are some having such a hard time blurring these lines?
Geoff has a really good explanation. “People like to express different aspects of their identities via the brands they use.” he says. You might share your workplace version of yourself on Linkedin, and your family friendly version of yourself on Facebook, but your dating persona – the most extroverted and fun version of yourself- is reserved for your dating apps usually.
“That’s partially why it’s strange to be hit up on Facebook or a network where most of your interactions are not for that,” he says. “I think it’s tough to walk that privacy line.”
There is absolutely something to be said for protecting your social media from your dating life. HOWEVER, if we just shut down these new possibilities entirely, we might miss a good opportunity to find love.
So maybe next time someone slides into those DMs, see where it goes and let us know!
We talk about sooo much more on this episode about future trends in dating including:
Is live streaming the key to finding your next match?
Integrating human connection back into online dating
Is this match a real human?: Sorting through multiple realities on dating apps
Podcasts: The new predictors for compatibility?
And so much more!
ARE YOU MISSING ALL THE GOOD MATCHES ONLINE?
There are millions of people on dating apps worldwide. If you’re not finding love there, your profile may be the problem. Use Damona’s FREE guide to creating the ultimate MAGNETIC online dating profile. Get the Profile Starter Kit at profilestarterkit.com
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As a dating coach for 13 years, Damona has seen shifts in dating trends and watched as women become more empowered in their dating lives. How do these things impact women’s dating destiny? Internationally renowned matchmaker and TV personality Carmelia Ray returns to co-host this episode with lots of insight on how women and men relate to each other in 2019. Here’s the rundown:
D’S DATING DISH (2:45)
The surprising reason ARod’s relationship with JLO is a lot of pressure
HUGE Congrats to JLO and AROD who announced this month that they are engaged! Shortly after the engagement, ARod revealed why a relationship with JLo is a lot of pressure for him. Damona and Carmelia break it down.
New Trend Alert: Honeymoon Edition
This just in! Ditch your new spouse and go on the honeymoon of your dreams BY YOURSELF! Damona and Carmelia are not here for this new trend and they explain why.
Meet Your New Matchmaker: Your Fridge
Predicted right here on Dates & Mates! Refridgerdating has just launched allowing you to see into your match’s fridge before you decide to make a move. Damona and Carmelia have thoughts.
NOW IS THE BEST TIME IN HISTORY FOR WOMEN TO DATE (11:30)
In honor of Women’s History Month, Damona sits down with Robert Kandell, interpersonal communication expert who helps women and men relate to each other better in the #MeToo Era. We talked about A LOT:
Shifts in acceptable dating behavior for women & men
Dating Patterns
Dating in big cities vs dating elsewhere
Do women need men anymore?
FOMO and Investing in relationships
Women have a higher earning potential and don’t have to settle!
“Men are acting more like boys, and women are acting more like men.” – Robert Kandell
Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:
Why are women choosing to stay single for longer?
What is the best way to date if you have decided to ditch dating apps?
HATE GYMS?
Damona always says that working out has greatly improved her relationship with her body. Begin a program with Beach Body on demand! Just go to DatesandMates.com and click the Beach Body Banner to get started.
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If you’re looking to cuddle up with a new boo this fall, we have tips to make that relationship last through Valentine’s Day and beyond. Dominique Clark – Relationship Guru, Author, and Media Personality – joins today’s episode and gives us tips on how to find a quality match in these colder months. Here’s the rundown:
D’S DATING DISH (2:12)
The best way to find out what your ex thinks of you
Katie Miller, a 21 year old college student, went viral this week with the exit survey she sends to all of her dates. Would you send something like this to your dates? This isn’t our style, but it definitely gets the job done.
Surprising secret to a happy relationship from Kaley Cuoco
The Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco stresses the importance of independence in her relationship in this month’s interview with Women’s Health. However, some of her advice may go a little too far. Damona has thoughts.
Sneaters Beware: we’re on to you
Have you ever gone on a date just for the free meal? MetroUK gives us the term for this: Sneating. When is sneating okay and how can you avoid sneaters? Damona and Producer Leah discuss.
#LevelUp (14:17)
The #LevelUpChallenge lives on! Ciara’s summer hit applies to your cuff game, too, ladies and gents. Damona and Dominique break down how you can level up this cuffing season on today’s episode. We talked about a lot:
Cuffing Season & Cuffing Buddies
Are men looking to be cuffed?
Being Single during the holidays
Our biology and human connection
Snack Relationships
Level Up and find a Quality Match
How to empower yourself to find a match
Perfection and Honesty
Getting to know someone and when to share
Texting
Long Distance Relationships & Making Plans
Dominique raises some really great points about perfection and honesty in this chat. Here is one of the many moments that we loved in this talk with Dominique:
TECHNICALLY DATING (28:01)
Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:
Is it normal to have commitment issues?
When should you post pics of your partner on social media?
On what date should you have sex?
SWIPE WITH SPIRIT (41:50)
Damona has an important announcement! Listen for Damona’s new dating app method that is guaranteed to guide you towards the deepest love of your life.
Become a part of the Dates & Mates community at DatesandMates.com by picking your free ecourse – The Texting 10 Commandments (singles) or The 7-Day Relationship Bootcamp (couples).
Try Beach Body on Demand for free for 14-days by clicking the banner at DatesandMates.com
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Carol Allen, from Love Is In the Stars, co-hosts this week’s episode. Carol is an astrologer who steers the love lives of many women based on what is written in the stars. Today on the show, she gives us a fantastic fall love forecast and joins us to talk about gender and sexuality because she has a personal connection to this topic through a close transgender family member who she’s supported through his transition. Together with our guest panel, Damona and Carol unpack what your dating life can learn from the experiences of those who have a different sexual orientation or gender identity than you do.
D’S DATING DISH
Why are divorce rates going down?
Thanks millennials! According to Time, a recent study shows that divorce rates dropped 18% from 2008 to 2016 and this is due mostly to the lower divorce rates among millennials. Is it really all that surprising that millennials are divorcing less than generations before them? We don’t think so.
What can you learn from Gen Z daters
According to a study done by the dating app Zoosk, there are a number things that Gen Z does right when it comes to dating. Gen Zers are the least picky daters and swipe right on 33% of the matches they are presented with. How can this help you and what else can you learn from this study? We have answers.
Your childhood faves have a new relationship status!
It’s been a few weeks since former Sesame Street writer, Mark Saltzman, confirmed that Bert and Ernie are indeed a gay couple. The official Sesame Workshop says differently, however. Does it matter whether Bert and Ernie are gay? Does representation matter – even in kids programming? Or are we taking the puppet relationship dynamic too far? The discussion heats up this week.
IDENTITY, SEXUALITY, AND GENDER
Sexuality and Gender Identity: Are they fixed or fluid? How do you know if the way you’ve been living or dating might be limiting your possibility of finding true love and happiness? We sat down with Jasmine Luna and Harry Caldwell to learn more about their experience.
Jasmine Luna is your average queer, transgender, latinx witch. She is a strong advocate for her queer community, which includes work at the Trevor Project and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Harry Caldwell is a Jewelry Designer, Yoga Instructor, and Tantra Instructor. He has identified as Pansexual for the last 15+ years and feels compelled to share his knowledge of the energy of love with everyone he encounters in order to reduce the amount of suffering in the world.
Get your psychic reading from AskNow.com toll free at 877-626-1034
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Evin Rose, dating and love life transformation coach for millennial women, co-hosts this week’s episode of Dates & Mates. Last week, we dove deep into the mind of men and figured out what the guys are really thinking. Now it’s the ladies’ turn! Today Damona and Evin sit down with a panel of single women to figure out what women really want. Here’s the rundown:
D’S DATING DISH
Why is it so hard to turn a Tinder date into a relationship?
Research from Michigan State University indicates that couples who meet online are 28% more likely to split up within a year. What makes these relationships different? What expectations should we have for Tinder dates? Damona and Evin discuss.
Put your best foot forward
Picking a first date outfit can be a lot of pressure. This week, MamaM!a published a few suggestions for your first date outfit. Damona and Evin give you some suggestions on how to show off your personality.
Are sugar babies bad for feminism?
SeekingArrangement now has over 3 million users worldwide and the numbers are growing. The average Sugar Baby is 25 and makes about 2800 a month from her Daddies. What are the biggest misconceptions about Sugar Baby and Sugar Daddy/Mommy relationships? Are these relationships actually empowering for Sugar Babies? Damona and Evin have thoughts.
WHAT A GIRL WANTS
Last week, the men told us what really goes on in their head. This week, the ladies got a turn. Today we sat down with Rebecca Bernard and Nelly Dennis to get some answers on what women really want. Here’s what we covered:
Men on dating apps & the riffraffery
The worst DMs
Do you right swipe when you see someone you know?
What do you do when married men proposition you?
Pick Up Lines
Courtship & Chivalry
Should women make the first move?
Who pays on the first date?
You know the drill, fellas. They’re single, ready to mingle, and open for DMs. (Please, no dick pics, thanks.)
TECHNICALLY DATING
Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here are the topics we answered this week:
Should you tell your dates that you’re seeing other people?
How do you ask your partner for a threesome?
How to get over anxiety over asking women out.
DAMONA’S DIATRIBE
This week we remember Mac Miller and send condolences to his family, friends, and Ariana Grande. Today on Damona’s diatribe, Damona has a message for those who are in relationships with a person struggling with addiction.
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Join Damona’s Community of Love by choosing your free e-course at DatesandMates.com and you’ll get access to the exclusive group coaching calls for Dates & Mates listeners.
On this episode, storyteller Shannon Cason (Homemade Stories & WBEZ Chicago’s The Trouble with Shannon Cason) joins with his wife Cindy to share the secrets that almost tore their marriage apart and how they’ve weathered the relationship storms. Plus, Relationship Scientist Ryeal Simms handles the headlines with Damona including how dating apps can score you a job, the impact of working from home on your relationship, and Iggy Azalea’s whiplash dating week. Questions from listeners include how long your engagement should last and how to get a guy who is out of your league.
D’S DATING DISH (3:36)
Can dating apps help you land a job?
Many millennials are turning to dating apps to find a job these days, with it not being too uncommon for freelancers to get hired after two dates, or at least recommended. And honestly, why not! As long as you’re transparent that you’re looking for professional connections, it seems like an interesting way to boost your chances of finding work. You can read more via ABC News here.
Checking emails after work harms a relationship
We all have some anxiety, but even opening up an email to glance at after work can create the sense of “work without boundaries” and increase our stress tenfold. This can effect partners, children, and friends as they see the psychological effects of never “turning off.” You can read more via the Independent here.
Iggy Azalea’s whirlwind week
Last week Iggy Azalea confirmed she was dating Texans wide receive DeAndre Hopkins, only to Tweet out she was single again the next day. Both seemed a little affected, Azalea sharing Tweets about how she’ll always be single and Hopkins getting into a fight in his game the next day, but Azalea is already rumored to have been spotted with Tyga. You can read more via USA today here.
TECHNICALLY DATING (32:19)
We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App and those emailed to Damona, including:
The appropriate length of time to wait to get married
What to do if your child finds a sex toy in your room
And more . . .
DAMONA’S DIATRIBE (47:28)
Damona got a little serious on this week’s diatribe, but she’s been seeing a lot of people putting all of their emotional weight behind relationships lately, so much so that they saying they want to die when a relationship ends. She took to the mic to give some words of encouragement and offer resources for those who are truly depressed.
Follow Cindy Cason @JacindaCason
Follow Shannon Cason @ShannonCason and check out the podcasts Homemade Stories and The Trouble with Shannon Cason.
Visit AdamandEve.com and use the promo code GIFT21 for free gifts and free shipping.
Get on our mailing list and claim your free dating or relationship e-course at DatesandMates.com
If you or anyone you know is facing feelings of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255
To get your question answered on a future show, download the Textpert App, email Damonaor leave us a voicemail at 424-246-6255
https://damonahoffman.com/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-Dates-Mates-9.png315560Damona/wp-content/uploads/damona-hoffman-logo-209-1-1.pngDamona2018-08-20 21:08:392021-05-14 22:23:59Marriage Secrets & Out of Your League
Our guest co-host this week was psychotherapist and life coach Sherry Gaba. She joined us to talk about her latest book, in addition to giving us tips on how to kick an addiction to love.
D’S DATING DISH (4:05)
Dating lowers self-esteem and increases depressions
In addition to the scientific fact that rejection stimulates the part of the brain that processes physical pain, online dating can also affect how we see ourselves. A recent study shows that individuals who use dating apps have lower self-esteem than those who don’t. Coupled with the fact that one in six participants admitted to being addicted to finding a date, 97% of men saying as much, and that 54% of women feel burned out by the whole thing, online dating and mental health may not be the best of friends. You can read more via CNN here.
Millennial couples are in no hurry to get hitched
If they millennial couples make it to the altar at all, they’re taking their sweet time! Nowadays it’s not uncommon to spend the better part of a decade dating before tying the knot, with the average time between 25-34-year-olds now at 6.5 years. The median age for men is now 29.5, with 27.4 for women. You can read more via Straits Times here.
Hip hop royalty dating rumors
Eminem and Nicki Minaj are looking like they may be an item, with a flirty Instagram comment making reference to the coupling, in addition to Em asking audiences at recent concerts how they’d feel about it. They’ve paired together in the studio before, do you think they can be a match in real life? You can read more via FOX News here.
TECHNICALLY DATING (30:08)
We pull the best questions posted on The Textpert App and those emailed to Damona, including:
What to do if your dating pool has shrunk after 50
What to do if you find compromising photos on your husband’s phone
How to react if you find out your boyfriend was abusive to an ex
And many more . . .
DAMONA’S DIATRIBE (45:27)
Every once in awhile Damona gets a little riled up, and this week she saw fit to square up and face complainers head on.
Take the love addiction quiz at SherryGaba.com
Get 30 Days free to try Beachbody On Demand. Click the link from DatesandMates.com
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Our guest co-host this week was Dr. Kevin Skinner. Dr. Skinner is a licensed marriage and family therapist who is the co-founder of Addo Recovery, a clinic specializing in recovery from sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. He’s also the co-founder of Bloom, an online company for women struggling with the latter. We spoke with him about infidelity, relationship worry, sexual expectations, and much more.
D’S DATING DISH (2:33)
Elite dating apps threaten America’s wage gap
Elite dating apps are part of an old-school philosophy that believes courtship is partly an economic exercise and could be further driving a wedge between classes. Many of these apps favor those with college degrees, especially from elite institutions, but education-based matching moves in lockstep with inequality. You can read more via Bloomberg here.
John Cena and Nikki Bella break up
WWE star John Cena and Divas champion Nikki Bella have ended their six-year relationship and broken off their impending engagement. They were supposed to be married May 5th, but recent interviews suggested they may have been having problems. You can read more via Bleacher Report here.
The worst fashion mistake you can make on a date
The stats are in and 76% of millennials believe it’s important to dress up for a date. But be careful: 66% of singles don’t have any time for wrinkled clothes, with socks and sandals a close second. You can read more via Hello Giggles here.
Our guest co-host this week was Rhonda Richards-Smith. Rhonda is an award-winning psychotherapist and relationship expert whose advice has been featured everywhere from the Huffington Post to Teen Vogue to US Weekly. But that’s not all! We also had a very special appearance from Pastor Calvin of the reality show Married at First Sight.
D’S DATING DISH (2:55)
Duke looks to change its dating policy
Up until now, Duke University has given its blessing to relationship between students and teachers as long as the student is not currently enrolled in the professor’s class, working on a research project with them, or being mentored by them. However, it’s a sign of the times that the Academic Council is now looking to shake things up. You can read more via Herald Sun here.
Which Olympic athletes are hooking up the most?
Bumble is proving popular at this year’s Olympic games, and the details are in regarding who is taking advantage of the event for a different kind of physical activity. Which sport has the athletes that are getting it on the most? You can find out via TMZ here.
Amy Schumer ties the knot
Schumer’s only been dating chef Chris Fischer for a few months, but they recently made things official in a small ceremony in Malibu this past weekend. It was a low-key event with only around 80 in attendance, but the couple seem happy and we wish them all the best. You can read more via Huffington Post here.
How to handle a husband liking some old flame’s posts on social media
What to do when your best friend is dating your ex
What to do if you’re depressed over a breakup
And many more . . .
https://damonahoffman.com/wp-content/uploads/Dates-Mates-2.png315560Damona/wp-content/uploads/damona-hoffman-logo-209-1-1.pngDamona2018-02-26 10:00:412021-05-14 22:24:00Married at First Sight & Relationship Rituals
Our guest co-hosts this week were Lee and Mimi Hoffman, Damona’s beloved in-laws. They joined us to share their love story and give dating advice to the next generation.
D’S DATING DISH (2:46)
The Stats on Super Bowl Swiping
During the Big Game, dating apps see an increase in use, whether you’re in the town where the Super Bowl’s occurring or just scrolling through your phone while the game is on. In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, some apps report increases as high as 50%, with a 60% increase in message responses. Spruce up your profile, maybe get a sports-themed bio in there, and read more about it via Elite Daily here.
Lady Gaga’s Secret Lover
The recent Grammy’s had us wondering just who, exactly, Lady Gaga is shacked up with. Turns out she got engaged to boyfriend Christian Carino last November. Her manager over at CAA who’s so into her he got a tattoo of her face, we wish her all the best in love. You can read more via Romper here.
Dane Cook’s Dating a 19-Year-Old
We generally think age is just a number, but comedian Dane Cook is dating a 19-year-old despite the fact he’s a whopping 26 years older than her. What do you think, is over a quarter of a century a little too much of an age gap? You can read more via People here.
Match.com’s Singles in America Survey
We got the exclusive scoop on Match.com’s annual Singles in America survey just hours after it dropped. Each year, Match.com publishes an extensive study on dating trends they’ve analyzed, and we highly recommend everyone checks it out. You can find it right here.
Download your free dating or relationship course at damonahoffman.com
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