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How to Quickly Assess Compatibility on a First Date

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How do you assess compatibility on a first date? Try this “vibe check” method in the early stages of a relationship. — Compatibility on a first date is not just about shared laughter or common interests. It’s about the unspoken chemistry, the way your energies interact with each other. This intuitive feeling, almost like a dance of non-verbal cues and emotional responses, speaks volumes about potential compatibility. Here are five ways to assess compatibility early on in dating. How to Quickly Assess Compatibility on a First Date 1. The Art of the Vibe Check During your date, tune in to the energy between you. Was there a natural, effortless flow to the conversation? Did it feel easy, engaging, or like hard work? Usually the best indicator isn’t what was said , but how you felt in their presence. Ask yourself: Did their energy feel grounded, playful, tense or disconnected? Did you feel seen and comfortable being yourself? Was there curiosity and mutual interest or jus...
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Why Pleasure is Essential to Wellness (and no longer taboo)

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Did you know that pleasure is crucial to our wellbeing? My podcast guest, sexologist Tugce Balik, dives deeper into this topic! — Tugce Balik believes that pleasure is essential to our wellness. She blends Western science with Eastern traditions to help people heal, reconnect, and feel at home in their bodies and with each other. She’s a certified Tibetan Tantra practitioner and an American Board-Certified Sexologist with a focus on healing through embodiment. Her approach is gentle, empowering, and rooted in deep care. To her, pleasure isn’t something you earn. It’s your birthright, your medicine, and her work at Arya helps couples remember exactly that. In this episode of Last First Date Radio: Why pleasure is moving from taboo to essential wellness Why 57% of couples can’t talk about sex—and practical ways to bridge that divide How intimacy impacts stress, hormones, and overall relationship satisfaction How technology can help couples approach once-uncomfortable conversat...
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5 Ways to Overcome Limerence and Get Over Your Crush

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Discover 5 surprising ways to overcome limerence so you can break the cycle of longing and reclaim your emotional freedom. — Let’s talk about limerence…what is it, and how do you overcome it? Have you ever found yourself obsessing over someone; checking your phone for messages, replaying every conversation, wondering if they’re thinking about you, too? That is one of the ways you know you’re in limerence. It’s that intoxicating, all-consuming infatuation that feels like love… but isn’t. It’s driven by longing, fantasy, and uncertainty. It often shows up after a breakup, during loneliness, or when someone awakens a deep emotional hunger we didn’t even know we had. For women over 50, limerence can feel both exhilarating and humiliating. We know better and yet, there we are, stuck in the loop. The good news is you can break free. Here are five surprising ways to overcome limerence and return to your grounded wise self. 5 Ways to Overcome Limerence and Get Over Your Crush ...
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The Hidden Costs of Trauma

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What are the hidden costs of trauma? My podcast guest, Dr. Kirsten Harrison, shares the powerful story of a woman who overcame severe trauma. — Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison is a trauma psychologist, author, and founder of Soul Wise Solutions. For over 35 years, she has guided individuals through profound psychological and spiritual transitions, including C-PTSD, schizophrenia, and near-death experiences. She is the co-author of “ I, Sean/a: The Story of a Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired a Community ”, the remarkable true story of Sean/a Smith, an intersex woman living with schizophrenia, whose life challenges stigma and who inspires a movement toward dignity, inclusion, and soul-deep healing. In this episode of Last First Date Radio: The hidden costs of trauma Hope for those who are struggling with any type trauma Great advice for those who are dating after any kind of traumatic relationship EP 685: Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison – The Hidden Costs of Trauma What inspired ...
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5 Surprising Ways to Overcome Your Fear of Commitment

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Discover 5 surprising ways to overcome fear of commitment in dating. Build emotional safety and intimacy without losing yourself. — Have you ever pulled back just when a relationship began to feel real? You want connection, but part of you also wants to bolt. That tug-of-war is what many people over 50 experience when it comes to fear of commitment in dating. The truth is, commitment fears aren’t a sign that you’re “not ready.” They’re a sign that your nervous system is trying to keep you safe. And that’s something you can gently rewire. Here are five surprising ways to overcome your fear of commitment and open yourself to secure, lasting love, without losing your independence or sense of self. 1. Name What You’re Actually Afraid Of “Fear of commitment” can sound big and abstract, but it’s really a bundle of smaller fears; fear of losing freedom, fear of rejection, fear of choosing wrong again. Ask yourself: What’s the worst thing I imagine could happen if I let someo...
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How to Protect Yourself From Emotional Vampires

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Emotional vampires will suck the life out of you. If you have people like that in your life, this episode is for you! — Do you have emotional vampires in your life? Daniel Ratner  is a relationship coach, speaker, and author helping people build healthier connections by recognizing draining patterns and setting stronger boundaries. A former entrepreneur turned personal growth expert, he is the author of Infinite Marriage and The Ten Secrets to a Passionate Marriage, with his upcoming book (January 2026) Emotional Vampires teaching readers how to protect their happiness from toxic people. Through his coaching, books, and public talks, Daniel provides clear, practical tools for improving self-esteem, cultivating “keepers,” and creating relationships that fuel joy. In this episode of Last First Date Radio: What is an “Emotional Vampire,” and how can someone tell if they have one in their life? Why so many of us tolerate draining relationships far longer than we should The mo...
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How to Stop Getting Stood Up in Dating

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Tired of being stood up in dating? Learn how to set clear expectations, confirm plans with confidence, and attract people who show up. — A few years ago, I spent a Sunday afternoon all dressed and ready for my first date with a hot guy with a sexy accent from Liverpool.  Hair done, cute outfit on, butterflies in my stomach, I waited for his call before leaving for the restaurant. We had texted earlier in the week about meeting for brunch, but as the clock ticked past the meeting time, there was no call, no message… nothing. At first, I kept checking my phone. Maybe he was running late? Maybe traffic? After 30 minutes, I called and it went straight to voicemail. I realized what had happened. I’d been stood up, and he blocked me! I was mortified at first. But then, I picked myself up and went for a walk. An hour later, I had clarity. I would figure out how to not be stood up again. Since then, I’ve learned how to set things up clearly, calmly, and confidently so there’s no con...
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