Posts

Stop Second-Guessing Yourself in Dating: 5 Ways to Build Confidence

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If you’ve been second guessing yourself in dating, these tips will help you learn to trust your instincts and build confidence! — If you’ve ever walked away from a date replaying every word you said, wondering if you should’ve done something differently—you’re not alone. Dating can bring up a lot of self-doubt, but second-guessing yourself only keeps you stuck. The truth? You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to trust yourself. Here’s how to stop overthinking and start dating with confidence. 5 Ways to Stop Second-Guessing and Build Confidence 1. Recognize and Acknowledge Your Thoughts The first step is noticing when you’re spinning in circles. Pay attention to those “What if?” or “Maybe I shouldn’t have…” thoughts. Then ask yourself: Am I afraid of making a mistake, or am I just being hard on myself? Awareness is powerful—it helps you separate real concerns from unnecessary self-criticism. 2. Challenge Negative Thoughts Your brain loves to tell stories that aren’...

Dating Over 50? These 7 Habits Can Help You Find Real Love

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These 7 habits, based on the work of Stephen Covey, will help you become a better dater and find your best match. — Something unexpected happened recently—my son-in-law and I found ourselves deep in conversation about… dating. Not because he’s dating (he’s happily married to my daughter, thank you very much), but because he’s been reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. He’s seeing the world through new eyes, and watching someone get it for the first time is exhilarating. As we talked through Covey’s ideas, I realized something: every single one of these habits could be applied to dating. So, with deep respect (and a little artistic license), here’s my take on what Stephen Covey might say—if he were a dating coach. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Daters 1. Be Proactive You can keep blaming your parents’ marriage, your city’s dating pool, or the apps. Or you can take full ownership of your love life. Proactive daters don’t wait for the stars t...

How to Transform Love, Healing, and Human Connection

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My podcast guest, Cynthia Marks, discusses how to transform love, healing, and human connection. You don’t want to miss this! — If you want to transform love, healing and human connection, this episode is for you! Cynthia Marks is the host of And Now Love, a podcast inspired by the psychoanalytic teachings of her late husband, Dr. Bernard Bail. Through intimate conversations and dream exploration, she helps listeners uncover unconscious emotional imprints and transform their understanding of love, healing, and human connection. In this episode of Last First Date Radio: What inspired Cynthia to start her podcast, And Now Love , and what’s the core message behind it? What role do early maternal relationships play in shaping our capacity to love or trust a partner in midlife? Cynthia’s healing journey where one of her husband’s teachings shifted her view on love What does a “healthy love” look like, and what practical steps can someone take to move toward that kind of love, eve...

He’s Giving Mixed Signals? Do These 5 Things

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If he’s giving you mixed signals – blowing hot and then cold – you need to watch this video! It will save you from heartache. — Have you ever dated someone who blew hot and cold? One day they’re sweet and affectionate—texting good morning, planning dates, leaning in. The next, they’re distant, vague, unresponsive… and you’re left wondering what the heck just happened. It’s confusing, frustrating, and honestly—emotionally exhausting. When someone is inconsistent with their affection, time, or communication, it’s easy to get hooked on the “highs” and overlook the emotional toll of the “lows.” If this sounds familiar, I’m sharing five important things to consider when someone you’re dating is unpredictable. He’s Giving Mixed Signals? 5 Things Every Woman Should Do 1. Communicate Openly Before you assume the worst, have a direct and honest conversation. Let them know how their shifts in behavior make you feel. Ask what’s behind the change—maybe they’re stressed, unsure about...

How to Unlock Lasting Love with One Simple, Proven Test

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Learn the keys to lasting love in this podcast episode with Nick Brancato. Whether you’re single or partnered, this is for you! — Are you interested in unlocking the keys to lasting love? My podcast guest, Nick Brancato, is a personal development coach and educator with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and couples connect, communicate, and thrive. With a master’s degree in education and a background as a Microsoft systems engineer, Nick blends practical tools with data-driven frameworks to guide people through life’s challenges, including career shifts, financial pressures, and personal growth. He’s also the author of Prioritize Us: Unlock Lasting Love with One Simple, Proven Test .  In this episode of Last First Date Radio: Why so many couples experience a “priority drift” and how they can they prevent it Some simple, actionable steps couples can start applying right away to realign priorities Why individual self-awareness is such a critical component...

5 Creative Ways to Start an Online Dating Conversation

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You want to start an online dating conversation, but you have no idea where to start? These 5 conversation starters will spark connection. — Online dating can feel like a minefield, especially if you’re reentering the scene after 50. You’ve lived a lot of life, you’ve got stories to tell, and you want more than small talk and ghosting. So how do you actually start a meaningful, fun conversation that doesn’t feel awkward or forced? Well—you don’t have to be a comedian or Casanova to stand out. Here are five creative (and age-appropriate!) ways to break the ice on a dating app and spark a connection that might lead to something real. 5 Creative Ways to Start an Online Dating Conversation 1. Flip the Script with a Cheeky Compliment Most men over 50 are used to initiating conversations—and compliments. Flip the gender script and give him one instead. It’s unexpected, confident, and just the right amount of flirty. Examples: (Cute) “I swiped right solely because of your dog...

The Surprising Reasons Why Men Pull Away After Early Connection

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Ladies, if you want to know why men pull away in the early stages of dating, you don’t want to miss this podcast episode! — Why do men pull away after early connection? My podcast guest, Johnny Fernandez, has the answer to this and many other dating and relationship challenges. He is a seasoned relationship coach with over 20 years of experience helping women attract lasting love. As co-founder of the Feminine Radiance and Courage Institute, he guides clients to deepen confidence, heal emotional patterns, and build meaningful connections through heart-centered support and proven strategies. In this episode of Last First Date Radio: ​​Why so many women experience men pulling away after what feels like a great initial connection Common misunderstandings women have about men’s behavior during the early dating phase What’s happening for a man emotionally or psychologically when he suddenly goes quiet or distances himself after seeming really into a woman What to do if you feel con...