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Showing posts from October, 2025

Letting Go of the Need to Be Liked in Dating

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Discover how to shift from seeking approval and the “need to be liked” in dating to creating genuine, lasting connection. — If you’ve ever left a date wondering, Did he like me? instead of Did I like him? — you’re not alone. Many of us, especially women who grew up being taught to be “nice” and accommodating, fall into this trap. We show up on dates subtly (or not so subtly) trying to win approval — smiling through awkward silences, nodding through opinions we don’t agree with, or downplaying what we really want. It’s understandable. Being liked feels safe. It quiets that old fear of rejection and gives us a hit of validation. But here’s the problem: when you prioritize being liked over being real, you create connection on shaky ground. Real connection only happens when you let yourself be known. Why We Do It The need to be liked often comes from early conditioning — to keep the peace, to avoid conflict, to be “good.” Add in the vulnerability of dating later in life, and t...

Dating After 50: How to Develop Secure Attachment and Build Deeper Connections

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Learn practical steps to develop secure attachment. Discover how to calm triggers, express needs, and choose healthier relationships. — If you’ve spent decades navigating relationships—marriages, partnerships, dating, or even long stretches of independence—you may have noticed certain patterns in how you connect. Maybe you get anxious when someone pulls away, or you shut down when things feel too close. These patterns aren’t about “what’s wrong with you”. They’re about attachment styles. The good news? Attachment style isn’t fixed. Even in midlife and beyond, you can slowly, gently rewire yourself toward secure attachment. It’s not a light switch. It’s a process. And it begins with how you relate to yourself . Here are five steps to develop secure attachment. How to Develop Secure Attachment and Build Deeper Connections 1. Notice Your Triggers With Compassion Pay attention to your body’s signals when you feel unsettled. Maybe your chest tightens when a call doesn’t come, o...