4 Tips to Make Dating Apps Actually Work for You in 2026 | Matt Monday

Have you ever had an insecurity, a jealousy, or something that hurt you or made you feel threatened, but you didn’t know the right way to bring it up? Of course you have. We all have. Maybe you’re feeling that right now. It can be terrifying, can’t it?Well, here’s the good news . . . being vulnerable can actually create a deeper bond with someone, as well as reveal if they’re the right person for you in the first place. The bad news is that if we’re not careful, constructive vulnerability can mutate into what I call “dumping.”This episode will reveal what you can do if you’re worried you’ve fallen into this trap, or are about to . . .---►► Every Friday, Matthew Hussey writes a personal letter to help you strengthen the three most important relationships in your life—with others, with yourself, and with life itself. Sign up for free at TheThreeRelationships.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode started as a quick 12-minute video about becoming a new dad . . . and became something way more raw. In it, Matthew talks about what surprised him, what scared him, and what fatherhood actually feels like in real time—messy routines, intense emotions, and a vulnerability he didn’t see coming.But this podcast isn’t just about having a baby. It’s about responsibility without resentment, how choosing the right partner suddenly matters in a completely different way, and that strange shift that happens when your “highest self” stops being an abstract idea and becomes someone you actually want to make proud.If you’ve ever felt the weight of a big life decision—or the pressure to get it all right—this one’s for you.---►► If finding love really matters to you this year, the Year of Love replay will give you a calmer, clearer way to think about what actually moves the needle. You can still watch it (for a limited time!) at MHYearOfLove.com►► For Love Life listeners, Cure is offering 20% off your first order! Stay hydrated and feel your best by visiting curehydration.com/LOVELIFE and using promo code LOVELIFE at checkout! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Modern dating can mess with your head. You finally meet someone you like . . . and suddenly the pressure kicks in. You start overthinking texts, softening your boundaries, and trying to “win” someone instead of just being yourself.If you’ve ever caught yourself getting attached too fast or reading into every little signal, today’s new video will change the game. You’ll learn how to stay grounded, protect your confidence, and find the sweet spot between showing interest and keeping your self-respect.---►► Try Matthew AI for 24/7 coaching and advice anytime at AskMH.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s your biggest regret in life? Is it a mistake you continue to dwell on? A path you realize you should’ve taken? A person you wish you hadn’t given so much time to? And if you had the opportunity, would you go back in time and do something differently? Or would you take this Cormac McCarthy quote to heart: “You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from”? Regret is more than a sad, wistful daydream. It can cause us a tremendous amount of pain today and actually prevent us from enjoying our lives. If you’re holding on to any kind of regret, you can’t miss this episode. ---►► Every Friday, Matthew Hussey writes a personal letter to help you strengthen the three most important relationships in your life—with others, with yourself, and with life itself. Sign up for free at TheThreeRelationships.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is a proper grab bag—in the best way. If you’ve been feeling stuck on where you can actually meet people in real life, it explores the kinds of places that don’t just give you “options,” but actually help you grow as a person (and why that matters more than ever).  It also tackles one of the most painful relationship realities: where there’s real love, the relationship is good . . . but one incompatibility makes it impossible. What do you do with that kind of heartbreak when no one is the villain?---►► Want to be featured on the podcast? Send a voice note to [email protected] with your question.►► It’s not too late to join Matthew’s free online Year of Love event. Sign up in 5 seconds at MHYearOfLove.com►► Give the gift of comfort that lasts beyond the holidays and into a truly cozy New Year. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code LOVELIFE for up to 20% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some big life changes don’t come with a plan. They just crack you open and make you see everything differently.Today’s unscripted episode is about what happens when priorities shift and you start choosing peace over pressure. It’s about fear, commitment, slowing down, and learning to create space for what actually matters. If you’ve ever felt pulled between comfort and change, this will resonate.---►► Try Matthew AI for 24/7 coaching and advice anytime at AskMH.com►► The Year of Love is happening next week on Tuesday, January 20. Discover the simple 4-step action plan for finding your person in 2026. Sign up for this free virtual event in 5 seconds at MHYearOfLove.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Narcissists walk among us . . . but what makes us stay with such people?In the beginning, sadly, many people fail to see the long-term damage a relationship with a narcissist (or narcissistically inclined person) can cause. From confidence to superficial charm or even intensity, it's easy to mistake narcissistic traits as positive ones in the beginning of a relationship. But after quickly sucking you in, they gaslight you, make you forget yourself, and cause you to start justifying all kinds of toxic behavior. All in the name of control disguised as love.If you've been in a relationship that has made you question your sanity, this episode is for you . . .---►► The Year of Love is happening next week on Tuesday, January 20. Discover the simple 4-step action plan for finding your person in 2026. Sign up for this free virtual event in 5 seconds at MHYearOfLove.com►► Matthew Hussey’s free Three Relationships newsletter isn’t just about dating—it’s about creating a life you love. Get practical advice and heartfelt wisdom delivered to your inbox every Friday. Sign up for free at TheThreeRelationships.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever walked away from a relationship thinking, “I’m never doing that again,” you won’t want to miss this episode. Heartbreak has a way of creating rigid rules—what you’ll never give, tolerate, or risk again—and those protective habits can quietly block the kind of love you actually want.You’ll learn how relationship stress can show up in your body, why some people feel lighter and healthier after leaving the wrong dynamic, and the surprising connection between big-hearted, nurturing partners and anxious attachment.--- ►► The Year of Love is happening next week on Tuesday, January 20. Discover the simple 4-step action plan for finding your person in 2026. Sign up for this free virtual event in 5 seconds at MHYearOfLove.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You open a dating app thinking, maybe this time will be different. Then it happens: ghosts, cancellations, silence, or that slow erosion of confidence these apps can create.If that feels familiar, this episode is for you. Because the problem isn’t that you’re doing dating apps wrong . . . it’s that most people use them in a way that drains energy, kills momentum, and makes real connection far less likely. If you want dating to feel lighter, clearer, and more intentional, listen to this before you swipe again.---►► Set Yourself Up to Attract Real Love This Year. Sign Up to Attend my Free Event on January 20th at MHYearOfLove.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many dates should you wait before going over to someone's house?If you're worried it's moving too quickly and you're becoming "like a couple" (or even just too sexual) faster than you want, here's what you can do.---►► Make finding love in 2026 inevitable—without making dating your whole life. Join Matthew’s free live Year of Love event on January 20 or 22 at MHYearOfLove.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.