Dating, Debating, and Cohabitating

In the words of the Rock Band The Clash, "So you got to let me know, Should I stay or should I go?" On todays episode, Lauren and I talk about those tough conversations you need to have with someone who is not committing to you.  Prioritize communication and honesty. Don’t just assume things will work themselves out, and instead, be clear on what the expectations are.

We kick off the episode by getting Lauren's dating updates and talking about Tampa's Gasparilla festivities. If you are not familiar with Gasparilla, it is that time of year when pirates take over Tampa Bay.  Gasparilla celebrated its 104th year at the end of January. For many, this means getting decked out in their favorite pirate gear, day drinking, and watching the parade along Bayshore.  Lauren and I then dive into all things about being a bridesmaid. One of your best friends just got engaged and has asked you to be one of her bridesmaids… so now what? While this is an exciting time for you and the new bride-to-be, you just took on a big role. You’re not alone if you think being a bridesmaid sounds stressful, it most definitely is.  Remember that this is the bride’s time to shine.  Make sure that the bachelorette party, shower, and every other aspect you’re responsible for is to her taste. It’s your job to remain cool and collected and help keep her calm too.

The holidays are here folks! It's that time though where conversations are in full swing around who you’re spending the holidays with, and if it’s finally time to bring your new flame home to meet your loved ones. Even if your partner has already met your parents, having them meet the rest of your extended family is a big deal. Are you ready? Are they ready?  Some tips based on Lauren & I's experiences:  - Give your significant the basics before they meet your family. Does your Dad or Mom swear too much? Give them the heads up.  Does your family like to talk politics (WOOF)? Definitely give them the heads up. Clue your date in on any family traditions, quirks, and weird relatives ahead of time.  Give your parents and siblings the basics before they meet your partner.  This way, family members will be less tempted to interrogate her or him during the visit.   -   Be clear about your relationship status.  Before you even consider bringing your S.O. home to face a barrage of questions about your relationship, make sure the both of you are on the same page. - Figure out the gift situation.  Have a discussion about gift-giving ahead of time, both with your family and your S.O. so no one feels awkward both in terms of one having a gift for the other, but not the other way around. Your partner should probably bring a small token of thanks—i.e. a host gift—while your family treating you and your S.O. to a long weekend of meals might feel like enough.  All in all, have fun with it, but be sure to bring booze! :) 

Frankie joins us on today's episode. We talk about all types of dating questions, bad dates, and moving in together.  We spiral into many different topics so we hope you stick with us through the whole episode!  Enjoy!  Restaurant plug:  Lan Zhou Lamen Noodle House in Tampa, FL.  https://www.lanzhoulamennoodlehouse.com/ 

We talk all the Do's and Don'ts about Dating Apps.  Do you.  Be honest.  Don't pretend to be someone you're not.  Being yourself is an essential key to dating so if someone doesn't like who you are, don't be afraid to swipe left. Cat - "If you are doing a deadlift, "get the f*ck out." 

It's the situation none of us look forward to - meeting with distant relatives facing the dreaded: why are you still single? When are you going to get married?  What about children? It all seems harmless, but it brings with it the overwhelming panic of trying to conform to a certain ideal.   We talk a little bit about how important it is to surround yourself with the people who support you.  Unfollow those accounts on Instagram that make you feel bad about yourself.  Lauren's challenge today is to delete 10 people from your Instagram that don't bring you positivity.  Don't let others influence you, because at the end of the day, whatever you do affects your life and not theirs. 

My friends Greg & Jordy join me from the Healthy Scratches podcast to talk about some recent hot pop culture topics. 

I had such a great opportunity to interview my friend Kayla on navigating college relationships, online dating when she was single, and grief of a sudden death of a loved one who was a significant other. Grief is an emotional work that is natural, normal, and necessary. Kayla talks through spending different lengths of time working through steps and expressing stages with different levels of intensity. I am so appreciative of her sharing her story with us. 

I touch on signs that is time to end that job & relationship.  Don't get stuck in an unhappy job where you don't see yourself professionally growing. Don't be scared to explore an amazing job opportunity that comes your way. You will never be stuck in a job!  Ask for that raise or seek another opportunity that will pay you what you deserve. Run fast out of a relationship if your values do not align with one another.  Relationships should be fun!  Please reach out if you have any questions / advice around how to ask for that raise! 

Ladies - We’ll probably never really understand guys, and they will most likely never understand us either. Regardless of this nearly impossible mission, we’re still curious to know what goes on in their brains. Well ladies, this week I took one for the team and asked questions we don't want to ask. I spoke with two of my guy friends, Simon and Nick, to get those answers.