#25: Why Is Dating in China So Hard? Therapist Rachel George Answers (PT. 1)

For the last episode of Season 3 we answer questions from our listeners! What are our favorite (and least favorite) parts about running Date Night China? What drama happens in our WeChat groups? What is our love story? How do we manage and balance a media platform and our relationship? We also share our holiday plans to visit our home countries for the first time in 3 years! Happy Holidays and see you all after Chinese New Year!

We’re nearly at the end of Date Night China season 3! In this episode, Rachel and Nathan take a look back at a few of their favorite episodes from this season, share some BTS of recording, and chat about the mishaps and memorable moments that happened along the way. There is one more episode coming your way after this one before taking a short break. Send your questions in to ask us anything about Date Night China, making a podcast, life in China, etc. and let us know what topics you'd like to hear more in the future. We'll answer your questions in our last episode of the season! Submit your question: http://dncsurveys.mikecrm.com/M6yH1mY

Morag, from Scotland, and Waldo, from South Africa, are an expat couple leaving China at the end of November this year. They join the podcast this week to talk about how they prepared to leave China, their conversations around their personal goals and goals as a couple, and how they think life outside China will impact their relationship. Follow Date Night China on WeChat, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories about dating and relationships in China.

Dr. Runze Ding joins the DNC hosts this week to talk about his studies on gay identity in China, the gay porn industry, and his experiences working with local gay organizations in Guangzhou and Beijing. Dr. Runze has completed case studies on topics such as Chinese semi-professionally produced gay porn, the Uses and Gratifications of Blued (the gay dating app) in Mainland China, and queer male “sex influencers” on Twitter, to name a few. It was fascinating to talk to him and learn more about these taboo topics and how he has interviewed people for his studies. About Dr. Runze: As an emerging social scholar, Dr Runze Ding graduated with a Ph.D. in Media and Communication Studies at the University of Leeds. His research contributes original evidence and analysis to related fields such as LGBT studies, digital media research, cultural studies in the Chinese context, and more broadly, sociological and ethnographic approaches to media and identity. He is also one of the first researchers who has studied Chinese gay porn and sexual culture.

Happy Singles' Day 2022!  This week the DNC hosts read out some cringy and funny China dating stories people sent in with a special guest: Beijing’s favorite F*ckboy, Martyn! We also share the survey responses for the weirdest & kinkiest things people have seen on Taobao, and discuss speed dating events in China. It's a fun chat that will bring some laughter to your Singles' Day - whatever you choose to do today, make sure you treat yo self! Follow Date Night China on WeChat, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories about dating and relationships in China.

NSFW ALERT! We have a fun treat to follow last week's episode with comedians Donnie Fan and Kei Gambit. In this bonus episode Donnie Fan shares some of his werewolf erotica read by Kei Gambit. Hear what the DNC hosts and guests REALLY talk about when they think no one is listening... Follow Date Night China on WeChat, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories about dating and relationships in China.  Check out more from Donnie and Kei: Donnie: @donniefancomedy and https://donniefan.com/ Kei: @keigambit and https://keigambit.com/ Kei's Books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HM28TMD

Beijing comedians Donnie Fan and Kei Gambit join us this week to add their comedic lens to relationships and dating in China. They share some stories of their own forays in dating, their experiences voicing werewolf erotica, and how being a comedian has impacted their social life in China. These two comedians are based in Beijing but have performed in shows across China in cities such as in Wuhan, Changsha, Ningbo, Nanjing and more. They also have an exciting upcoming project coming up with a major streaming platform where they will produce six English comedy headline shows for online distribution. Stay tuned for the bonus episode where Donnie Fan shares some of his werewolf erotica read by Kei Gambit! Visit their social media & websites to learn more: Donnie: @donniefancomedy and https://donniefan.com/ Kei: @keigambit and https://keigambit.com/   Kei's Books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HM28TMD

This week DNC hosts Rachel and Nathan grab a deck of "Our Moments" conversation cards and ask each other about fictional characters they would take to tea, awards they've won, perfect road trip snacks, and the time Nathan studied martial arts in Shandong Province for 3 months.  Conversation cards have become a great icebreaker tool for people to connect with their partners or friends. They offer a framework to embrace vulnerability, develop better conversation habits, and also just have fun.  This is not a sponsored ad, but we really enjoyed the questions and where the conversation lead, so we recommend giving "Our Moments" cards a try with your partner or friends!

Beijing therapist Rachel George continues last week's convo by diving into the difference between values and preferences when dating. She shares why it's important to make the connection between your actions and personal values, how to better evaluate dates, and why you should stop confusing pet peeves with deal breakers. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of great! Listen to last week's episode for part 1 with Rachel George.  About Rachel George: Originally from Houston, Texas, Rachel George is a therapist and life coach with over 18 years of experience. Learn more at her site: https://heartinmindcoaching.com/

Rachel George, a licensed therapist and life coach in Beijing, joins us to give advice on the question we frequently get from people here: Why is dating in China so damn hard?! Rachel talks through challenges of dating in an expat bubble and how we are affected by uncertainty and dating burnout. She shares why we should "fuck the spark" when dating, and also how to own the pivot, reflect on self-values, and do something different: like have your friends run your Tinder account for you! Stay tuned for Part 2 with Rachel next week!  About Rachel George: Originally from Houston, Texas, Rachel George is a therapist and life coach with over 18 years of experience. Learn more at her site: https://heartinmindcoaching.com/