Dating in Your 20s

This week, Lilly and Amelia break down Materialists, the buzzy new film from Celine Song, through a therapeutic and cultural lens. From transactional love to the myth of the “perfect partner,” they explore how the movie reflects real dating struggles in your 20s—especially when ambition, wealth, and emotional intimacy collide.

In this episode, we discuss:
  • The blurred line between love and transaction
  • Emotional intimacy vs. financial stability
  • The myth of the ideal partner (and the math behind it)
  • What materialism says about modern dating culture
  • How attachment styles and trauma histories influence who we’re drawn to
  • Tools for reflecting on your own dating patterns
Listener Reflection Prompts:
  • Have you ever dated someone for comfort or security?
  • What do you value most in a partner—emotional connection, financial stability, adventure, or something else?
  • What has your 20s taught you about the real cost of love?
Don’t forget:
There are spoilers! And we’d love to hear your thoughts—DM us, follow us on tiktok, or reach out to us via the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3mHOALjsJVjPa5C-9oKNkRvp7jIhzKaPbDddEXC4PLjz1iw/viewform

Connect with the hosts:
Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | Linkedin

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com

Creators and Guests

AA
Host
Amelia Abernathy
LW
Host
Lilly Wehman

What is Dating in Your 20s?

Hosted by Amelia and Lilly, two licensed therapists based in Chicago, Illinois, Dating in Your 20s dives into the chaos, comedy, and complexity of modern dating — all through a therapeutic lens. As two women in their 20s, Amelia and Lilly are in the trenches themselves, navigating everything from bad Hinge dates and ghosting to social media comparison and the pressure of modern relationships.
With a mix of humor, honesty, and clinical insight, each episode blends real-life dating experiences with psychological frameworks like attachment theory, emotional regulation, communication styles, and more. Whether you're healing from heartbreak, stuck in a situationship, or just wondering why dating feels so complicated right now, Amelia and Lilly are here to help you feel a little less alone — and a lot more understood.