Dating in your 20s can feel like one long experiment in emotional exposure. In this episode, Amelia and Lilly dive into the vulnerable (and sometimes deeply uncomfortable) act of putting yourself out there—whether that’s through dating apps, awkward singles events, or blind dates arranged by your parents (yes, really).
We talk about:
- The shame spiral of wearing a name tag at a singles event
- When a backhanded compliment sticks with you for way too long
- Why your nervous system might be louder than your gut sometimes
- How dating apps mess with our need to be both authentic and “appealing”
- And what it means to show up as yourself without a safety net
We’re not promising dating hacks, but we are breaking down the psychology behind what makes it all feel so high-stakes—and how to stay connected to yourself through the mess of it.
Therapy-Informed Takeaways:
- Vulnerability is necessary for connection—but it can feel like danger if rejection has been part of your story.
- Singles events can be surprisingly helpful for practicing presence in low-stakes environments.
- Dating apps ask us to curate and perform. Real connection asks for something entirely different.
- Rejection—especially ghosting—activates the same pain centers as physical injury. You’re not overreacting.
- Your body tells you a lot: tension, fatigue, or even a clenched jaw are signals worth listening to.
- Building self-trust means getting good at hearing your “no” and honoring your “yes.”
Related Episodes:
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This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit:
millenniumhope.comWhat 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.