In this episode of Dating in Your 20s, Amelia and Lilly dive into the intersections of dating, friendships, and the ever-present influence of social media. They unpack how podcasts shape modern perspectives on dating, the shifting dynamics of friendships across different life stages, and the challenges of people-pleasing in maintaining authentic connections. Together, they explore the importance of empathy, open communication, and recognizing that friendships can thrive even when people are in different seasons of life.
Key Takeaways:
- Singlehood is often misunderstood and unfairly labeled as fragile.
- Friendship dynamics naturally shift when relationship statuses change.
- Social media amplifies comparison and insecurity.
- People-pleasing can make friendships more complicated.
- Open and honest communication strengthens friendships.
- It’s normal for friendships to ebb and flow over time.
- Empathy is essential for understanding friends’ experiences.
- Recognizing different life stages can deepen connection.
- Strong friendships don’t require being in the same phase of life.
Therapy-Informed Takeaways:
- Self-worth should not be defined by relationship status.
- Boundaries help reduce people-pleasing and strengthen friendships.
- Normalizing friendship transitions can reduce shame and guilt.
- Compassion and curiosity foster healthier, more authentic relationships.
- Awareness of social media’s impact allows for more intentional connection.
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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.