Relationship anxiety does not disappear once the dating stage ends. Sometimes it shows up as planning, comparison, excitement, or constantly thinking about the next milestone.
Lilly Wehman and Amelia Abernathy talk honestly about engagement anticipation, the pressure to seem like the “cool girl,” and how difficult it can be to stay present when the future feels close enough to imagine. They also share practical ways to slow down, communicate what is happening, and approach anxious thoughts with curiosity instead of criticism.
Key Topics
- Why anxiety can continue in established relationships
- Imagining the wedding versus imagining the marriage
- Engagement anticipation and the discomfort of waiting
- Planning as a way to manage uncertainty
- The pressure to act chill or unbothered
- The difference between validation and comparison
- Staying present during relationship transitions
- Communicating fears, expectations, and boundaries
- Using journaling, mindfulness, movement, and friendships to slow down
- Giving yourself grace when experiencing something new
Join the conversation:
What is something dating in your twenties has taught you about yourself? Share your thoughts and stories with us — we’d love to hear them.
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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.