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Ever feel like you're dating a toddler instead of an adult? That's why we created Dating Daycare—to help you navigate through the jungle of jerks who simply refuse to grow up.

This week, I'm diving solo into a fishbowl question that will have you nodding in recognition or thanking your lucky stars. A listener shares her five-year nightmare with a partner who maintains suspiciously close ties with his ex, sneaks away on trips with a married woman in Florida, and hides her existence on social media—all while she wonders if she should be warning these other women about him.

Let me be clear: boundaries aren't suggestions—they're requirements. Unless children are involved, there's rarely a legitimate reason to stay in touch with an ex. And those red flags you spotted six months in? They only get worse, never better. Living in constant fight-or-flight mode, wondering where he is, who he's with, and when he'll call isn't romance—it's emotional torture.

The hard truth many resist? You cannot make someone meet your needs if they're unwilling or incapable. No amount of trying harder, looking better, or giving more will transform a dismissive avoidant into an attentive partner. As I explain, "The lion is the lion"—people show you who they are, and it's up to you to either accept it or walk away.

Basic relationship necessities like consistent communication, quality time, respect, and feeling prioritized aren't "too much" to ask for. They're the foundation of healthy connections. This summer, make "boundaries" your mantra and remember: your needs are valid, and the right partner will meet them naturally, not grudgingly.

Ready to stop settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole bakery? Follow us on social media, send us your questions, and join us next time as we continue helping adults navigate the childish behavior that plagues modern dating.

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Boundaries are the foundation of any healthy relationship, yet so many of us struggle to establish and maintain them. This raw, unfiltered episode tackles a heartbreaking question from a listener whose boyfriend has completely stopped showing interest in her wellbeing - he no longer asks how she's doing, doesn't send thoughtful messages, and seems to reserve all his kindness for other women while only approaching his girlfriend when he wants something.

What do you do when someone who once treated you wonderfully suddenly stops caring? The answer lies in direct communication followed by unwavering boundaries. After expressing your needs clearly and giving your partner time to adjust, you must be prepared to walk away if nothing changes. As we discuss in this deeply personal episode, you cannot change another person, no matter how much you wish you could.

"When somebody shows you who they are, you need to accept who they are." This powerful truth forms the cornerstone of our approach to dating and relationships. Using examples from personal experience - including the host's boundary around not dating men with young children despite having young children herself - we explore how boundaries aren't about controlling others but about controlling what you accept in your life. The episode culminates with the empowering philosophy: "I am the table, so what are you bringing to my table?" This perspective shift challenges listeners to stop constantly proving their worth and instead evaluate what others bring to their lives.

Ready to stop compromising your happiness? Listen now, and learn how to establish boundaries that protect your heart while opening it to the right person. Follow us on social media, share your own boundary stories, and join our community of daters who refuse to settle for less than they deserve.

Join our private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/771136888074777

Follow Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missjayl/
Follow Melissa on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healthychef1
Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperdolllface/

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Ever struggled with ending a relationship when the person hasn't done anything wrong? Or wondered about the ethics surrounding affairs and who deserves blame? Our latest fishbowl episode tackles these uncomfortable dating topics with candid conversation and practical advice.

First, we address a listener who feels guilty about breaking up with a perfectly nice guy just because the spark has faded and their values don't align. We remind her—and you—that gut feelings are valid reasons to end relationships. Staying with someone despite fundamental incompatibilities only leads to resentment and disappointment for both parties. The dating world might feel like we're all "treading water at best," but that's never a reason to compromise your happiness or lower your standards.

The conversation shifts to a heated debate about accountability in affairs. When married men cheat, who bears responsibility? While the spouse who broke their vows carries the primary blame, we discuss why maintaining personal boundaries against dating married individuals matters. Our take? Both participants in an affair demonstrate questionable moral compasses, and focusing on revenge or public shaming only prolongs your pain. As we say, "every dog has its day" and "the chickens always come home to roost"—karma has its own timeline.

Throughout the episode, we balance practical wisdom with humor (including a brief detour about the merits of White Claw as a responsible parenting beverage choice). Whether you're navigating a difficult breakup or healing from betrayal, our straightforward advice reminds you to trust your instincts and surround yourself with people who share your values. Join our community where we tackle dating's toughest questions with honesty, empathy, and a healthy dose of reality.

Join our private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/771136888074777

Follow Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missjayl/
Follow Melissa on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healthychef1
Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperdolllface/