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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.

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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.

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Ever been told you're "the love of someone's life" while watching them build a future with someone else? Our latest Fishbowl episode unpacks this painful contradiction alongside another heartbreaking scenario: a husband of 13 years abandoning his wife and children without financial support.

The first question comes from a woman who spent seven years in an on-again, off-again relationship only to watch her partner start dating someone else—while still telling her she remains "the love of his life." We dissect this classic manipulation tactic and explain why, if someone truly values you, there's rarely confusion about where you stand. When actions and words don't align, believe the actions. As grandma wisely advised: "Make sure he likes you more than you like him."

We also tackle a devastating story from a mother whose husband suddenly left her and their children for someone states away, providing no financial support. This scenario highlights why financial independence is non-negotiable for women, especially those with children. Having a separate bank account that only you control isn't paranoia—it's protection. When you have children, staying at a friend's house or living temporarily in your car isn't an option; kids need stability, proper facilities, and consistent schooling.

The conversation expands into a critique of 50/50 financial arrangements in relationships. If you're contributing half to all expenses with someone who's supposed to protect and provide, what benefit are you gaining? Your money should work for you—building security and enhancing your quality of life. Female financial empowerment isn't just about earning money but strategically preserving it for your security.

Ready for more unfiltered dating advice? Subscribe and send us your questions for future Fishbowl episodes!

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Ever had an ex who turned simple co-parenting requests into emotional warfare? You're not alone.

Welcome back to a fresh season of Dating Daycare, where we're kicking things off with our listener-favorite "Dick of the Week" segment. This time, we're unpacking a story that perfectly captures the frustration of co-parenting with someone who views children's happiness as bargaining chips.

When growing kids need a new trampoline because they've outgrown their old one, most reasonable parents would split the cost, right? Not in this case. After spending over $25,000 on private schooling and camp fees, our host reached out to her ex with a simple request to contribute toward a $2,000 replacement trampoline. His response? "Maybe in December" – six months later, when snow would make the trampoline unusable. The kicker? This is the same man who previously held Christmas presents hostage unless his daughter visited his home, and who makes six figures with substantial bonuses while driving a luxury Range Rover.

We also dive into the wild world of prenuptial agreements, discussing an actual clause stipulating that a woman would lose $1,000 in alimony for every pound she gained over 128 pounds. This leads to a broader conversation about relationship power dynamics and how financial leverage is wielded in partnerships.

Have your own "Dick of the Week" story? We want to hear it! Share your experiences at datingdaycarepodcast@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. And stay tuned for next week's episode featuring a special guest who'll bring some educational insights to our dating discussions!

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Have you ever noticed the stark difference between how men's and women's hormone issues are addressed by the medical community? Our eye-opening conversation with endocrinologist Dr. Frank Albano pulls back the curtain on hormone replacement therapy and the striking gender disparities in sexual healthcare.

Women approaching menopause are often left navigating a confusing landscape of symptoms without clear guidance. Dr. Albano explains why comprehensive blood work measuring estrogen, testosterone, and pituitary hormones is essential before starting any treatment. We explore the safety differences between oral medications and transdermal options like patches and gels, with Dr. Albano recommending the latter to avoid increased blood clot risks. For women with intact uteruses, the crucial combination of estrogen and progesterone prevents endometrial cancer—a vital distinction many don't understand until speaking with specialists.

The most shocking revelation? While men have numerous FDA-approved treatments for sexual dysfunction, women's options remain severely limited. Testosterone, the primary hormone driving libido in both sexes, isn't approved for women despite its effectiveness. Dr. Albano shares how he helps women through this treatment gap with careful off-label prescribing at about 10% of the male dose.

We also tackle surprising connections most people miss—like how sleep apnea significantly lowers testosterone in men, and how obesity affects hormone levels differently between genders. The discussion extends to weight management with GLP-1 medications (like Mounjaro and Zepbound), offering practical guidance on proper usage, potential side effects, and why medical supervision matters.

From practical tips for managing hot flashes (keep your bedroom at 62°F!) to hilarious stories about an 80-year-old judge who misunderstood his testosterone dosage (leading his overwhelmed wife to lock herself in the bathroom), this episode delivers equal parts medical wisdom and real-world humor.

Whether you're experiencing hormonal changes yourself or supporting someone who is, tune in for this essential conversation about optimizing your hormonal health and reclaiming your quality of life. Dr. Albano will return in future episodes to share more insights on health and dating—you won't want to miss it!

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Ever had a potential partner vanish with the "I'm too busy" excuse? You're not alone.

In this candid fishbowl session, we dive deep into a listener's experience with a Hinge match who, after just three dates in a month, pulled the classic "right person, wrong time" card. While he claimed his busy work schedule was the culprit, we unpack what's really happening when someone uses this excuse.

The truth? When someone genuinely wants you, they make time—no matter how packed their schedule. We share why this fundamental principle matters so much in dating and why accepting the "busy" excuse sets a dangerous precedent for how you'll be treated throughout a relationship.

We also tackle the controversial but crucial topic of intimacy timing. Drawing from years of dating experience, we explain why waiting for exclusivity before becoming intimate can save you heartache and help identify partners who value you beyond physical connection. This strategy isn't about outdated morality but about understanding relationship psychology and protecting your emotional wellbeing.

Whether you're actively dating or taking a break from the scene, this episode offers practical wisdom for recognizing genuine interest versus convenient excuses. Remember: you deserve someone who makes you a priority, not an afterthought. Subscribe to Dating Daycare for more straight-talking advice that cuts through dating confusion and helps you find relationships based on mutual respect and genuine connection.

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Ever met someone whose dating behavior makes you wonder if they ever emotionally matured past middle school? Welcome back to Dating Daycare for our Season Two premiere, where we're refreshed, revitalized, and ready to dive back into the wild world of dating disasters!

The return of our popular "Dick of the Week" segment brings two compelling stories that perfectly illustrate why some people never grow up. First, there's Jake, who thought it appropriate to explain his two-month disappearing act by bragging about "all the girls obliging his cock." Then we meet a 73-year-old man divorcing his wife of nearly five decades, who immediately tried hitting on someone 25 years his junior. Both stories highlight our central message: leopards don't change their spots, and you can't fix someone who doesn't see themselves as broken.

This episode explores the uncomfortable truth about large age gaps in dating relationships and what they often reveal about emotional maturity. When someone consistently pursues partners much younger than themselves, it typically signals they're unwilling or unable to connect with age-appropriate partners who would expect matching levels of emotional development and life experience. As we discuss, a healthy 73-year-old should be enjoying retirement and grandchildren – not prowling for dates young enough to be their children.

We're excited about what's coming this season, including TikTok live sessions, guest appearances, and more of your favorite segments. We want to hear your own "Dick of the Week" nominations – email us through our show notes or join our Facebook group. The best stories might even earn you a guest spot on the show! Are you ready to navigate the jungle of jerks with us? Season Two promises to be our best yet!

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