Why do so many of us feel lonely even when our calendars are full?

Dating host Lulu Johnson sits down with loneliness and community expert Monica Jiang to explore modern loneliness, dating, friendship, and how to build meaningful connections that last.

Monica explains why loneliness isn't simply about being single or physically alone — and why community is something we practise, not something we find by endlessly adding more plans to our calendars.

From Berlin's hyper-independent culture to the pressure to handle everything yourself, this conversation explores why genuine connection can feel so difficult and what it takes to create a deeper sense of belonging.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why you can feel lonely even when your life is full

• The difference between loneliness and being alone

• How to build real community and deeper friendships

• Dating when you're feeling lonely or emotionally burnt out

• How self-reliance can turn into emotional isolation

• Why dating apps and AI companions can't replace human connection

• Simple ways to make connection part of everyday life, from shared dinners to regular phone calls

If you've ever felt alone in a crowded city, struggled with modern dating, or wondered how to create a more connected life, this conversation offers a thoughtful place to start.

💬 What helps you feel genuinely connected to other people? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

🎧 Subscribe to Dating, Laughter & Disasters for honest conversations about dating, relationships, modern love, and the messy business of finding connection.

CONNECT WITH MONICA
🌐 Website: https://www.monikajiang.org/

CONNECT WITH LULU & DATING IN BERLIN
💘 Website: https://datinginberlin.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datinginberlin_/
📖 Book: Dating in Berlin: Tales of Modern Love & Relationships
https://www.amazon.de/dp/3000732977
✍️ Substack: https://substack.com/@stilldatinginberlin

Hosted by Lulu Johnson, founder of Dating in Berlin.

#ModernLoneliness #DatingInBerlin #DatingPodcast #ModernDating #Friendship

Do women actually like nice guys? Is there something to be said for friend-zoning women? And are we missing out on daily opportunities to meet people?

This is part 2 of Lulu's chat with Dating Coach James Slate.

They talk about why boring questions can kill attraction, how to flirt without cheesy pickup lines, the difference between day game and night game, and why James believes you should always aim for “better than boring.

James also shares how facing his own fears around approaching people led to his dating meetups, coaching and Vibing — and why rejection doesn't necessarily mean failure.

Follow James: 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jamieslate.coach/?hl=en⚡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-slate?originalSubdomain=de

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https://datinginberlin.com/

📖 Dating in Berlin: Tales of Modern Love & Relationships:
https://www.amazon.de/dp/3000732977

Fed up with being single?Awkward small talk making you want to disappear? Dating coach Jamie Slate says the secret to better connections might be learning how to be “better than boring.” In this episode of Dating, Laughter & Disasters, James shares with Lulu his playful conversation starters, tips for handling rejection without taking it personally, and the amazing story of how he met his wife at Burgermeister. Expect honest advice, hilarious dating stories, and a fresh take on finding confidence in real life.

Follow James https://www.instagram.com/jamieslate.coach/

Keep up with Lulu's dating banter:

Website https://www.datinginberlin.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/datinginberlin_/

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2UxzWQsuvozSx3lVAZLKpD?si=c870bb0129894ddb&nd=1&dlsi=831b0778e12b4cd1

Have you got a dating disaster, awkward first-date story, or Berlin romance story to share?

Send it in, and you could be featured in a future episode. mailto:hello@datinginberlin.com

Subscribe, leave a comment, and tell us: what is the biggest dating red flag you ignored?

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