In this episode, Amelia and Lilly recap their time at the Beauty Boost Chicago event and reflect on the power of community and supporting local businesses. They revisit the mission behind their podcast — offering a therapeutic lens on dating and relationships — and dive into the “unwritten rules” of modern dating. Together, they question these societal commandments, encouraging listeners to decenter external expectations and reconnect with their own values.

The conversation touches on navigating feedback from friends and family, the messy process of self-discovery in your 20s, and practicing compassionate curiosity toward yourself and others. Amelia and Lilly close with a reminder that there’s no single “right” way to date — just your way — and invite listeners to embrace their unique experiences and seek support along the journey.

Takeaways

• The Beauty Boost Chicago event showcased local businesses and communities.
• Listeners appreciate the therapeutic approach to dating discussed in the podcast.
• Societal rules around dating can create unnecessary pressure.
• It's important to focus on personal values rather than external expectations.
• Feedback from friends and family can complicate dating decisions.
• Self-discovery is a crucial part of navigating relationships in your 20s.
• Embracing change is essential for personal growth.
• Compassionate curiosity helps in understanding oneself better.
• It's okay to feel uncomfortable when spending time alone.
• The journey of dating is unique for everyone, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

Related Episodes:

• The Crash-out Episode
• Looking Back, Moving Forward: How Our Podcast Changed Our Relationships With Oren Matteson

Dating In Your 20s Anonymous Corner

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the anonymous DIY20s Form. It's a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s going on in your love life.

Connect:

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | LinkedIn

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com

In this episode of 'Dating in Your 20s', therapists Lilly Wehman and Amelia Abernathy share their personal experiences and insights on the emotional challenges of dating in their twenties. They discuss the vulnerability of early dating stages, the extremes of emotional responses, and the importance of community and shared experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for coping mechanisms and small steps to regain control amidst the chaos of dating, while also promoting an upcoming community event for listeners.

Takeaways

• Clients are experiencing heightened anxiety over dating responses.
• Vulnerability is a common theme in early dating stages.
• Jumping to conclusions can lead to unnecessary anxiety.
• Communication is key to avoiding ghosting.
• Finding balance between extremes is essential for emotional health.
• The middle ground in dating can be a safe space.
• Coping mechanisms can be small but effective.
• Community support is vital during dating struggles.
• It's okay to seek help and share experiences with others.

Link to the event we’ll be at: https://www.thebeautyboost.net/events/sip-social-spook

Related Episodes:

• Looking Back, Moving Forward: How Our Podcast Changed Our Relationships With Oren Matteson
• Putting Yourself Out There (Ugh) The brave act of dating with anxiety

Dating In Your 20s Anonymous Corner

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the anonymous DIY20s Form. It's a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s going on in your love life.

Connect:

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | LinkedIn

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com

In this episode, Oren Matteson sits down with Dating in Your 20s hosts Amelia Abernathy and Lilly Wehman to reflect on their podcast journey so far. Together, they explore how their conversations about dating, growth, and self-awareness have shaped their own relationships and perspectives. The trio dives into topics like communication, setting intentions, evolving expectations in modern dating, and what commitment really looks like in your twenties. They also share what’s next for the podcast and how it continues to evolve alongside their personal lives.

Takeaways

• The podcast started as a resource for clients.
• Lilly and Amelia's relationship has deepened through their discussions.
• The podcast has helped them connect with friends and clients.
• Amelia feels less different in her dating experiences.
• Conversations on the podcast have made them more confident.
• Dating is seen as fun and exciting, not embarrassing.
• Expectations in dating are influenced by media and societal norms.
• Communication is key to understanding intentions in dating.
• Commitment is a signal to begin the hard work in relationships.
• They aspire to create more interactive content for their audience.

Related Episodes:

• The Narcissism Conversation: What’s Real, What’s Overused, and How to Heal With DeVona Alleyne
• Dating in Your 20s Series: Male Perspectives on Dating with Oren Matteson

Dating In Your 20s Anonymous Corner

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the anonymous DIY20s Form. It's a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s going on in your love life.

Connect:

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | LinkedIn
Oren Matteson: Millennium | LinkedIn

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com

In this episode of Dating in Your 20s, Amelia and Lilly sit down with Rev. DeVona Alleyne, LCPC, Clinical Director at Millennium Counseling Center, for a candid conversation about the complexities of narcissism in relationships.

Together, they break down:

• The traits of narcissistic tendencies and how they can show up in dating
• The phenomenon of love bombing and its emotional aftermath
• The role of gaslighting and why it can be so disorienting
• How to recognize red flags and set boundaries
• The importance of self-awareness and compassion—for both yourself and others

DeVona shares wisdom from her clinical perspective and pastoral lens, offering guidance on how to protect your mental and emotional health while navigating the highs and lows of dating in your 20s.

This episode is an honest and empowering look at how to prioritize your needs, trust your instincts, and approach relationships with clarity and confidence.

Takeaways

Narcissistic tendencies can manifest as a lack of empathy.
Love bombing often covers up underlying shame.
Recognizing red flags early can prevent emotional turmoil.
Gaslighting is a common tactic used by narcissists.
Setting boundaries is crucial in any relationship.
Compassion for those with narcissistic tendencies is important.
Attachment styles can influence relationship dynamics.
Dating in your 20s requires self-awareness and reflection.
It's essential to prioritize your own needs in relationships.
Healthy relationships should allow for personal boundaries.

Related Episodes:

• The DMs Are Open: Listener Q&A
• Why You Ghost, Cling, or Chase: Attachment Styles with Hilary Rosenberg

Dating In Your 20s Anonymous Corner

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the anonymous DIY20s Form. It's a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s going on in your love life.

Connect:

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | LinkedIn
Rev. DeVona Alleyne: Millennium | LinkedIn

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com

In this episode of Dating in Your 20s, Amelia and Lilly answer questions straight from you — our listeners. Think of it as your very own dating hotline, where we dive into the real challenges, worries, and curiosities that come with navigating relationships in your 20s.

From ghosting and mixed signals to boundaries and confidence, nothing is off the table. These are the questions you’ve been DMing us, and we’re unpacking them with honesty, humor, and a therapist’s perspective.

✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Real talk about the biggest challenges women face in dating today
• How modern dating culture impacts expectations and emotions
• The balance between knowing your worth and staying open to love
• Practical tools for confidence, boundaries, and clarity in relationships

Related Episodes:

• Ghosts of Boyfriends Past
• What to Do When You’re the Last Single One

Dating In Your 20s Anonymous Corner

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the anonymous DIY20s Form. It's a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s going on in your love life.

Connect:

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | Linkedin

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com

The Ghosts of Boyfriends Past — we all have them, but how much do they actually shape who we are in relationships today? In this episode of Dating in Your 20s, Amelia and Lilly spill the tea on how exes linger in our minds and what it means for dating in the here and now. From the emotional baggage that sneaks into new relationships to the little patterns we repeat without realizing it, we’re unpacking it all.

We’ll talk about things like projection (a.k.a. putting your old partner’s stuff on your new one), transference (when your new boo gets blamed for what your ex did), and hypervigilance (the overthinking spiral where you’re constantly on guard). Sounds heavy, but don’t worry—we’re mixing the real talk with laughter, honesty, and a little bit of therapy wisdom.

Therapeutic Takeaways

• Awareness is everything. The first step in breaking old patterns is noticing when your ex’s “ghost” shows up in your current relationship.
• Give yourself grace. Healing isn’t linear—past relationships leave marks, but they don’t have to define your future.
• Stay curious, not critical. Instead of judging yourself for slipping into old habits, ask: “What is this trying to teach me?”
• Therapy helps. Talking about your “ghosts” in a safe space can help you release what’s no longer serving you.

Whether you’re haunted by an old situationship or just want to better understand your dating brain, this episode is your permission slip to face the ghosts, laugh at the cringe, and grow in the process.

Related Episodes:

• Is 'The One' Even Real? Unpacking Soulmate Myths and Dating with Intention
• Breadcrumbing, Benching, and Other Bullsh*t: Modern dating behaviors that mess with your head

Dating In Your 20s Anonymous Corner

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the anonymous DIY20s Form. It's a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s going on in your love life.

Connect:

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | Linkedin

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com

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.

Related Episodes:

• Is 'The One' Even Real? Unpacking Soulmate Myths and Dating with Intention
• Relationship Milestones That Matter

Dating In Your 20s Anonymous Corner

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the anonymous DIY20s Form. It's a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s going on in your love life.

Connect:

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | Linkedin

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com

In this episode, Amelia and Lilly dive into the infatuation-filled fog of new relationships—also known as the honeymoon phase… or, as they lovingly call it, boyfriend sickness. They explore what happens when all your time, energy, and identity start orbiting a new partner—and what that shift means for your friendships, your autonomy, and your group chats that have suddenly gone quiet.

With stories like Amelia’s grandma’s dating escapades and Lilly’s lessons on merging partner and friend worlds, they break down the emotional whiplash of early love, the loss of “I” language, and why some of your best friendships might quietly take a hit during those first few months of romantic bliss.

This one’s a must-listen if you’ve ever felt torn between being obsessed with someone and accidentally ghosting your best friends.

Therapy-Informed Takeaways:

• The honeymoon phase is exciting—but intense connection can unintentionally isolate you.
• “Boyfriend sickness” is real: infatuation often pulls focus from friends and routines.
• If everything becomes “we,” check in with yourself—and your people.
• Friendships can stretch, but they still need care and communication.
• Different relationship stages (like long-distance or 24/7 closeness) impact how this phase feels.
• Healthy check-ins help you avoid resentment before it builds—on either side.
• You’re allowed to be in love and still make space for the ones who’ve been there all along.

Related Episodes:

• Timelines and Reclaiming Your Path
• Relationship Milestones That Matter

Dating In Your 20s Anonymous Corner

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the anonymous DIY20s Form. It's a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s going on in your love life.

Connect:

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | Linkedin

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com