Dating often brings us to one of the hardest questions: what do we accept, and where do we draw the line?

In this episode, we dive into the delicate balance between accepting a partner as they are and knowing when something simply doesn’t work for you.

We talk openly about personal experiences, dating “characters,” and the moments when it’s easy to confuse cultural differences with personal red flags. Together, we reflect on how living abroad sharpens this confusion even more, especially when you’re still learning what’s cultural, what’s personal, and what’s simply not for you.

This episode explores:

• The difference between acceptance and trying to change someone
• How to define your non-negotiables without guilt
• Why not every habit, interest, or lifestyle choice needs to be shared in a relationship
• The importance of having different people for different parts of your life
• How dating teaches you things about yourself that friendships or career never could

This conversation is honest, reflective, sometimes funny, and very real: about learning where your boundaries are, what you can live with, and what you shouldn’t try to “fix.”

This episode is part of our Dating Series, dedicated to our experiences around dating and relationships. As we talk about building our lives as young women abroad, personal life is just as important as career, professional connections, and integration. Dating, relationships, and the way we navigate them shape how we grow, what we learn, and who we become.

Enjoy the episode — and take a moment to reflect on your own non-negotiables 🤍