In relationships, dating burnout can make you want love while dreading the process of finding it. You start with more rules, more filters, and less patience because you are tired of getting your hopes up and getting so little back.

First dates start feeling like interviews.

You scan for red flags.

You rule people out faster.

And eventually you may not know whether you are protecting your standards—or protecting yourself from being disappointed again.

In this episode:

• Why dating can start feeling like work instead of possibility

• How exhaustion changes the way you evaluate new people

• When standards and discernment start functioning like self-protection

• Why expecting disappointment can change what you notice on a date

• How to know when dating burnout means it is time to pause

I’m joined by Ilana Dunn, host of Seeing Other People, for a conversation about modern dating, burnout, red flags, first dates, disappointment, and what dating itself may be training you to do.

Sometimes the hardest part is not admitting that dating has worn you down.

It is noticing what exhaustion has started deciding for you.

Listen to Hate Dating but Still Want Love? The 4 Mindset Shifts That Make You Want to Try Again and follow We Need To Talk with Dr. Darcy Sterling for more conversations about relationships, dating burnout, standards, vulnerability, and connection.

REFERENCES/RESOURCES

⁠⁠www.alternativescounseling.com⁠

https://www.instagram.com/ilanadunn/

CREDITS

“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen.

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⁠Watch this episode here on YouTube. ⁠