Many people don’t struggle with dating because they don’t know what to do — they struggle because of the emotions that show up along the way.

Fear, anxiety, rejection, uncertainty, longing, disappointment…
For many, dating becomes an ongoing attempt to avoid uncomfortable feelings rather than move toward meaningful connection.

In this episode, I explore:

• Why fear of emotions keeps you stuck in unhelpful dating patterns
• How emotional avoidance shows up as overthinking, people-pleasing, pulling away, or staying too long
• What it actually means to be with your emotions without suppressing or being overwhelmed by them
• How developing self-compassion creates emotional safety within yourself
• Why you don’t need to feel confident or calm to navigate dating effectively

As a Clinical Psychologist and Dating Coach, I share a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach to building emotional resilience — so your feelings no longer run the show or dictate your dating decisions.

✨ If this resonates, these are the exact skills we practise in my group program, Dating with Confidence & Clarity: A Psychological Approach.
The group is designed to help you:

• Build emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills
• Develop self-trust and self-compassion in dating
• Navigate uncertainty, rejection, and vulnerability with more clarity and confidence
• Make values-based dating decisions rather than fear-based ones

🔗 The next group starts Feb 2026 and places are limited.
You can learn more and join via nadineneukirch.com

🎧 Listen now on The Psychology of Dating Podcast

Thanks for tuning in to The Psychology of Dating Podcast.

If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share it with someone navigating the dating world.

Want more support? Download my free guide: “Top 3 Mindset Shifts in Dating” – link in the show notes.

For 1:1 sessions or to join my group program Dating with Confidence & Clarity: A Psychological Approach, visit nadineneukirch.com

Connect with me on Instagram @nadine.neukirch for tips, insights, and encouragement.

Remember: love starts with how you show up for yourself.