Holding hands, kissing, warm hugs, masked socially distant walks… in this day and age, it’s almost impossible to know how far to go physically on a first date. This week, Erika and Chris re-share some favorite stories about when a first date doesn’t get off the ground, and when it maybe flies too high. 

Isn’t it annoying when someone makes an untrue assumption about you? And isn’t it even worse if this happens on a first date? Today, Erika shares a story of one of her own dates gone wrong due to a faulty assumption. Then, Erika and Chris discuss the repercussions of such assumptions and how simply asking a question is a better approach.

Ghosting, standing someone up, ignoring someone… all bad habits. This week, Erika and Chris discuss a few stories — some new, some old — and talk about not just ghosting but also how the person at the receiving end feels. Whether after one date or one year, communication is the key to mature dating.

Oh, that pesky thing we call expectations. Many people go online to find “the one,” or at least a long-term partner. That goal is fine, of course. But what’s not fine is measuring “success” to that standard, much of which is not in our control. Online dating is not a spouse-finder, soulmate producer, or magic wand; it is simply a tool, or vehicle — much like the gym — that is available for use in order to meet people. With this tool still comes work, time, and personal accountability. And each and every date you go on is part of the process and the journey… so don’t discount that. 

Back in April, when COVID was new to us, Erika and Chris shared their insights on dating and how the pandemic might impact things. Now, over four months later — and still very much in the thick of things — they revisit the topic, shedding light on how dating has changed… and how it might never go back to the way it used to be. With some personal stories, client stories, and stories from the LA Times, Erika and Chris delve into how the dating world has evolved in terms of meeting in person, defining a relationship, and having intimate moments… with a mask??

In this week’s throwback episode, Erika and Chris revisit two epic stories — one of an uncomfortably short first date and one of a crazy drunk and sexual first date. Totally different experiences but equally cringe-worthy. Then, they talk about how these stories might differ today, in the time of COVID, when physical interactions are limited and Zoom rules the day. 

Sometimes you go on a date with someone. It’s not a 1, but it’s also not at 10. And you never see each other again. If the situation arises at a later date, should you give it another go? This week, Erika shares a crazy first — and second — date story, and then Erika and Chris talk about second chances, different personalities, and when it makes sense to try again or just call it off. 

We live in a time when no one knows what to do — ask someone out or not, compliment someone or not, make the first move or not? Is it kosher for a salesperson to ask out a shopper… or a shopper to ask out a salesperson? With online dating, is there even a need to meet people “IRL” now? Erika and Chris, while going on many tangents, discuss the appropriateness of compliments, date requests, and much more. 

Sometimes a first date is great… and sometimes it’s just not good at all. Is either outcome an omen for a potential relationship? Chris shares a story about a Disneyland date gone wrong and how it impacted his views on first dates. 

Erika and Chris tackle some dating questions from clients and listeners, such as where to have a first date and whether to text someone before the date. Then, as an added bonus, they share some of the worst online dating pick-up lines they’ve received!

First dates can be fun, awkward, boring, amazing, and anything in between. Today, Erika and Chris share some first date dos and don’ts to make sure you’re on the right track.

This week, Erika and Chris tackle three questions from both friends and clients. Topics include ghosting, dating after divorce, and the right time to start dating again.

Hand-holding, kissing, other forms of intimacy… there’s a time and a place for all of them. But, when is that time and place? The first date? The third? And which would you prefer to do first — hold hands or smooch? In today’s episode, Erika shares a story about a first date of her own and then introduces a surprise guest. Then, she and Chris discuss how one person’s hierarchy of intimacy may differ from another person’s.