Pornography has heavily impacted men and women and how we view relationships. While it is necessary to address, the shame surrounding the topic makes it hard to talk about. On this episode of Intentional Dating, therapist Michael Gasparro dives into the psychology behind porn use and how we can fight the negative consequences it has on our dating lives.

Beyond labeling porn as detrimental, Michael explains what is fails to achieve and why it’s important to work through this harmful tendency or addiction. We don’t have to be trapped by the guilt of porn use; rather, it’s more helpful to try to understand why we’re attracted to certain things and how to redirect those attractions.

Start dating differently with SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/

Michael's website: https://michaelgasparro.com/

Ethos National: https://www.ethosnational.org/

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

An unprecedented amount of people are meeting online, meaning many first impressions are made on social media or an app. In the age of online dating, what’s the right posture to have towards this culture, and how do we make a good first impression and conduct ourselves online? Actor Sean Afable and content creator Naomi Leanage discuss their personal red flags, green flags, and what they perceive to make a good first impression.

While online profiles paint one picture, we’re ultimately preparing for a good in-person impression. A smile may go further than you think in making you approachable. How you dress for your friends may mean something totally different to someone of the opposite sex. And what’s up with guys with fish in their dating profiles? All that and more on this episode of “Intentional Dating.”

Sponsored by SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

https://www.familytheater.org/

You’re a few dates in, and something inevitably comes up that is a non-negotiable for you. How do you avoid wasting each other’s time? Clare McCallan weighs in on the concept of “loud looking” and whether it’s a tool that can respect each other’s expectations and boundaries, or too intense of an approach for a first date.

Loud looking, the practice of being upfront about your desirables and non-negotiables, has become more popular as people become more serious about intentional dating. But does this approach just turn dating into a job interview? Can you be forward about your values and morality without ruining your chances with a potential partner? Tune in to hear different takes on this modern dating trend.

Check out our sponsor, SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/

More on Clare: http://www.claremccallan.com/#/

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

https://www.familytheater.org/

Jumping into a relationship can be equally exciting and daunting. What are the rules for entering the dating scene without being too forward? If you’re coming out of a hard breakup, how long should you wait before getting back out there?

Rose Sweet and Tanner Kalina discuss how to send signals without being too forward, how to protect yourself against bonding with someone prematurely, and how to find identity in Christ rather than in a partner. Both bring unique perspectives from their own relationships that offer insight into fostering healthy motivations for seeking a relationship and guarding yourself against the pain of a harmful breakup.

Sponsored by SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/

More from our guests:

https://rosesweet.com/

https://www.tannerkalina.com/

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

https://www.familytheater.org/

Being single can offer so many great opportunities and freedom…but sometimes it feels like that phase of life overstays its welcome. Brendan McCauley and Matchmaker Madigan Maere dive into the frustrations they hear from people who are ready for relationship, but struggle with the question, “Why am I still single?”

The “seasons of singleness” are not periods of life with any less value than times of relationship. This episode offers practical tips for preparing yourself to date well, and advice for how to be confident in your singleness if the right person hasn’t come along yet.

Put your own matchmaking skills to work with our sponsor, SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/

Humanum Project: https://www.humanumproject.org/

CommitmentISM: https://www.commitmentism.com/

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

https://www.familytheater.org/

Standing out in a crowd can be daunting, but it might be exactly what you need to find the right person in your life. Speaker and author Jason Evert lays out the importance of being clear with your intentions. That can be scary, and may scare off others…but perhaps it’s best to scare off the ones that aren’t meant to be in your life.

The topics of chastity and exclusivity might often cause eyerolls, but is the pendulum swinging? Are devotion to commitment and safeguarding our boundaries the modern keys to successful dating? All that and more on this episode of Intentional Dating.

Single and Catholic? Check out this episode's sponsor, SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/

More from Jason Evert:

https://chastity.com/

https://chastity.com/jp2trails/

https://chastity.com/podcast/lust-is-boring/

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

https://www.familytheater.org/

What does it mean to be dateable? Chris Meehan, a marriage and family therapist, talks through what it means to be the kind of person you would want to date. Psychological development can affect our behavior more than we realize, from reinforced insecurities to childhood trauma. Working through our own story and learning to live in our identity, we can learn what it means to authentically “be yourself” and be ready for relationships.

We discuss questions of masculinity, whether couples really complete each other, the types of attachment styles, and more. By understanding what makes us who we are and reasons behind our habits and emotions, we become better prepared to meet others by meeting ourselves first.

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive Produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

https://www.familytheater.org/

Modern dating seems to lack any rules or script...so it's time to date differently. Emily Wilson-Hussem and her husband Daniel break down intentionality in dating, dating app hygiene, and how to claim clarity and purpose for your own life when dating seems noncommittal and messy.

Emily and Daniel share their story of commitment in a long-distance relationship that has led to a beautiful family and a ministry of speaking on marriage and relationships. Through their groundbreaking app SacredSpark, they are revolutionizing matchmaking and online dating for Christians in modern day.

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

Check out SacredSpark here: https://www.sacredspark.app/

Instagram: @emwilss @sacredsparkapp

https://www.familytheater.org/