Follow

181. Reset Your Dating Mindset. | Maria Spears Mumaugh and Megan Elfelt

Always Hope

If you've ever felt the sting of disappointment in dating or wondered how to break free from a cycle of cynicism and nervousness, this conversation is for you. A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maria and Meghan from "The Intentional Single," and it quickly became one of my most listened-to episodes. Today, I’m thrilled to have them back to dive deep into a topic that so many of us struggle with: the anxiety, pressure, and overwhelming nerves that can come with dating, especially on that first date. We explore how our goal-oriented culture often programs us to treat dating like a task to be completed. Maria and Meghan offer a refreshing and holistic perspective, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and viewing the person across from you as a gift, not a goal. We discuss the profound impact that our mindset has on our dating lives, from the stories we tell ourselves to the unconscious beliefs that shape our interactions. You’ll hear about practical tools to manage anxiety in the moment, the power of asking curious, open-ended questions, and how a simple shift in perspective can transform dating from a dreaded chore into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. So, get ready to be encouraged and equipped. And tackle dating with faith, confidence, and hope! Let's jump into my conversation with Maria and Meghan. Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:15:00 - Approaching Dating with a Healthy Mindset 00:21:48 - Overcoming Cynicism and Guardedness 00:27:49 - Understanding Fear in Dating 00:35:03 - Grounding Techniques and Easing Nervousness 00:45:32 - The Importance of Mindset in Dating 00:57:18 - The Role of Gratitude in Dating 01:05:00 - Redefining Success in Dating 01:10:49 - Promoting The Intentional Single Stay in the know on all things TIS! Reach out to Maria & Meghan: hello@theintentionalsingle.com    🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing. ❓Got questions about dating, marriage, sex, or hope? Ask them here and they could get answered on a future episode of Always Hope: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/ask 💚 Want to support the work of Always Hope? buymeacoffee.com/drmariosacasa Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit   To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c   Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights! www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa   Follow me on the socials: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa   Full Courses: Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/   The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.