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Commitment and Conflict: Finding Love in Today’s World with Emily Dinneny

The Lighten Up Podcast

Why is dating so hard today? Why are fewer people getting married, and why do so many people struggle to find lasting love?  In this episode, Hannah Crews and Emily Dinneny get brutally honest about Catholic dating, modern relationships, marriage, dating apps, cohabitation, and what it really means to find true love. If you're single, dating, engaged, newly married, or struggling in your relationship, this conversation is for you. Emily Dinneny joins the Lighten Up Podcast to unpack why modern dating can feel so complicated — even though we have more ways than ever to meet someone. From dating apps and unrealistic expectations to fear of commitment, past wounds, and confusion about what love actually is, Hannah and Emily tackle the questions so many people are afraid to ask. They also discuss YouCat Love Forever, a Catholic book that answers practical questions about dating, relationships, marriage, sexuality, and preparing for a lifelong commitment. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 - Emily's experience as a newlywed 04:46 - Why are people getting married later? 06:32 - Dating apps and “analysis paralysis” 08:24 - Introducing YouCat Love Forever 15:02 - What does real love actually mean? 20:29 - Cohabitation, sex, and commitment 29:50 - The questions people are afraid to ask 32:54 - Healing from past wounds before marriage 40:32 - Emily's best marriage advice 43:05 - Where to find Emily 📌Episode Resources: YOUCAT Love Forever - https://ignatius.com/youcat-love-forever-yclfp/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=carmel Emily’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catholic.converts/?hl=en Emily’s TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@catholic.converts 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to the Lighten Up Podcast and share this episode with someone you think it will bless! https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog 📖 BOOK CLUB: We're almost done reading Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic by Dr. John Bergsma. Join us for our weekly Friday discussions through Patreon or YouTube Memberships.  Stunned by Scripture - https://a.co/d/0hOLP3aC Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership YouTube Memberships - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLMTacWwGdyUjzDq8smQklw/join THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! ✨Truthly: Catholic ai  Any question. Instant clarity. Use the link below to try it yourself! First MONTH free. https://get.truthly.ai/TlbX/hannah ✝️Christian Healthcare Ministries Health insurance alternative at half the cost Click the link for a free info pack today! https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack 📱Follow on social media: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9 Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: GMSP2OCVCSXLV8LI, EMHQHUCNPXSMOG5E