Amy Chan, author of On Single, joins Matchmaker Maria to break down why so many people feel burned out by dating and what they're getting wrong! They discuss Amy's "dating funnel," why a lack of chemistry on a first date shouldn't always be a dealbreaker, and how doomscrolling, TikTok, and dopamine overload may be sabotaging your love life. Plus, a listener from Miami asks how to stay hopeful after disappointing dates, and Amy shares her favorite pre-date ritual to create better connections. If you're tired of dating apps, chasing sparks, or wondering why first dates never go anywhere, this episode is for you.

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Producer: Venetia Geras
https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios
https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Matchmaker Maria sits down with writer and mental health advocate Chrissy Rutherford to discuss the Summer House drama behind her essay, Ciara's Story is a Story I Know Too Well. From dating a friend's ex to the complicated realities of interracial dating, Chrissy explains why Ciara's experience struck such a nerve with so many black women. They dive into fetishization, friendship loyalty, codependent relationships, and the emotional impact of feeling desired but not chosen.

support the show, support the sponsors! Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code MATCHMAKER at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply.

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question:
👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion
Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

Make new friends. Travel the world.
☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/
Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast
⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria
Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras
https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios
https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

What can a steamy hockey romance teach us about attachment styles, situationships, and emotional vulnerability? This week, Matchmaker Maria is joined by her sister and fellow matchmaker, Chrisoula Mavrianos, to break down the hit series Heated Rivalry through the lens of dating psychology. They unpack why Shane and Ilya's 7 year push-pull dynamic feels so familiar, explore fearful avoidant vs. dismissive avoidant attachment styles, and compare the show's emotional tension to Normal People, Bridgerton, and classic Jane Austen romances. Plus, they dive into the art of yearning, why women LOVE slow-burn love stories, and reveal which character they'd actually choose for a healthy relationship.

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question:
👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion
Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

Make new friends. Travel the world.
☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/
Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast
⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria
Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras
https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios
https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home