If you're dating in 2026 and wondering how to start a conversation, avoid dating fatigue, and actually find someone you're compatible with, this episode is for you.

Sarah Wright and Dr Victoria Stakelum are joined by Lydia Hoey, matchmaking director at Maclynn International and a science-based dating coach, to talk about how modern dating is changing - including the slightly alarming rise of AI companionship (72% of American teenagers have now interacted with an AI companion, and Meta is building chatbots to fill the ‘romantic gap’) - and what still matters most: real-world connection, values, and the ability to communicate clearly.

In this episode, we discuss how to approach modern dating with more clarity and less stress: how to define your values (properly, not just picking words), how to choose first-date settings that reduce awkwardness and increase connection, and how to avoid turning a date into an interview. You'll get practical conversation openers to keep things light and engaging, guidance on dating mindset (switching out of "work mode"), and tools for navigating the messy bits - like mixed signals, texting "rules", attachment styles, and how to end things kindly without ghosting.

Lydia Hoey - Matchmaking Director at Maclynn International, and a qualified science-based dating coach and matchmaker. https://maclynninternational.com/

Be part of the conversation. If you have a conversational conundrum or a question, please do get in touch via our email: abloodygoodconversation@gmail.com.

Attachment styles

• Psychology Today – Relationship Attachment Style Test (UK): https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/tests/relationships/relationship-attachment-style-test
• Attachment Project – Attachment Style Quiz: https://www.attachmentproject.com/attachment-style-quiz/

Love languages

• The 5 Love Languages® – Official Love Language Quiz: https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

Communication style

• Verywell Mind – Communication Style Quiz: https://www.verywellmind.com/take-the-communication-style-quiz-7973143

36 Questions

• This site has them all: https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/36_questions_for_increasing_closeness

Films referenced

• Hitch (2005) – IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386588/
• Swingers (1996) – IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117802/
• When Harry Met Sally... (1989) – IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098635/