Listen "First Date Debate & Commitment Phobe"
Episode Synopsis
Lauren Frances, Love and Relationships Expert, talks all about first dates from when they start (it’s not when you think) to how to graciously end one that’s just not working for you. And our Dear Damona question of the week is, “My match is great, not a single dealbreaker, and I STILL can’t wrap my head around commitment. What now?”
Want to join Lauren’s incredible Love Magnet Makeover? Just visit DamonaHoffman.com/lovemagnet
Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com
Timestamps
Intro (00:00:00)
The First Date Starts Early (00:00:09)
Preparation for First Dates (00:00:14)
Value of First Dates (00:01:05)
Introducing Lauren Francis (00:02:05)
Persistence in Publishing (00:03:09)
Timing in Dating (00:04:38)
Transitioning to Phone Calls (00:05:53)
Setting Up Phone Conversations (00:07:25)
Importance of Privacy (00:09:10)
Breaking the Ice (00:11:21)
Choosing the Right Date Venue (00:12:18)
Being Seen on Dates (00:13:06)
Creating the Right Vibe (00:15:02)
Understanding Enthusiasm in Dating (00:16:35)
The Enthusiasm Gap (00:20:37)
First Dates as Your Party (00:21:37)
Heartache Prevention Tips (00:25:12)
Compatibility and Actions Over Words (00:30:07)
Ghosting and Relationship Alignment (00:31:02)
Rejection Reasons (00:32:58)
Ending Dates Positively (00:34:04)
Creating a Great First Impression (00:35:02)
Love Magnet Makeover Introduction (00:36:01)
Details of Love Magnet Makeover (00:37:04)
A Listener's Commitment Question (00:40:04)
Navigating Relationship Fears (00:41:07)
Understanding Commitment (00:42:19)
Empowerment in Relationships (00:48:00)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Want to join Lauren’s incredible Love Magnet Makeover? Just visit DamonaHoffman.com/lovemagnet
Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com
Timestamps
Intro (00:00:00)
The First Date Starts Early (00:00:09)
Preparation for First Dates (00:00:14)
Value of First Dates (00:01:05)
Introducing Lauren Francis (00:02:05)
Persistence in Publishing (00:03:09)
Timing in Dating (00:04:38)
Transitioning to Phone Calls (00:05:53)
Setting Up Phone Conversations (00:07:25)
Importance of Privacy (00:09:10)
Breaking the Ice (00:11:21)
Choosing the Right Date Venue (00:12:18)
Being Seen on Dates (00:13:06)
Creating the Right Vibe (00:15:02)
Understanding Enthusiasm in Dating (00:16:35)
The Enthusiasm Gap (00:20:37)
First Dates as Your Party (00:21:37)
Heartache Prevention Tips (00:25:12)
Compatibility and Actions Over Words (00:30:07)
Ghosting and Relationship Alignment (00:31:02)
Rejection Reasons (00:32:58)
Ending Dates Positively (00:34:04)
Creating a Great First Impression (00:35:02)
Love Magnet Makeover Introduction (00:36:01)
Details of Love Magnet Makeover (00:37:04)
A Listener's Commitment Question (00:40:04)
Navigating Relationship Fears (00:41:07)
Understanding Commitment (00:42:19)
Empowerment in Relationships (00:48:00)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More episodes of the podcast Dates & Mates with Damona Hoffman
Astrology of 2026 & Love Forecasting
13/01/2026
Master Class: 9 Dating Predictions for 2026
06/01/2026
The Trust Test & Trauma-dump
16/12/2025
DMs from Younger Men & Fairy Tale Reset
09/12/2025
Paradox of Choice & The Endless Swipe
02/12/2025
Family Secret & Holiday Pressure
25/11/2025
Dating Safety & Trust but Verify
18/11/2025
Touchy Subject & Three Dates In
04/11/2025
Financial Foibles & Man With a Plan
28/10/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.