You’re grown-up. You’re clever. You’re emotionally evolved (or at least working on it). So why does dating still feel like you need a tactical manual and a helmet?In this episode of Swipe, Struggle, Survive, host Mary Margaret strips the sugar-coating off modern romance and delivers hard-won, frontline-tested advice for surviving the awkward, electric, often confusing early stages of dating.Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t about “playing games.” It’s about strategy. Because first impressions matter, pacing is everything, and even the best intentions can backfire when emotions (and hormones) get involved.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why being confident doesn’t mean oversharing your wedding Pinterest board on date twoThe crucial difference between showing interest and coming on too strongReal-life red and green flags — from text thread stress to emotional easeHow to avoid common attraction-killers (including the dreaded meme avalanche)Why maintaining your own life and options isn’t “manipulative” — it’s magneticYou’ll hear:The story of Katie, who reignited her guy’s interest without saying a word — just by living her lifeEmma, whose romantic playlist and early invite to a wedding abroad made her new crush vanish into a canyonChris, who sent one too many texts… and one too many memesAnd the all-too-relatable saga of pretending to like cigars, regattas, or darts… and paying the price for itThis episode is packed with practical insight and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (we’re looking at you, Spotify playlist titled You ’n Me Can Make Music). It’s a brutally honest but warm-hearted guide to what works—and what really doesn’t—when you’re just getting to know someone.We’ll also cover:✔️ Why clarity is your secret weapon post-30✔️ How to tell if someone’s giving you relationship energy or just killing time✔️ Why emotional safety > chemistry✔️ The power of green flags like shared pacing, mutual respect, and actual follow-throughPlus, Mary Margaret breaks down why you shouldn’t perform a version of yourself just to “keep the vibe alive.” That early mirroring might feel like connection, but if it leads to you pretending to love Wagner operas or whisky burps — you’ll be stuck in a role no one’s paying you for.This episode’s takeaway? Don’t twist yourself to fit. Show up with confidence, curiosity, and your full, unfiltered self. If someone pulls back, great — you just saved time. If they lean in? Even better.

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