This episode is for anyone who's tired of outdated dating “rules” that don’t reflect who they are and how we actually connect in 2025. I’ve recently dipped my toe back into the dating world, and the amount of toxic “rules” and overly-perscriptive advice floating around online is wild.

So today, I’m sharing my hot takes and unconventional dating perspectives to prioritize authenticity, connection, and your dating goals — without all the games.

Whether you’re dating for fun, looking for your forever person, or navigating something in between, this episode is a guide to more connected, conscious, and actually authentic dating. If you feel drained by casual dating culture, the fast food nature of apps, mixed signals and fuckboy energy, and attention-seeking games… keep. listening.

We’re debunking relationship myths like:

• Why “keep the first date short” might be killing genuine connection
• Why women shouldn’t always wait to be pursued
• Why “play it cool” and “keep it casual” isn’t always the vibe
• The truth about when to have sex
• Should you talk about your exes on a date?
• When you should consider exclusivity
• How to use intentional conversations, clarity, vulnerability, and feedback to create deeper intimacy

Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:

teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter

Follow us on the ‘gram:

@teachmehowtoadultmedia

@gillian.berner

Follow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadult

Subscribe on YouTube