In this episode of Off the Data Provided, Dr. Marcus C. Shepard delves into the notion of a "relationship recession" and the evolving concept of love and partnership. Through an engaging discussion, he examines the insights from a Financial Times article (https://www.ft.com/content/43e2b4f6-5ab7-4c47-b9fd-d611c36dad74), Sabrina Strings's book "The End of Love: Racism, Sexism, and The Death of Romance," and C. Winter Han's book "Racial Erotics: Gay Men of Color, Sexual Racism, and the Politics of Desire."

Dr. Shepard challenges traditional romantic ideals, highlighting the impact of social constructs on relationships, and emphasizes the importance of redefining romance in an increasingly diverse world. Join the conversation as he explores key terms like the romantic ideal, sexual racism, and situationships, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of modern love.

Listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and consider paths toward more meaningful and inclusive connections, as Dr. Shepard encourages a departure from conventional romance to a more personalized understanding of love and partnership.

Also, don't forget the "Ask Dr. Shepard" segment, tackling real-life communication challenges sent in by listeners. If you would like to submit your question for advice, feel free to email Dr. Shepard at OffTheDataProvided@gmail.com.