So, We Met Online…

Over the past almost four years, Chris and Erika have shared their trials, tribulations, successes, heartaches, and plenty of advice. And can’t forget the laughs. They can’t thank you enough for being loyal listeners each and every week. They know Sundays won’t be the same, yet all good things must come to an end.  If you want to reach out, they will still be active on social media, or you can send an email directly to Erika at erika@alittlenudge.com. Best of luck to everyone on their online dating journeys. Erika and Chris will be with you in spirit.

In this week’s episode, which leaves one left to get to episode 100, Erika and Chris re-share what is quite possibly the most epic dating story ever — the one that started this whole journey. They then reflect on some of the more memorable stories and express how much this podcast has meant to them. 

Holding hands, kissing, warm hugs, masked socially distant walks… in this day and age, it’s almost impossible to know how far to go physically on a first date. This week, Erika and Chris re-share some favorite stories about when a first date doesn’t get off the ground, and when it maybe flies too high. 

From birds to dogs to the random chinchilla, when you date someone with a pet, you may also be inviting that critter into your life, whether you like it or not. This week, we re-share a fan-favorite story of a date getting interrupted (this story is not “for the birds”), and then Erika and Chris discuss the implications on a relationship when someone treats your pet differently from how you might. 

Isn’t it annoying when someone makes an untrue assumption about you? And isn’t it even worse if this happens on a first date? Today, Erika shares a story of one of her own dates gone wrong due to a faulty assumption. Then, Erika and Chris discuss the repercussions of such assumptions and how simply asking a question is a better approach.

Ghosting, standing someone up, ignoring someone… all bad habits. This week, Erika and Chris discuss a few stories — some new, some old — and talk about not just ghosting but also how the person at the receiving end feels. Whether after one date or one year, communication is the key to mature dating.

“If you’re a fan of 45, swipe left.” “If you call yourself liberal, move along.” “If you don’t vote, then you won’t get a date with me.” We see things like this all the time in online dating profiles, especially these days. But should you put your political preferences in the profile? And if so, is there a way to do that without sounding negative? Erika and Chris talk politics this week — the dos, the don’ts, the rights, the lefts, and everything in between. 

If you’re thinking about having a long-distance relationship, there are many factors that come into play, but the most important by far is each participant’s willingness to try. In this week’s episode, we re-share one of Erika’s craziest online dating stories (think OkCupid, Florida, sarcasm, and toilets), and then Erika and Chris discuss what it means to connect with someone who doesn’t live nearby. In the end, is a simple conversation always worth it? That’s in the eye of the dater. 

Oh, that pesky thing we call expectations. Many people go online to find “the one,” or at least a long-term partner. That goal is fine, of course. But what’s not fine is measuring “success” to that standard, much of which is not in our control. Online dating is not a spouse-finder, soulmate producer, or magic wand; it is simply a tool, or vehicle — much like the gym — that is available for use in order to meet people. With this tool still comes work, time, and personal accountability. And each and every date you go on is part of the process and the journey… so don’t discount that. 

Have you ever been on a date, and it seems like the person you’re out with has no idea who you are? Maybe they ask you questions that were already answered in your profile, or maybe they overlooked a dealbreaker in the profile. Whatever it is, it can get awkward! This week, Erika and Chris re-share some stories about dates gone wrong simply because the other person neglected to re-read (or read in the first place) what you had written.

Today, Erika and Chris answer three burning questions from clients/listeners: 1) How to let someone down gently, 2) Whether meeting someone will always require “fishing,” and 3) Whether to overlook someone’s lackluster communication because of COVID. As always, Erika answers in her no-nonsense manner, and Chris sheds light on the male perspective. For all previous episodes, check out sowemetonline.com.

On today’s episode, Chris and Erika address the hard topics — race and religion as it relates to dating. If you exclude one whole group, is it a preference or a bias… or something in between? Erika shares some intimate details about a triggering meeting with a new client, and then she and Chris delve into how preferences may be overt or latent, big or small, good or bad… and what it may all mean. 

Back in April, when COVID was new to us, Erika and Chris shared their insights on dating and how the pandemic might impact things. Now, over four months later — and still very much in the thick of things — they revisit the topic, shedding light on how dating has changed… and how it might never go back to the way it used to be. With some personal stories, client stories, and stories from the LA Times, Erika and Chris delve into how the dating world has evolved in terms of meeting in person, defining a relationship, and having intimate moments… with a mask??

Whether it’s a hobby, a habit, or an obsession — or a little of each — in every relationship, there has to be a compromise. Do you love Taco Bell but your partner hates it? Maybe get one fewer chalupa per week. Does your partner load the dishwasher in a less-than-efficient fashion? Maybe load it yourself from now on. This week, Erika and Chris talk about people’s idiosyncrasies and how to either work around those or embrace them in a relationship.

This week, Chris and Erika each share stories from their own lives and lives of their friends that revolve around breaking up and getting back together. Some people are in relationships for the right reasons, and some simply are not. Is the reason you want to be in a relationship because you feel like you have a lot to offer and would love to add someone to your life… or because you’re lonely? This is an important distinction that only you can make.