QUARTER LIFE

AITA on Reddit never disappoints. In this episode we bring up three interesting stories //a girlfriend whose boyfriend has bad acne that's bringing his confidence down// a not-so-great friend who is unable to be accepting of OP's life choices//a semi-pro climber who cancelled tickets and accommodation for his gf when he finds out she hasn't been training. Who's in the right and who's in the wrong? 

In this episode, we talk about a letter we saw in Toronto Life on a friend who's asking if it's okay to un-friend someone because they're dating a man who attended the trucker convoys. What would you say about this situation? Weigh in with us by tuning in!

Meg and I swap V-Day horror stories and offer some tips on how to survive this day if you're single and hurting. We also have a fun round of Valentine's Day trivia  and ponder why people struggle to go beyond "hi" on online dating apps. Join us!

Hello hello! We missed you - let's talk about dating during the pandemic and how we're doing. 

What's dating hygiene? Keeping yourself sane during dating of course. In yet another episode about dating that isn't about my personal dating life, I talk about 3 things to keep in mind to maintain your dating hygiene as you go out and date once more this year.

In this episode, I talk about another philosophical topic I have on dating - self-respect when you're single. 

On Mother's Day, I found myself reflecting on why we pick certain partners at different stages of our lives and why we should be a bit more forgiving around our bad dating choices.

There's a TON of negative stigma around dating someone who is divorced. As someone who IS currently dating a divorcee, I thought I'd give my two cents on the subject and how to approach it in the dating field. Follow us at @datingishardyall for fun graphics!

In this week's episode, we talk about the patterns myself and my new partner have experienced in the past within relationships and what we're doing to break the cycle of toxicity. Follow us on Instagram at @datingishardyall to join the fam!

Hey guys! Sorry for being away for so long...but I have a really good reason - I met someone! Listen in as Yan and I discuss my latest guy and all the pitfalls I should avoid (cough cough - going too fast) as I explore this super new relationship. Follow us on @datingishardyall on Instagram for some cool stuff!

Hello hello. What begins as a tender walk down memory lane turns into burning questions about kids, marriage and relationships in general! 

We reached episode 80! Woohoo fam - thank you for sticking with me for EIGHTY episodes. Today, I reminisce on three amazing guys (for a change) that I wish I dated but couldn't due to circumstances, etc. We all have that person that we think about now and then, right? Well, I have THREE. 

Happy International Women's Day! Don't take your singlehood for granted - it's an awesome thing to be.

I put a ton of effort into dating, yet I didn't get the outcome I desired. And that's okay! Let's normalize that. #selfpartnered

I'm back!!! Listen in for updates on my thoughts on dating and the state of being self-partnered. Connect with us on Instagram @datingishardyall and our website, https://datingishardyall.buzzsprout.com!

Dating during the pandemic isn't fun. If you find someone new, you'll miss 'em. If you already live with the person you're dating, you'll (at times) get really sick of them. There's no balance! As a result, I've consciously decided to stay single - for now.

Well, this year has been SO much. For all of us! Congratulations to everyone for getting through this year - it's been so much learning and adapting and evolving. I am as single as a gal can be but I'm actually chill about it. Make sure to find us on Instagram @DatingisHardYall!

Hi y'all! For today's solo episode, I decided to take a trip down memory lane about all of the dating bullshit I experienced this year and reflect on the BIGGEST lesson I've learned from the experiences I had in 2020 - STOP tolerating bullshit. If someone doesn't make their intentions, feelings or perspectives clear to you and don't give a flying fuck about being in your life, LET THEM. Don't waste your energy on people who have no energy to give to you. Put time and resources into cultivating relationships with people who strive to be there for you, care for you and fight to stay in your lives in a meaningful way. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @datingishardyall to join in on the fun!

So I guess my so-called "boyfriend" was TRULY imaginary after all. Me and Polly discuss the nonsense that went down when I decided to date a seemingly friendly podcast listener who DM-ed me on Instagram. For two weeks, things were perfect. Then it kinda...went downhill - listen in to hear how. Follow us on Instagram @datingishardyall for more love. Stay safe everyone!

This week, I'm joined by the amazing Love Coach Bonita! Join us as she takes me through how to really scope out and understand whether a man is what you're truly looking for when you're on a date. This was a truly enlightening and insightful episode for me when it comes to my own dating life - I hope it helps you out too! Stay safe out there! Make sure to follow the pod on Instagram, @DatingisHardYall .

The lockdown is driving us cray-cray and what else is new, am I right? In this week's episode, Meg and I discuss why exactly 2020 is wreaking havoc with all things relationships and how I probably just made up my boyfriend in my head (cause has anyone seen him but me? LOL). Make sure to follow us on @datingishardyall on Instagram and stay safe out there! #datingishardyall

Ah, sweet sweet psychotherapy. In this episode, I'm joined by Sylvio, a real-life therapist and we both dive deep into my dating psyche and uncover the f*cked up familial history that's lead to my toxic attachment styles and high tolerance for bad behaviors. Fun! The work isn't sexy but hey, if it leads to happier relationships, it's worth it right? Learn more about Slyvio and his practice at https://sylvioradu.com/! Make sure to follow the podcast on Instagram at @DatingisHardYall .

As the conversation deepens around my new boyfriend, Yan and me go into further detail on what makes a partner truly AWESOME to date and how we can all reach that milestone in our own lives. Become the partner you're looking for, y'all! For all my US friends - hang in there! Dating is hard y'all but it's so much better together. Follow us on Instagram @DatingisHardYall and make sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts - wherever you listen!

SO. Guys. I'm not single anymore! I've met someone super special and who better to go into the dirty details of the whole encounter than with YAN himself.

Hi guys! This week was suuuuuuper hectic in terms of life but actually, it might have helped me process my pain with the Dungeon Master a bit better. Anyhow! I do confess this week's episode is HELLA boring because I actually have no juicy drama to talk about. However! I am excited to say that there is a shiny new boi in my life and I am feeling pretty damn optimistic about this fellow. Will this end in disaster? Only time will tell! Dating is hard y'alllllll but life is better together! Make sure to follow our episode on your streaming platform of choice AND on Instagram @datingishardyall.

This week has been really rough people. Like, REALLY rough. When you open yourself up to someone and trust them not to be shitty to you and then, surprise, they are? Wow does it hurt. If you're on a dating app or dating in any way, make sure to set clear emotional and physical boundaries so you are able to protect yourself from predatory people. They exist and are dangerous - prioritize your safety first.

So! For research purposes I went back to OKC since Date-ful is going to take a while to launch. Lo and behold, the messages from so many guys! So again, for *research* I started a bunch of conversations, only to be cancelled in the most lame ways possible TWICE and then I finally connected with someone but platonically. BUT THEN (plot thickens) I've met someone very promising. It's been a long time since I did a solo episode - hope you guys enjoy my GIANT monologue on dating during the pandemic!

In this episode, we're joined by an anonymous long-term friend of mine, Geoffry, on why it's hard to wrap our minds around the concept of dating even if you're super single with no prospects in sight. We talk emotional baggage, the shadow of exes past and the struggle to trust and hope in the process of dating when we've been let down many, many times before. If you're feeling all sorts of weird things about dating and you're not sure how to deal with it, hit play cause we're in the same boat. Make sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Instagram at @DatingisHardYall!

Imagine a dating app that allows you to randomly call a handsome stranger...and they pick up! You're shy at first so you can keep your video blur on, meaning you can't see them and they can't see you. After you start talking, you feel comfortable enough to reduce the blur for both of you - and wouldn't you know it - you're talking to a total hunk! And the best part? This app actually EXISTS! It's called Blindlee. In this episode, we talk to the co-founder of Blindlee, an app that allows singles to connect through a unique way. We're talking a dating app for the future. To learn more about Blindlee, download it on the Android or Apple Appstore or visit their website at: https://blindlee.com/. A fan of the show? Make sure to leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Instagram @DatingisHardYall!

So! Surprise episode (part two) drop! Thought I'd give you guys the end of this conversation mid-week...as we enjoy another week of quarantining. In this episode, we go deeper into the concept of making our OWN dating website since we're all tired of mainstream dating apps. Should we do it? Listen in!

Guess who's back?! It's POLLY! In this week's episode, Polly and I discuss our dating lives (erm, single lives) during quarantine and why it's really tough to find dates when all you want to do is ball up and watch corny Netflix movies. Make sure to follow us on Instagram at @DatingisHardYall and leave us a review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts to support the show!

It's definitely not easy to be dating right now! Especially if you're a lady who is facing all sorts of pressure to lose weight, do household chores, while maintaining a stellar career ...the list goes on and on. In part two of my conversation with the awesome team behind @ReasonsWereNotDating (check them out HERE) we go deeper into why men often don't seem to realize what we as women face and what we hope they'll learn on how to be better, more supportive partners as they grow more aware of the challenges we face. If you haven't become friends with us on Instagram, make sure to follow us HERE at @datingishardyall for some great art and good vibes! Stay safe friends.

This week I'm joined by the lovely ladies behind the beautiful, inspiring and super funny Instagram account, @ReasonsWereNotDating as we talk about the 99+ reasons why we noped out of many a potential date. Make sure to follow the podcast at @DatingisHardYall + leave us a review on iTunes to support us!

After not speaking to him for seven months, I talked to and hooked up with my ex, texted him for three days and broke up with him for a third and FINAL time. Shaleena (aka @TheSweetToothVegan_) talk about how we can sometimes normalize bad behavior just to survive in a relationship and how we feel about it once it's all over. Sometimes, a relationship will end no matter what you do to save it but there IS a rainbow at the end of this long and dark tunnel, we promise! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @datingishardyall AND follow Shaleena at @TheSweetToothVegan_ today! Dating is HARD y'all, but we can pull through this sh*t together.

What on earth is the "bikini" mindset? Michelle joins me this week to talk about why we all need to hunker down and just buy a "bikini" and what that means for your dating life. No, this is not a style-episode - it's all about fostering confidence and love for our bodies through small, yet important gestures. Dating is hard y'all, but we can learn how to do it better!

Does online dating get better during a pandemic? Sadly, the answer is no according to @DatingaGoof and Laserstyle Podcast creator, Kody Smith! Join us as we go on a wild ride recounting our recent online dating adventures, what we consider absolute deal breakers and what to do with all this nonsense in a pursuit to find true love. Follow Kody's Instagram handle @DatingAGoof & his awesome podcast, Laserstyle on Spotify and iTunes!

In this week's episode, my good friend Michelle and I discuss her journey as a Christian dating coach and how she found true love in the age of Tinder. Join our discussion on every dating topic under the sun plus our exploration of this key question - how do you find the one? Follow Michelle on Instagram at @totalpackagelifecoach and visit her website to learn more!

I sat down with HILY dating app co-founder Jake Vygnan on the behind-the-scenes logistics of a dating app and his thoughts on the future of dating. If you haven't tried HILY, it's available for download on all devices, including your Android and iPhone!

For us single guys and gals, it's a huge risk to go out on dates in public with people we don't know. As a result, many of us are resorting to "virtual" dates, where we meet over a video conferencing app like Zoom or Google Hangout. What's it like to do a virtual date? Is is the same as an in-person date or different? In what way? In this episode, I talk about my experience doing a virtual date and their pros and cons when it comes to dating.

I can't help but dive into the juicy drama between Harry and Francesca, our resident do-badder couple from Netflix's reality dating show, Too Hot to Handle. After a quick but important PSA on #BlackLivesMatter, we dissect why this relationship was definitely doomed from the start as well as key takeaways on what healthy vs non-healthy relationships look like based on what we've seen of their dalliance. Of course, I hope they can both be happy - but y'all, this was a relationship openly displayed on NETFLIX so I need to dish out the tea, no holds barred.

What is going on with Call Her Daddy? In this episode, we go over the key facts around what went down between two co-hosts Sofia and Alexandra as well as some other AWESOME dating podcasts that you should definitely listen!

So I binged "Too Hot to Handle" the day it came out and let me tell you...I have some thoughts! In general, I found the show a little lackluster compared to Love is Blind and I explain why in this episode.

Love is Blind on Netflix is WILD and so entertaining! In this episode, Polly and I discuss which couples we fell in love with, the ones we found kinda off and those we simply didn't like. Dating is hard y'all, even on reality TV!

Guys...this podcast had nearly 100 downloads in the last seven days. WHAT is going on? Is the universe playing a trick on me? Is someone sinister trying to dupe me? That number might not seem like a lot...but it's a lot to me and this podcast. So, I changed my mind - sorry, haha - this podcast will go on after all! Spoiler alert - next few episodes will be about notorious dating reality tv shows...(cough cough, NETFLIX). Stay tuned, stay in and remember, dating is hard y'all but it's better together!

Polly and I discuss the state of dating (how abysmal it is) and why the time is now to pivot to a new podcast that's NOT all about dating. We also talk about everything else in our lives (work, coronavirus, the next podcast) as we wrap up the final episode of Dating is Hard Y'All! Thank YOU so much for listening and make sure to add me on social media at Akemi Liyanage (google me, I'm easy to find) so we can stay connected when my new podcast comes out next month!

Well! It is a strange day when a dating podcaster like myself admits to losing interest in dating and wanting to stay single. But that's how it is right? Things change. We evolve. And I'm quite happy with my life without a boyfriend.

What happens when you confess your love to someone that you KNOW doesn't like you, during a time in your life when you know you don't want to date? The answer - pure emotional chaos. After a friend/listener reached out to me to learn about the full story, I decided to dish the complete, unedited tale of how I developed feelings for, got rejected by and am feeling about the crush I had on my best (former?) guy friend. It ain't pretty, y'all, I'll give you that.

Ah, what a week! Coronavirus, Muay Thai and of course, a confession of true love...not. What the hell happened this week? Let's get on with this dating journey, my fellow badasses.

Hello my lovely ladies! Welcome to the tribe where we openly voice our disdain for poorly written dating profiles, awful pictures and the whole sh*tshow that is modern dating in general. This week I talk about why I decided to DELETE all of my dating apps and what I've been focusing on instead! Dating is HARD y'all but it's way better together.

We're having a totally normal conversation...that takes a NOSE DIVE into some uncharted territory. Ugh! This date when from alright to TERRIBLE pretty damn quickly. What the f*ck happened? Listen to me and Abby from Sis Are You Okay? podcast as we dish out and dissect all the details on this AWFUL date! Also make sure to follow her podcast on Spotify/Itunes/everywhere!

In part two of my awesome episode with @Thirdlifecrisis (follow her NOW) we talk about a post that went viral - a girl posts a screenshot of herself cancelling at 5 PM due to a product launch and her date responds...not so kindly. We discuss our thoughts on this and whether or not she truly dodged a bullet!