Dating works better when it’s playful, curious, and pressure-free. We break down why leading with “I’m looking for marriage” screams desperation, how to keep things fun without being a player, and the masculine/feminine dance (men = guardians of commitment, women = guardians of sex). Plus: practical scripts, what “leadership” actually looks like on dates, and when to talk commitment.Chapters • 00:00 Cold open: “Treat dating like it’s fun.” • 00:40 Intro + the mindset shift (labels kill chemistry) • 03:15 Why “dating for marriage” backfires (neediness vs. selection) • 07:20 The dance: guardians of sex & commitment explained • 11:45 Nice-guy trap vs. jerk trap (and the real third path) • 16:30 Women’s lens: validation, vetting, and slow mystery • 22:10 Leadership & assertiveness vs tactics (how men actually improve) • 27:35 Scripts: flirt without pressure; set clean boundaries • 33:10 When to bring up commitment (timing & phrasing) • 38:25 Red flags: manipulation, love-bombing, performative “boundaries” • 43:10 Weekly challenge + recapRelevant links • Show site & all episodes: https://betterthanperfectpod.com • Gottman Institute (communication & dating research): https://www.gottman.com • Mark Manson’s Models (authentic attraction for men): https://markmanson.net/models • Esther Perel (desire & modern relationships): https://www.estherperel.comQuick takeaways • Don’t announce outcomes; create chemistry first. • Men: lead with playful flirt + clear plans, not neediness. • Women: keep it fun, vet slowly, don’t chase validation. • Talk commitment after mutual momentum, not as an opener.