Pornography has heavily impacted men and women and how we view relationships. While it is necessary to address, the shame surrounding the topic makes it hard to talk about. On this episode of Intentional Dating, therapist Michael Gasparro dives into the psychology behind porn use and how we can fight the negative consequences it has on our dating lives.

Beyond labeling porn as detrimental, Michael explains what is fails to achieve and why it’s important to work through this harmful tendency or addiction. We don’t have to be trapped by the guilt of porn use; rather, it’s more helpful to try to understand why we’re attracted to certain things and how to redirect those attractions.

Start dating differently with SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/

Michael's website: https://michaelgasparro.com/

Ethos National: https://www.ethosnational.org/

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

An unprecedented amount of people are meeting online, meaning many first impressions are made on social media or an app. In the age of online dating, what’s the right posture to have towards this culture, and how do we make a good first impression and conduct ourselves online? Actor Sean Afable and content creator Naomi Leanage discuss their personal red flags, green flags, and what they perceive to make a good first impression.

While online profiles paint one picture, we’re ultimately preparing for a good in-person impression. A smile may go further than you think in making you approachable. How you dress for your friends may mean something totally different to someone of the opposite sex. And what’s up with guys with fish in their dating profiles? All that and more on this episode of “Intentional Dating.”

Sponsored by SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

https://www.familytheater.org/

You’re a few dates in, and something inevitably comes up that is a non-negotiable for you. How do you avoid wasting each other’s time? Clare McCallan weighs in on the concept of “loud looking” and whether it’s a tool that can respect each other’s expectations and boundaries, or too intense of an approach for a first date.

Loud looking, the practice of being upfront about your desirables and non-negotiables, has become more popular as people become more serious about intentional dating. But does this approach just turn dating into a job interview? Can you be forward about your values and morality without ruining your chances with a potential partner? Tune in to hear different takes on this modern dating trend.

Check out our sponsor, SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/

More on Clare: http://www.claremccallan.com/#/

Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.

Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.

Theme composed by Adam Jones.

https://www.familytheater.org/