Why You Keep Settling in Dating (Even When You Know Better)

You're Making These First Date Mistakes

First dates feel awkward, stressful, and sometimes straight-up exhausting—but it's not because you're bad at dating. In this episode, Carla Romo breaks down the biggest first date mistakes that quietly sabotage connection—from trying too hard to impress to turning dates into interviews. She shares how to shift into authenticity, curiosity, and presence so you can actually enjoy the experience and build real chemistry. Carla also dives into body language, connection, and physical intimacy, including how to navigate the question everyone wonders: should you kiss on the first date? This episode will help you show up more confidently, read the vibe, and create a date that actually feels good. What You'll Learn * Awkwardness is normal—don't overthink it * Focus on curiosity, not impressing your date * Don't turn the date into an interview * Avoid oversharing or trauma dumping * Check in with yourself during the date * Consent and comfort matter for physical connection Work with me: 1:1 Coaching program [https://carlaromo.com/coaching-options/] Ask Me Anything - 30 Min Session [https://carlaromo.com/coachingama/] Dating Profile Makeover - 30 Min Session [https://carlaromo.com/coachingprofile/] Proven Dating Courses: Swipe Match Spark: The Ultimate Dating App Guide [https://carlaromo.com/swipe-match-spark-course/] No Filter: The Sex Guide Every Dater Needs [https://carlaromo.com/no-filter-guide-landing/] Book: Contagious Love: Break Free From Codependency for Damn Good [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1689772239] Tiktok: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcarlaromo?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Instagram: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.instagram.com/iamcarlaromo] Youtube: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlaRomo] FREEBIE: 20 Best First and Second Date Questions [https://carlaromo.myflodesk.com/20best] Rate, Review, & Follow, Carla Turned On Sound Bites * "First dates are fucking hard." * "Be you. You are enough." * "Consent is sexy." Chapters 02:37 – You're Not Bad at Dating—You're Just Making These First Date Mistakes 16:59 – Should You Kiss on the First Date? Disclaimer: Carla Turned On content has been made available for informational, entertainment, and educational purposes only. Carla Turned On is distinctly different from coaching, counseling, psychotherapy, or psychoanalysis and does not deal with the diagnosis or treatment of emotional problems. Carla Turned On does not constitute medical consultation or treatment.

Why Dating Sucks for You (And Why It Keeps Happening)

Why does dating feel so exhausting—even when you're doing "everything right"? In this episode, Carla Romo breaks down the emotional rollercoaster of modern dating and hookup culture, and why so many people feel stuck in a cycle of hope and disappointment. She explains how over-investing, ignoring patterns, and chasing potential can lead to burnout—and what to do instead. Carla shares how to date with confidence, boundaries, and authenticity, while staying grounded and protecting your emotional health. If you're tired of feeling replaceable or confused in dating, this episode will help you reset and approach dating in a healthier, more intentional way. What You'll Learn * Dating exhaustion often comes from repeated disappointment, not dating itself * Pay attention to patterns—not just someone's potential * Inconsistency is a major red flag * Managing expectations helps protect your emotional health * Confidence comes from showing up authentically * Intentional dating leads to more fulfilling connections Work with me: 1:1 Coaching program [https://carlaromo.com/coaching-options/] Ask Me Anything - 30 Min Session [https://carlaromo.com/coachingama/] Dating Profile Makeover - 30 Min Session [https://carlaromo.com/coachingprofile/] Proven Dating Courses: Swipe Match Spark: The Ultimate Dating App Guide [https://carlaromo.com/swipe-match-spark-course/] No Filter: The Sex Guide Every Dater Needs [https://carlaromo.com/no-filter-guide-landing/] Book: Contagious Love: Break Free From Codependency for Damn Good [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1689772239] Tiktok: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcarlaromo?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Instagram: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.instagram.com/iamcarlaromo] Youtube: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlaRomo] FREEBIE: 20 Best First and Second Date Questions [https://carlaromo.myflodesk.com/20best] Rate, Review, & Follow, Carla Turned On Sound Bites * "Go into dating with zero expectations" * "Pay attention to patterns, not just potential" * "Don't invest in inconsistency" Chapters 02:30 – You're not tired of dating—you're tired of being disappointed 15:16 – Hook-Up Culture Is Making You Feel Replaceable Disclaimer: Carla Turned On content has been made available for informational, entertainment, and educational purposes only. Carla Turned On is distinctly different from coaching, counseling, psychotherapy, or psychoanalysis and does not deal with the diagnosis or treatment of emotional problems. Carla Turned On does not constitute medical consultation or treatment.

You Think Playing Hard to Get Works, But It's Why You're Still Single

Still following dating "rules" that leave you confused, disconnected, or ghosted? In this episode, Carla Romo breaks down the biggest dating myths—from playing hard to get to overthinking texting—and why they're actually hurting your chances at real connection. She explains why authentic communication beats game-playing every time and how small shifts can completely change your dating experience. Carla also gets into the details of kissing and intimacy, sharing practical ways to build attraction, confidence, and emotional connection. Plus, she covers timing around sex and attachment styles, helping you better understand your patterns in dating. What You'll Learn * Playing games creates confusion, not connection * Authentic communication builds trust and attraction * Overthinking texting can push people away * Kissing is about presence, not perfection * Timing of sex should align with your values and comfort * Understanding attachment styles improves dating outcomes Work with me: 1:1 Coaching program [https://carlaromo.com/coaching-options/] Ask Me Anything - 30 Min Session [https://carlaromo.com/coachingama/] Dating Profile Makeover - 30 Min Session [https://carlaromo.com/coachingprofile/] Proven Dating Courses: Swipe Match Spark: The Ultimate Dating App Guide [https://carlaromo.com/swipe-match-spark-course/] No Filter: The Sex Guide Every Dater Needs [https://carlaromo.com/no-filter-guide-landing/] Book: Contagious Love: Break Free From Codependency for Damn Good [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1689772239] Tiktok: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcarlaromo?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Instagram: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.instagram.com/iamcarlaromo] Youtube: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlaRomo] FREEBIE: 20 Best First and Second Date Questions [https://carlaromo.myflodesk.com/20best] Rate, Review, & Follow, Carla Turned On Sound Bites * "Stop waiting to text back, be authentic" * "Ask for a kiss, it's okay and confident" * "Don't forget your chapstick, happy kissing" Chapters 02:33 – Stop Taking This Dating Advice—It's Why You're Still Single 16:32 – What Makes a Good Kiss Disclaimer: Carla Turned On content has been made available for informational, entertainment, and educational purposes only. Carla Turned On is distinctly different from coaching, counseling, psychotherapy, or psychoanalysis and does not deal with the diagnosis or treatment of emotional problems. Carla Turned On does not constitute medical consultation or treatment.

Why You Keep Settling in Dating (Even When You Know Better)

You've heard "love yourself first"—but what does that actually mean in dating? In this episode, Carla Romo breaks down self-love as a daily practice, not a destination, and how your relationship with yourself directly shapes who you choose and how you show up in love. She challenges common myths around self-worth and explains why lack of self-love leads to unhealthy patterns in dating. Carla also opens up the conversation around sexuality and masturbation, unpacking shame, conditioning, and how self-exploration can deepen confidence, intimacy, and connection. What You'll Learn * Self-love is a daily practice, not a one-time achievement * Your self-worth shapes your dating choices and relationship patterns * Lack of self-love can lead to settling or unhealthy dynamics * Self-awareness and self-care improve relationship quality * Masturbation is a healthy way to understand your needs and preferences * Shame around sexuality is learned—and can be unlearned Work with me: 1:1 Coaching program [https://carlaromo.com/coaching-options/] Ask Me Anything - 30 Min Session [https://carlaromo.com/coachingama/] Dating Profile Makeover - 30 Min Session [https://carlaromo.com/coachingprofile/] Proven Dating Courses: Swipe Match Spark: The Ultimate Dating App Guide [https://carlaromo.com/swipe-match-spark-course/] No Filter: The Sex Guide Every Dater Needs [https://carlaromo.com/no-filter-guide-landing/] Book: Contagious Love: Break Free From Codependency for Damn Good [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1689772239] Tiktok: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcarlaromo?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Instagram: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.instagram.com/iamcarlaromo] Youtube: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlaRomo] FREEBIE: 20 Best First and Second Date Questions [https://carlaromo.myflodesk.com/20best] Rate, Review, & Follow, Carla Turned On Sound Bites * "You are worthy of love and respect" * "Show up for yourself every day" * "Embrace your sexuality without shame" Chapters 02:50 – Self-Love Isn't Cute — It's Why You Keep Picking the Wrong People 15:15 – You Feel Shame After Masturbating? That's Not Normal — It's Conditioning Disclaimer: Carla Turned On content has been made available for informational, entertainment, and educational purposes only. Carla Turned On is distinctly different from coaching, counseling, psychotherapy, or psychoanalysis and does not deal with the diagnosis or treatment of emotional problems. Carla Turned On does not constitute medical consultation or treatment.

Why you're Losing Yourself in Relationships

Do you feel like you lose yourself in relationships or struggle to set boundaries? In this episode, Carla Romo breaks down codependency, how it shows up in your relationships and sex life, and why so many people don't even realize they're stuck in it. She shares how childhood patterns shape your behavior, why overgiving leads to burnout, and what it actually takes to build self-worth and emotional independence. Carla also dives into boundaries as self-care, how to stop people-pleasing, and practical ways to start choosing yourself without guilt. What You'll Learn * Codependency is common and often rooted in early experiences * Losing yourself in relationships is a key sign of codependency * Boundaries are essential for self-respect and emotional health * Overgiving leads to burnout, not better relationships * Self-awareness is the first step to change * Building your own life (hobbies, self-care) breaks the cycle Work with me: 1:1 Coaching program [https://carlaromo.com/coaching-options/] Ask Me Anything - 30 Min Session [https://carlaromo.com/coachingama/] Dating Profile Makeover - 30 Min Session [https://carlaromo.com/coachingprofile/] Proven Dating Courses: Swipe Match Spark: The Ultimate Dating App Guide [https://carlaromo.com/swipe-match-spark-course/] No Filter: The Sex Guide Every Dater Needs [https://carlaromo.com/no-filter-guide-landing/] Book: Contagious Love: Break Free From Codependency for Damn Good [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1689772239] Tiktok: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcarlaromo?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Instagram: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.instagram.com/iamcarlaromo] Youtube: @iamcarlaromo [https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlaRomo] FREEBIE: 20 Best First and Second Date Questions [https://carlaromo.myflodesk.com/20best] Rate, Review, & Follow, Carla Turned On Sound Bites * "Up to 90% of us are codependent." * "Codependency is toxic manipulation." * "Boundaries are 110% self-care." Chapters 02:07 – You're Not 'Needy' — You're Codependent (And It's Killing Your Dating Life) 17:30 – If You're Having Sex Without Boundaries… It's Not Chemistry — It's Codependency Disclaimer: Carla Turned On content has been made available for informational, entertainment, and educational purposes only. Carla Turned On is distinctly different from coaching, counseling, psychotherapy, or psychoanalysis and does not deal with the diagnosis or treatment of emotional problems. Carla Turned On does not constitute medical consultation or treatment.