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In a time when relationships are no longer confined to traditional labels, ethical non-monogamy allows gay individuals to build connections that align with their unique desires and values. By fostering open communication, trust, and mutual consent, non-monogamous relationships can provide fulfilling connections that honor the evolving dynamics of love and partnership. In this episode, Jeff Hudson joins us to share his personal journey with ethical non-monogamy, discussing the challenges and …
Situationships are undefined romantic or sexual relationships that lack clear commitment or future plans, often leading to ambiguous expectations between partners. For some gay men, growing up in a heteronormative society can lead to attachment issues or a fear of commitment, making them more likely to find themselves in situationships where emotional vulnerability is limited. In this episode, we’re examining the telltale signs and red flags of situationships, discussing how these ambiguous …
LGBTQ+ individuals often struggle to find their community and a place of support, encountering societal stigma and discrimination that can make it challenging to connect with others who share their experiences and understand their unique needs. LGBTQ+ individuals who also have autism often navigate a complex intersection of identities, facing distinct challenges and experiences that require support and understanding. In this episode, Max Korten joins us to discuss his experiences as a gay ma…
Societal pressures surrounding marriage often fuel negative perceptions of being single, creating undue stress and stigma for those who haven't followed traditional relationship paths. Meanwhile, gay men may encounter challenges in forming healthy long-term relationships due to societal prejudices, lack of legal recognition, and historical marginalization, contributing to a higher prevalence of singlehood within the community. In this episode, we’re exploring the joys of embracing singl…
From early chatrooms of the 90s to geolocation apps in the 2010s, gay men have been considered to be early adopters of online dating. While today's gay dating apps offer unprecedented convenience for gay men to connect within their community, their widespread use has brought about some negative impacts, including issues related to sexual racism, body image, and the changing dynamics of social spaces for gay men. In this episode, we’re exploring the historical trajectory from gay dating …
Daddy issues is a colloquial term often used to stigmatize psychological or emotional challenges that may arise in an individual's life due to a perceived absence, neglect, or strained relationship with their father. Some gay men may experience their fathers subtly distancing themselves as a form of rejection of their sexuality, which has the potential to negatively influence the way they learn to navigate and sustain lasting relationships between men. In this episode, we’re discussing …
Ghosting has become an increasingly prevalent phenomenon in today's dating culture, reflecting a shift towards digital communication and a reluctance to confront uncomfortable conversations. For gay men, this can be attributed to the influence of hookup apps, a larger pool of potential partners, and societal pressures, leading to a higher likelihood of casual and transient interactions. In today’s episode, we’re discussing what ghosting is, how we can avoid being ghosted, and empowering…
In the early stages of dating, it’s normal to feel butterflies and maybe even experience infatuation. But the intoxicating allure of infatuation can grip our hearts and minds, which may result in overwhelming emotions and blurring the line between reality and fantasy. In this episode, we’re unraveling the distinction between infatuation and love by examining the characteristics and pitfalls of infatuation that set it apart from genuine, lasting affection. Additional Resources: 42. Are You E.…
While most gay dating apps aim to connect LGBTQ+ people with their community, it can still be challenging to make genuine connections which can lead to feelings of loneliness and rejection. The reality is most gay dating apps are outdated with limited features, lacking inclusivity, and they haven’t adapted to evolving user needs and preferences–until now. In this episode, Michael Kaye, Director of Brand Marketing & Communications at Archer, joins us to discuss a new, innovative datin…
As gay men, we may experience complexities surrounding modern dating and societal pressures that often place unrealistic expectations of romantic and personal fulfillment. So when we think we’ve found “The One,” what do we do when they break up with us, telling us that we’re only seventy percent of what they need…while having sex? In this episode, author Jonathan Lee joins us to discuss his memoir, 40 Single Gay, which explores his personal journey of navigating love, relationships, and self…
We live in a time when we don’t have to be confined to standard labels regarding gender, sexuality, and even relationship types. Regardless of whether we’re monogamous or polyamorous, it’s still important to do the emotional work so we’re bringing our best selves forward into a relationship scenario. In this episode, my friend, Eric Praniewicz, joins us to discuss his experiences with polyamory, common misconceptions, and how we can become better communicators regardless of relationship type…
As gay men, many of us have feared being rejected by our friends and family as part of our coming out process. It’s no surprise that grappling with this fear can result in struggling with intimacy, attachment, and emotional availability. In this episode, we’re talking about how our fear of rejection can lead to developing abandonment issues, the negative impact this can have on romantic relationships, and how we can overcome these struggles. Additional Resources: Abandonment Issues: Signs A.…
Many of us have experienced “gay loneliness” from growing up gay in a straight society. We can feel isolated from our straight peers and even members of our community. But what happens when we feel that same sense of loneliness in a romantic relationship? In this episode, my friend, Jordan Nofziger, joins us to discuss overcoming loneliness in a relationship and recognizing our inner strength to make our own happiness. Support the show Get Your Merch
In previous episodes, we discussed how being vulnerable in a relationship can trigger feelings of anxiety since it threatens longstanding psychological defenses formed to avoid emotional pain and rejection. So if we go through a breakup, we can feel alone and lose ourselves. In this episode, Sara Sabatino joins us to talk through the realization of a relationship's end, moving on from a breakup, and finding yourself. Support the show Get Your Merch
Previously, we discussed how growing up gay can impact our attachment styles when it comes to dating. Unsurprisingly, gay men who were denied affection and emotional support from their caregivers may develop an avoidant attachment type in adulthood and have a harder time getting intimate with others. In this episode, we’re taking a look at how our upbringing affects our emotional availability as gay men, identifying signs of emotional unavailability in a partner, and how we can allow ourselv…
As we approach the end of another year, we may reflect on the past – from relationships to career pursuits to personal matters. And while we may look to a new beginning, we must learn to let go so that we don’t carry negative situations with us. In this episode, we’re discussing the motivating factors for obtaining closure, how we can give others closure, and how we can create our own. Additional Resources: Defining Closure PsychologyThe Need For Closure Scale (NFCS)The Need for Closure Sca.…
At the start of a romantic relationship, it’s exciting to receive positive affirmations and affection from your partner. However, if this affection becomes exaggerated and excessive, it can lead to a manipulative cycle of abuse. In this episode, we look into what love bombing is, common red flags, and how to heal after being love bombed. Additional Resources: Love Bombing (Psychology Today)Spotting Narcissistic Love Bombing: What It Is — and Isn’tIdealize, Devalue, Discard: The Dizzying Cyc.…
We previously talked about the concept of interpersonal vulnerability and why it can be harder for gay men to open up to a significant other. However, connection is an integral part of life—especially when it comes to romantic relationships. In this episode, we’re going deeper by discussing the importance of connecting with your partner through building emotional intimacy. Additional Resources: Emotional Intimacy, Sexual Desire, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Partnered Heterosexual MenHow to.…
With all the shirtless, thirst pics on dating apps, it’s easy to get *ahem* distracted. But we must stay focused on attracting the right kinds of guys into our life. In this episode, we’re going to reflect on the qualities we're attracted to in a potential partner and the power of manifestation so we can improve our dating lives. Additional Resources: Can Single People 'Manifest' a New Partner?Support the show Get Your Merch
John Bowlby’s attachment theory suggests that humans are born with a need to form a close emotional bond. For gay men, social stressors, such as discrimination and rejection, can negatively impact their attachment system and result in unhealthy romantic attachments. In this episode, we take a look at the four distinct attachment styles and their respective characteristics so we can better understand our own attachment patterns. Additional Resources: Attachment TheoryRomantic Love Conceptual.…
For years, most of us gay men have repressed our authentic selves and hidden our emotions. But when the time comes for us to form a romantic relationship, we have to lower our guards and reveal those parts that we’ve hidden? In this episode, we’re discussing the concept of interpersonal vulnerability and why it can be harder for gay men to open up to a significant other. Additional Resources: Interpersonal Vulnerability and Its Association with Depressive Symptoms Among Gay and Heterosexual.…
We’ve talked about how gay men have a tendency to be emotionally detached due to trauma and shame. But what happens when we establish an intense romantic connection which we may become reliant upon for validation? In this episode, we explore what it means to be codependent and how we can overcome this. Additional Resources: Codependent No MoreSupport the show Get Your Merch