Knowing what you want out of dating before the apps ask

Abby K.

For most of my life, I didn’t really know what it meant to date in a healthy, intentional way. I was misdiagnosed with anxiety throughout childhood, when in reality I had OCD and Tourette’s—things that deeply affected how I viewed myself and interacted with others. For a long time, I placed a lot of my self-worth in being chosen or loved back, especially after falling hard for a best friend in college who didn’t feel the same. That experience shook my confidence, and I spent years trying to prove my value through relationships. Starting in 2020, I began dating a lot—over 50 first dates—and with each one, I learned something new about what I really wanted, how to communicate my boundaries, and how to feel whole no matter the outcome. I realized I didn’t need to mold myself to be who someone else wanted; I could be me, fully, and still be loved. Now I support others who are learning to date from a place of curiosity, confidence, and self-respect. Whether you're new to dating, feeling stuck, or trying to rediscover yourself in the process, I’m here to listen and help you find your way.

Navigating relationship challenges after moving in together

James S.

About eight years ago, I moved in with my partner after a few years of dating, and while we were excited, it didn’t take long for new tensions to emerge. Simple things like chores, schedules, and unspoken expectations quickly turned into major arguments that neither of us saw coming. At one point, it felt like we were constantly fighting about things that should have been easy. Over time, we realized we needed clearer communication and shared agreements to make things work. We sat down, divided responsibilities based on what we each preferred or handled best, and created a system where we could ask for help without resentment building up. It wasn’t perfect overnight, but slowly we built trust and understanding in new ways. Working through those moments made our relationship stronger, and I'm passionate about helping others feel less alone when facing similar transitions. Moving in together can be beautiful—and messy—and it’s okay to need help along the way.

Quitting drinking cold turkey and building a sober life

Mike A.

I started drinking heavily when I was a teenager, and for a long time, it felt like drinking was just part of who I was. I surrounded myself with people who lived the same way, and I built my days around the next drink. It wasn’t until I got a DUI that I truly faced the damage it was causing not just to myself but to the people who cared about me. With the support of friends, family, and state-mandated groups similar to AA, I made the decision to quit cold turkey. Learning to live sober without easing into it was tough. I had to rebuild relationships, find new ways to have fun, and figure out how to handle life’s stresses without alcohol. Now, 29 years later, my life is better in every way: family, career, health, everything. I know how scary it can feel to imagine life without drinking, but I’m here to be a steady, judgment-free support as you take those first steps.

Quitting drinking cold turkey and building a sober life

Mike A.

I started drinking heavily when I was a teenager, and for a long time, it felt like drinking was just part of who I was. I surrounded myself with people who lived the same way, and I built my days around the next drink. It wasn’t until I got a DUI that I truly faced the damage it was causing not just to myself but to the people who cared about me. With the support of friends, family, and state-mandated groups similar to AA, I made the decision to quit cold turkey. Learning to live sober without easing into it was tough. I had to rebuild relationships, find new ways to have fun, and figure out how to handle life’s stresses without alcohol. Now, 29 years later, my life is better in every way: family, career, health, everything. I know how scary it can feel to imagine life without drinking, but I’m here to be a steady, judgment-free support as you take those first steps.

Finding yourself during life transitions

Peter L.

I’ve faced big life shifts — changing careers, going from single to starting a family, moving to a new city — and with each, a deep identity shift emerged, shaped by my journey through trauma healing. For a long time, I thought I had to push through these changes alone and quickly return to “normal.” But I learned transitions aren’t problems to fix; they’re experiences to be lived fully, even when messy or uncertain. By slowing down and tuning into my body and feelings, I discovered new ways to move through change with presence and grace. Now, I hold space for others navigating life’s upheavals, helping them sit with discomfort, find meaning in the unknown, and access resilience they didn’t realize they had.