93. Why West Elm Caleb is a Call to Action For the Dating World

West Elm Caleb is taking social media by storm. In this episode, I break down who West Elm Caleb is and why his dating style, which included love-bombing and ghosting, was causing an uproar online. More importantly, I explain why this entire scenario is a call to action for the dating world.  

Alright, if you want to know why I am referring to this as a call to action - here’s a quick hot-take, which I dig deeper in this episode: 

Dating is experiencing a public health crisis. Yes, you read that correctly, my beautiful friend.  The way in which dating has evolved, with dating apps at the center, is deeply affecting our nervous systems. Dating is exhausting and affects our nervous system to the detriment of our health.  

The goal of every dating app is this: to introduce you to someone outside of your social circle and to make money. 

Your job is to take care of your nervous system. 

Your job is to learn to trust yourself so that you can spot the next West Elm Caleb versus someone who is interested in a deeper connection. 

Of course, sometimes shit is going to happen. Both, and - your job is to respond to it with self-compassion. I dive into a lot more in this episode.

Hot-takes from this episode:

• A complete breakdown of West Elm Caleb’s dating traits, plus was his being canceled a valid action?

• A much-needed call out the level of exhaustion and isolation in dating that we are not talking about enough.

• Your desire to date like an adult is valid! 

• A message to the women who responded to the TikTok videos about West Elm Caleb. 

• The importance of finding a different way to belong, outside of social media, which feels more aligned and compassionate to your mental health.

Here Are The Links & Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:

• Buzzfeed article: Caleb From West Elm Is Bad At Dating But Probably Didn't Deserve Being Pushed Through The TikTok Meat Grinder, by Katie Notopoulos

• Date Brazen on Instagram @datebrazen

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